Before C.J. Watson turned to storytelling, he built a career as a professional basketball player. He played as a Point Guard in the NBA and joined the Golden State Warriors in 2008 after going undrafted in 2006 and spending time playing overseas.
He also played for the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Orlando Magic during his NBA career.
Although his days of scoring points are behind him, Watson continues to succeed. He is now an Amazon best-selling author who encourages children around the world to chase their dreams and become leaders. In 2023, he released his fourth book, CJ and His Magic Socks, as part of the CJ Adventure series.
The book tells the story of a young basketball fan who learns that his success on the court comes from hard work and dedication, not just a lucky pair of socks.
I interviewed Watson about his transition from the court to writing, as well as his work with his foundation.
Lashaunta Moore: Congratulations on your fourth book, CJ and His Magic Socks. As a former NBA player, did you ever see yourself getting into writing?
C.J. Watson: No, I never really wanted to be an author. I was sitting on the couch one day and [asked myself], ‘How can I continue to inspire kids and also tell my story in a meaningful way?’ And it just popped [into] my head: children’s books. [I] just did some research and started thinking of stories that I could tell with a message behind them.
LM: There are so many genres to choose from. Why was it vital for you to write Children’s books? What inspires your ideas?
CJW: Because kids are the next generation and will be the next leaders and creators. So why not inspire them? Because I know I was once that young kid looking for knowledge to find out my next steps and how to get there. My ideas are all inspired by true events in my life. Everything I write about in my books really happened to me, and I thought it was a big must to tell true stories so kids could say hey, it happened to him just like me, and he got through it, so can I.
LM: Everyone has a favorite childhood fiction story, and the CJ series is becoming that for many kids in this generation. As an Amazon best seller, what can they learn from your books?
CJW: Just to dream big. That it takes hard work, dedication, and confidence in yourself, amongst other things, to really achieve your goals in life.
LM: Tell me about the Quiet Storm Foundation and how readers can support it.
CJW: The Quiet Storm Foundation is a nonprofit foundation that teaches kids about education, health, and wellness. We put on free events for the youth to empower them. No matter the circumstances or situations in life [they] may be facing; there is a way to be successful and achieve success. And we try to connect them in whatever area they may want to go in to help make success a reality. You can go to [our website] to see the programs we put on or to donate.
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