Eric James was born on August 11th, 1988 in Chicago, IL. E. Jay grew up encompassed by books and stories. "I will win every book report contest the school has!" he said. "I was the boy growing up who would have read more books in a week than the number of pieces in your typical mixed-bag of candy." E. Jay's numerous successes began at early age. He steamrolled through grammar school gaining numerous accolades and rewards such as honor roll every year, Beta Club, Valedictorian and guest speaker at graduations while still attending grammar school. "I would literally leave the yearly award ceremonies with two garbage bags filled with certificates, trophies and plaques!"

 

Producing standout pieces of writing led his principal to encourage E. Jay to showcase his writing on a larger scale. While only in the 3rd Grade, E. Jay won 1st prize in an UIC essay writing contest that consisted of participants from both the elementary and college grade levels. The grand prize happened to be an autographed book by Rosa Parks gifted to him from her very hands. "Being able to take a picture with Rosa Parks was as rewarding as hearing you came in 1st place!"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 

 

E. Jay continued this success through his tumultuous high school years. Despite attending an inner-city school plagued with poverty and violence, he managed to graduate with honors, become a member of the National Honor Society and still finished top 10 in his class. After a couple years in community college to gather his bearings, E. Jay studied Early Childhood Education, art and creative writing at Columbia College Chicago. After obtaining his degree, he became a professional early childhood teacher in 2015. "The biggest teachable moment is the overall experience of teaching children birth-5 years of age." During this time, he learned guitar, wrote songs, poems, short stories, and began his first novel, 'Ascendants and Descendants'. "I was so excited to write this novel. It is literally my dreams in words."