Today we’d like to introduce you to Liltera Lewis.
Liltera, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I often introduce myself as “Liltera… like Literature” to give people a quick glimpse into who I am and what I do. I was BORN TO WRITE and my name symbolizes passion blending with divine purpose.
Words have always been the fondest part of my childhood. I confided in diaries, scribbled on concrete, and began penning poetry at age 12. Throughout high school, I composed letters in notebooks that I swapped with my closest cousin, which taught me how to process emotions and share honest feelings about authentic experiences. “I grew up in the hood where it wasn’t all good” is a line from one of my signature poems, revealing what it was like to be raised on the Southside of Duval County. Writing was my escape from poverty and pain.
At 18, I was the first grandchild to go off to college on an academic scholarship. I studied English (Creative Writing) at Florida State University and graduated with my Bachelor’s degree a semester ahead of schedule. Upon returning home to Jacksonville, I began blogging, then set out to build my professional portfolio by pitching stories and completing freelance assignments for various local publications. Working full-time for a web design company ignited my interest in small businesses. Along with a gentle nudge and affirmation from one of my aunts, I launched iWrite4orU.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“You wanna fly, you got to give up the sh*t that weighs you down.” –Toni Morrison
The pressure of succeeding sometimes felt like a boulder on my back. I knew I had a gift, but didn’t really know how powerful it was, and I also didn’t understand the magnitude of building a business when attempting to monetize my God-given talent.
Writing requires me to be deeply reflective—a process that isn’t easy when exposing yourself to the world. There were times when I struggled with self-doubt, wondered if anyone would connect with my words, and found it hard to stay consistent while balancing everyday tasks. Learning to accept constructive criticism and keep writing through moments of uncertainty has greatly contributed to my personal and professional growth.
I have fully embraced the responsibilities of entrepreneurship as a multi-hyphenate Author-Editor-Publisher. Over time, I realized every obstacle presented an opportunity to hone my craft. Each obstacle helped me become a stronger writer, allowed me to develop a deeper appreciation for the creative journey, while teaching me resilience, patience, and the importance of believing in my voice.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the core, I am a writer. On the surface, I am a businesswoman. In 2011, I formed my publishing company, iWrite4orU, specializing in serving first-time authors. In addition to self-publishing my own work, I offer a full scope of services aligned with coaching, editing, publishing, and marketing.
One of few Black woman-owned literary companies based in Jacksonville, FL, I have thrived on the support of my hometown. Early on, many readers poured into my purpose and shaped the way I value community. Currently residing and evolving in Atlanta, GA, I remain rooted in the belief that “your gift will make room for you.”
Understanding that writing is a vulnerable act, my brand was established on the foundation of trust. Through my own setbacks and ultimate victories, I empathize with the fears aspiring authors face. I encourage new writers to invest time, energy, and financial resources into developing their manuscript, guide them through the important mission of finding their niche genre, and design tangible outlines for navigating the entire publishing process with clarity and confidence.
iWrite4orU operates with a strong emphasis on purpose-driven narratives, partnering with accountable, dedicated clients to transform an idea into an actual book.
I am most proud of the way I have persisted toward my dreams, despite being impacted by various life transitions. My background may highlight formal years of training, but it is truly my love for words that leads to longevity. There have been several ‘pause periods’, however, stewarding someone else’s story provides lasting fulfillment. Transparent testimonies that assert hope and healing amplify exactly what I was destined to do.
Additionally, my fondness for visual storytelling sparked a passionate pursuit of writing for television. In 2016, I earned an MFA degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment from Full Sail University and I am vigorously devoted to the practice of drafting original pilots.
What matters most to you? Why?
Motherhood is now my biggest motivation. My daughter inspires me to boldly pursue purpose with integrity and perseverance because I know she is watching not only what I say, but how I live.
Everything I write and everything I do is driven by a desire to create something meaningful for her to cherish and be proud of. I want her to see that dreams are worth preserving, even when life gets difficult. I pray she recognizes success isn’t measured only by accomplishments, but by the people we influence.
What matters most to me is legacy—more than just leaving behind books or scripts—it’s about a commitment to faith, love, and the courage to walk in your calling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iwrite4oru.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iWrite4orU_WriterGrind/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iWrite4orU
- Twitter: https://x.com/iWrite4orU_LRW
- Other: https://substack.com/@lilteramompreneur
