JACQUETTE M
Writer | Author | Advocate
ABOUT
I live in Durham, NC, perched on a drafting chair that’s too tall for my frame, sipping hazelnut cold brew as I weave stories of coming of age in a town marked by more dead ends than open doors. My writing navigates the complexities of survival and identity, delving into the intersections of race, class, and the raw truths of life in the Black rural South.
MY PURPOSE
My journey to writing began as a means of processing my own experiences, and it has since evolved into a mission to tell stories that resonate with those who see themselves reflected in my words. I grew up surrounded by the complexities of poverty and the resilience of the Black community. These experiences shape my writing, grounding it in the realities of marginalized voices. I believe in the power of storytelling to heal, inspire, and provoke change. It’s a way for me to connect with others who share similar struggles and to offer a voice to those who feel unheard.
CONNECT
I love connecting with readers, fellow writers, and anyone passionate about the themes I explore in my work. Whether you want to discuss a recent piece, collaborate on a project, or simply share your thoughts, I’m always open to a meaningful conversation.
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Email: byjacquette@gmail.com
Drop me a line for inquiries, or just to say hello. I read every message and do my best to respond promptly
Instagram: @byjacquette​
Follow me on Instagram for updates on my latest work, a peak into my daily life and glimpses into my creative process. I enjoy engaging with my community and would love to hear from you.
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Photography: Where We Waited
A film photography series documenting the quiet endurance of rural North Carolina - where poverty is layered into the landscape: sagging porches, dead-end roads, and homes to worn to keep out the cold.
In communities carved by distance and disinvestment, these images are about more than hardship. They are about the long wait for change amongst strength and stillness. Where We Waited is both elegy and call to action: to see what's been left behind - and to ask why.
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Newsletter: Leave the Oven Open
A storytelling space where warmth, resilience, and transparency come together. Inspired by the resourceful act of leaving the oven open to heat a cold home, this Substack journal shares essays and reflections on poverty, coming of age in the rural South, and finding beauty amid hardship. Here, vulnerability is embraced, struggles are honored, and every story has a seat at the table—a home for those who’ve felt unseen, unheard, or underestimated
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