Writers — gatekeepers to the realms of knowledge and imagination. The power they wield in their pens holds the capacity to inspire thought. With each word, they bridge the gap between unseen worlds and reality. Diving deep into a story not only requires focus, it requires a unique silence. It’s the sound of imagination taking flight, of young minds traveling into worlds and scenarios they’ve never seen before. At the heart of this journey is Ernestia Fraser, a wordsmith and creative force whose books now live within the Ministry of Education’s school system — gently guiding, shaping, and inspiring the next generation. Of the many variables of writing, the most dynamic lies in the ability to educate. Talent and purpose merged to generate a creative pursuit that goes beyond the present. It is a celebration of hope, adventure, and the unique blend of incredible moments woven into Fraser’s stories. Every page unfolds with the promise of discovery and exploration, igniting the flame of limitless potential that lies within each student.
“Writing, for me, is an excursion into the imagination, the intellect, and the emotional body. It is also a way for me to reflect upon and make sense of the world and my experiences. I know many deem it as just a practice, which is inherently true. However, over the years, writing has become a way of life. I simply love how writing puts both my inner world and the outer world around me into deep focus.”
For Fraser, the pursuit of writing was born shortly after taking her first Creative Writing class in college.
“I knew I wanted to become a writer after taking my first Creative Writing class as a freshman attending Messiah College. I wrote a story called ‘Psycho Psych,’ which was about a mentally unstable psychologist who had to provide therapy to others. My creative writing professor at that time, Dr. David Dzaka, affirmed my ability to tell an engaging story. After writing that story, I felt a renewed purpose and a passion born after that experience.”
She shares that she enjoys writing across various genres.
“I like to write in various genres for different reasons. Poetry allows me to connect heart and mind in an unfiltered, often cathartic, way. Fiction boasts the imagination. Screenwriting challenges me to discover new approaches to narrative structure as well as challenge as well as develop my problem-solving abilities with story. Lately, I've been drawn to writing children's literature, primarily because it allows me to speak to my inner child. Writing across genres brings a sense of completeness and fulfilment to my creative journey.”
Fraser’s unique voice sets her apart in the writing industry.
“I think I bring a Caribbean, specifically Bahamian, voice to my work. I think people living in our region have a unique cultural experience. On a personal level, my upbringing and perspective definitely color my voice and expressions. So, I don't just bring something culturally unique, but I also bring something different on a personal level.”
With a passion for imparting knowledge through meaningful themes, she shares more about the books that are part of the education system in the Bahamas.
“I have three books selected for high school Literature BJC or BGCSE curriculum. These books are Carnival of Love (literary memoir), Shallow Water (poetry), and The Island of Shelbie Mott (fiction). Shelbie Mott is the most recent book selected by the Ministry of Education, and I'm excited for the responses to this latest book as, to me, it truly celebrates Bahamian culture, particular cultural remnants experienced before the proliferation of technology and social media.”
She shared, “I think my work in particular explores themes related to family, motherhood, fatherhood, nature, and religion. Family and spirituality play a big role in my life, not just because of conditioning, but also by choice. Further, nature was key to my childhood, as I was one of those children that played outside for as long as I could. Nature is one of my great loves.”
Although Fraser has achieved great success, she exemplifies that with success comes significant challenges.
“There were many challenges throughout my writing journey. I think the biggest challenge was dealing with rejection from gatekeepers or critics. Rejection can break down one's sense of confidence and ability. However, if you can embrace and explore the positive side of a door closed, then you definitely have what it takes to be a writer in this lifetime, or any lifetime for that matter.”
Despite these challenges, Fraser has continued to press forward and shares more about the rewarding process of the art of writing.
“The easiest part of my journey was generating and exploring my initial ideas and concepts for a project. I love the creative process, particularly the beginning stages, where you can simply create 'ex nihilo.' I also find creating the concepts or actual book covers to be an enjoyable experience because it’s an exciting, post-development aspect that feels like the 'cherry on top.’”
She shared, “I'm not sure I have a favorite book. However, Carnival of Love was my first completed project, and so, for me, it will always evoke a sense of meaningful achievement. It's also a very emotionally compact story that I believe can take readers on a riveting journey. Overall, I have appreciated all of my works, as they were products of love, passion, and endearing imagination.”
Fraser has some exciting projects in the works and offered valuable insight into what we can expect in the upcoming writing season.
“I am currently developing an online educational platform called EverythingEnglish242, which will focus on providing educational content in the area of Creative Writing, Literature, and Composition. It's a platform where I intend to share my personal and professional expertise related to writing. I'm definitely excited about its development and traction within the Bahamian community.”
Her advice for those looking to pursue the same path was insightful and of exceptional quality.
“I would advise persons journeying to become a writer to actually WRITE. Through writing, they will develop the discipline and endurance needed for the craft while exploring and refining their craft. Writing is what Cal Newport would call 'deep work' and it's the type of work that takes writers into a place of creative 'exile.' Writers need to be able to navigate that space of mindful focus, learning to hone in on a commitment to tell their stories.”
Of all the elements we are born with, our talent is the one that contributes to the world in an exceptional way. Armed with the muscle of thought and creativity, Fraser’s writing continues to shape the future through stories that impart knowledge and understanding on themes we struggle with daily. Each story, theme, and insight conceived in a single moment has given rise to something far greater than the stroke of Fraser’s pen. Each book fulfills its purpose of shaping the hearts and minds of future generations and those to come.
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