Blackberry Molasses

About the Book

The play “Blackberry Molasses” is an inspirational story about a young African American woman, Desera Harrison, who finds her voice through her writing. She struggles to find peace in her turbulent life. She begins building a life for herself in Atlanta, where she lives with her mother and fourteen- year-old twin sisters, Ebony and Traci. She’s also just reconnected with her alcoholic father, which has introduced a whole new level of uncertainty for the family.

This is a remarkable play. The main character Desera Harrison decides to leave her past behind and peruse her dreams, to become a freelance writer for one of the largest newspaper publications in New York. Despite the many disappointments and heartaches that Desera and her family have endured they find strength through love, hope, and faith. This play explores themes of family, loyalty, and perseverance in the face of adversity and is written to encourage and inspire readers to pursue their dreams.

From the beginning of “Blackberry Molasses” to the Epilogue one will see the significance of strength and perseverance illustrated through Maple and Blackberry Trees. Desera finds strength and perseverance through her writing.

About the Author

Jovial attended St. Andrews Presbyterian college where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing with a Minor in English. She also attended East Carolina University where she received her Master’s in English Literature.

This gifted and prolific writer of plays, poems and fiction is an author of several collections of poetry books including Angelic Voices, Defining Moments, A Woman Destined For Success, A Blessing in Disguise, Expressions of The Heart, Love Chronicles, and The Essence Of A Poets Heart. Jovial Smith does not let Cerebral Palsy get in the way of her dreams.