Author Chanese Jaa is taking us to a different world in her latest release. I recently spoke with her about Nostrof University.
Tell me about your latest book.
My latest novel, Nostrof University, is a collegiate urban fiction story inspired by the legacy and culture of HBCU life. It follows students navigating friendship, Greek life, love, and legacy on the campus of the fictional HBCU. The story blends real Black experiences with fictional drama.
Why did you decide to write it?
I wanted to create something that celebrated our culture—not just in a nostalgic way, but through a modern, evolving lens. So much of what I grew up loving in Black television and Black literature has disappeared from mainstream media. And with so many HBCUs facing cultural, financial, and educational challenges, I felt it was necessary to not only entertain readers but also preserve the history and pride of these institutions. Nostrof University became my way of doing both—paying homage while creating something fresh for a new generation
Who is your favorite character and why?
That’s hard. They all carry pieces of me. But if I had to choose, I’d say Nae. She’s layered, driven, and has this quiet strength that people often underestimate. Her journey through self-discovery, friendship, and pressure to live up to expectations is something I think a lot of readers will see themselves in. Honestly, her story mirrors my own. Writing her helped me confront lessons about identity, resilience, and purpose.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I fell in love with the written word in high school. I was the kid writing short stories in my composition notebooks and daydreaming in class. But I truly fell in love when I realized storytelling could shift how people saw themselves—that it could heal, inspire, and connect. For me, writing became a ministry. It’s how I speak life, even through fictional characters.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
Honestly, I’d still be doing something creative—maybe producing or directing. I love the process of taking a story from an idea to a manuscript. That’s actually where Pulchritude Media comes in. It’s my production company, and my goal is to expand Nostrof University into a visual experience—something that lives beyond the pages. I want to build worlds that reflect us, teach us, and make us proud.
What author would you fangirl over?
Antonia “Toya” Johnson-Rushing, hands down. Watching her journey of becoming a New York Times best selling author on her hit reality show, Tiny and Toya, inspired me to put pen to paper and create these worlds. Although the majority of her work isn’t fiction, her ability to showcase the fullness of Black life—the beauty, the pain, the layers is what inspired me to expand my imagination and put them on paper.
What books have you read lately and loved?
To be honest, I haven’t had much time to read lately. Most of my energy has gone into writing, developing, and building out Nostrof University and other Pulchritude Media projects. But I still have a deep love for Black literature and the authors who paved the way for writers like me.
What books are you most excited to read next?
Right now, I’m most excited about diving into my next creative projects. I’ve got a few stories in development that I can’t wait to bring to life, both on the page and on screen. I’m in a season where I’m writing the kind of stories I used to look for. So in a way, I’m reading ahead into my own future work.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently preparing for the next phase of Nostrof University and a few spin-off stories under the Pulchritude Media umbrella. I’m also focused on growing Pulchritude Media into a hub for independent creatives. This is just the beginning of building something bigger than me.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
To every young writer, creative, or dreamer reading this: Don’t wait for validation. Build your table. Start with what you have, and trust that purpose will meet preparation.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Nostrof University by Chanese Jaa.
To learn more about Chanese Jaa, author and founder of Pulchritude Media, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Nostrof University is available now at www.PulchritudeMedia.org
Instagram: @NostrofUniversity | @PulchritudeMedia | @ChaneseJaa