Mosaic:

About the Book

Janelle was eleven years old when she wrote her first poem as part of a sixth-grade writing assignment. Many were moved by her heartfelt poem about the loss of her brother, and their praise inspired her to continue writing. Journal entries and short stories followed. Many of these appear in Mosaic.

Through poems that she describes as candid conversations, Mosaic will show her growth as a person and as a writer from ages eleven to twenty-seven. “The book matures as I mature,” she says.

About the Author

As a poet, author, singer and songwriter, Janelle Gray creates art that reflects self-discovery and coming of age. She sees her life as a work in progress and creatively documents what unfolds. Janelle has shared some of her observations through music but prefers telling most her stories through writing, particularly poetry. When it comes to performing her work, Janelle prefers making the page her stage.

While growing up in Dallas, Janelle’s life was steeped in the arts. Her mother, Denise Lee, is a well-known local singer and actress. Her stepfather, Robert, is an accomplished bassist who, like Janelle, avoids the limelight and prefers creating behind the scenes. Janelle received ample encouragement and support from her parents and from her extended family of artists and performers, but when she was ready to develop her own voice, she moved in her own direction.

Her stint as a singer was part of that journey. Janelle performed with gospel and R&B groups before producing and releasing her solo CD, Handle This, in 2010.

Self-expression has helped Janelle recognize the power and strength of her voice as an artist and see the good results that can happen when she uses it.