E.J. Batiste, also known as Erica Jasmin, (she/they) is a published writer, poet, and artist. She writes in the genres of literary fiction, poetry, stage plays, and screenplays. Her creative work has appeared in various literary publications in the United States, Canada, and Europe, to include published or forthcoming work in I-70 Review, For Women Who Roar, blood orange tarot, and others. To-date, she also has had one stage play produced. Her artwork and photography have also been published and featured in online & print magazines. Erica formerly served as Fiction Editor of QU Literary Magazine, Copy Editor for Brave Voices Magazine and Co-Chair of the Queens University of Charlotte MFA Professional Development Weekend. She currents serves as Art Director at Southern Review of Books and Staff Writer of an animated comedy web-series.

E.J. holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from Queens University of Charlotte, where she specialized in literary fiction and writing for stage & screen.

She is originally from the rural South (Raeford, NC) and is an avid adventurer, having lived in Italy and traveled extensively throughout much of Europe, Asia, the United States, and South America. She is also a devoted fan of Star Wars, Marvel and DC comics, and anime. Prior to writing, Erica worked as a preschool teacher and a Registered Behavioral Technician. In addition to writing, Erica also works as an actress and is an ardent lover of improv. Her work often reflects on her life experiences as a Black woman from the South, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a social observer/activist, and her knowledge of the psychological.