Jonathan Anthony Burkett was born in
1987. He is a bright writer inspired
by many, as he continues to struggle in life. Devoted
for achievement in his lifetime, he is willing to take
any test. He told himself, that he would never give up
no matter the trials and tribulations. He decided to
write to help him move towards a bright future for
himself; and because he knows that’s what his
Grandparents want for him.
"This
young author is clearly wise beyond his years. He
has written a heartwarming story of how the best of
friends can ultimately become lovers, and do so by
further deepening their friendship. It is a story of
how tragedy and heartbreak can turn into
satisfaction and fulfillment, and adversity be
turned around until two lives entwined together are
truly blessed by a lasting passion and respect."
reviewed by
Frank Terry
Pageonelit.com: Where did you grow up and
was reading and writing a part of your life? Who were your earliest
influences and why?
Jonathan Anthony Burkett: Born in Miami Florida
but grew up in Westmoreland, Jamaica because I was neglected by my
mother. I have dedicated my life to making them proud of me because
of the great encouragement and love, my Grandfather and grandmother
always gave to me. They always encouraged me to read and write. So
that I could grow up to be a great business man. So reading and
writing has always been a part of my life. Especially since it
became a part of the reason why I'm still alive today. Maya Angelou
poetry and words as well as Tupac Shakur words helped to uplift me
in life to never give up as I slept many nights on the streets at
bus stops and under street lights growing up.
Pageonelit.com: Discuss your new new book
Friends 2 Lovers ?
Jonathan Anthony Burkett: Friends 2 Lovers
volume 1 is a story about two friends growing up and always being
there for one another but it was what began their friendship that
really helped their bond to stand strong and grow. They never
allowed their other friends words about the other to affect their
friendship because it was just all between them. However, just like
every friendship and relationship there's always those times when it
seems like the closer you'll get, the more the problems come to
break up such a wonderful and bright connection that stands out
brighter than others. Which then makes not only friends jealous but
also sometime your own family members. Well in this series we're
going to see if Claude and Kelly are going to allow anything or
anyone to break up what they have grown for so long. Also, we will
see if one will be willing to die for the one that they love.
However, in volume one is when it all finally begins for them.
Pageonelit.com: Who are Claude and Kelly?
Jonathan Anthony Burkett: Claude and Kelly
are my two main characters. I gave Claude a little of my personality
which is a aggressive but yet more loving personality when you
really get to know me. He didn't really show it to much because he
didn't want to be looked at as a soft boy because then he'll really
start getting messed with. In the story Claude finds out his family
secrets which ended up doing nothing else but bringing him down and
upset. But what made him more upset is the trials and tribulations
that are about to come to him because of those lies. Kelly a nice,
sweet, young lady also ends up finding out about her family past and
secrets however in volume 2 it really comes out. Through it all
though they were being there for one another even when both of their
lives were on the line and you won't believe how strong Kelly's love
for Claude has grown having her willing to not only give him words
to stand strong through the problems but also to do what many wives
won't even think about anymore.
Pageonelit.com: Where did the inspiration
come from to write Friends 2 Lovers?
Jonathan Anthony Burkett: My inspiration came from a
time in my life where I wanted to commit suicide because of the kind
of life I was living. But then out of nowhere came a beautiful young
girl. That brought nothing but smiles and encouragement to me. It
felt like I had a reason to live now the more I got got to know her.
I ended up wanting to be more than just a friend to her but also her
lover. However, I didn't feel that I was good enough for her. So I
told myself I had to change and get my life in order so that I could
bring straight joy to her life and not bring my troubles in her
life.
Pageonelit.com: In your own life have you
had the experience of a 'Friend 2 Lovers' experience? Explain
Jonathan Anthony Burkett: No, because that
friend that I wanted to become my lover in the end ended up wanting
nothing more to do with me. I jumped to the conclusion that it was
because I was acting as if I didn't want a relationship with her as
much as she wanted one with me. But like I said it was because I
didn't want to bring any of my trials and tribulations in her life.
I felt that she deserved the best because of the kind of girl she
was to me in my life.
Pageonelit.com: What should readers learn
from reading Friends 2 Lovers ?
Jonathan Anthony Burkett: Friendship,
communication, trust and the willingness to sacrifice is imprtant
in relationships. What's a relationship without giving up something's
for it. That's a part of life, if you want a good paying job nowadays
you have to give up allot of time out of your lifetime for it. Also,
no one is perfect, no relationship is perfect and to really have a
strong relationship you have to be willing to put away your pride,
trust even when you feel like its a little to much and willing to
give someone heart.
Pageonelit.com: If Hollywood called and
asked you to cast Friends 2 Lovers - Who would you cast and why?
Jonathan Anthony Burkett: A woman with a very
beautiful and enlightening smile for Kelly that'll open any guys eye
because she has such a very nice understanding personality which she
gets from her mother. For Claude a man that'll be as much as a lover
as he is a fighter, the lovingness came from his mother but the man
whom he thought was his father made him grow that toughness inside
of him. As far as which celebrities, I don't know.
Pageonelit.com: What are readers saying about Friends 2
Lovers ?
Jonathan Anthony Burkett: Some are saying that in
this generation that my story is like a fairytale because no man is
well committed like Claude anymore. Us men are dogs and liars only
wanting a woman for a couple months then we move on to the next one.
That woman aren't willing to sacrifice for love like Kelly anymore,
only for the money. But I believe most of them are speaking from
their own experience with love. For the reason that i have others
saying that they could relate because of the experiene of falling in
love with their friend or just special someone that came out of
nowhere.
Pageonelit.com: What do you hope to achieve
with Friends 2 Lovers ?
Jonathan Anthony Burkett: I'm hoping to grow
confidence within other people to never give up on finding true love
no matter the amount of dates you have to go on. However be careful
and don't just give a man you, so fast. Let the communication, trust
and relationship grow first before just giving anyone your heart and
when it comes down to a real relationship you have to be willing to
sacrifice to make it last.
Pageonelit.com: What was the last book you
read?
Jonathan Anthony Burkett: I finally read the
Coldest Winter Ever and it was a great book.
Pageonelit.com: What's next?
Jonathan Anthony Burkett: Friends 2 Lovers
Volume 2 is finished. My editor and I are going through it now. I'm
working on volume 3 as well as working on my childhood story again
which is titled, Neglected But Undefeated.
by many, as he continues to struggle in life. Devoted
for achievement in his lifetime, he is willing to take
any test. He told himself, that he would never give up
no matter the trials and tribulations. He decided to
write to help him move towards a bright future for
himself; and because he knows that’s what his
Grandparents want for him.