THE BOOK
30 Minutes to London gathers six writers telling the stories they've carried the longest—the ones that took a lifetime to live but only thirty minutes to say out loud. Structured like the train ride itself, the collection moves through departure, delay, transfer, and arrival, following each writer's path toward faith, healing, and the courage to become who they already are.
The Journey in Four Parts
PART I
Departures
Seeds of becoming
PART II
Layovers & Delays
The waiting rooms of the heart
PART III
Transfers
Where one story hands off to the next
PART IV
Arrivals
Worth the climb
Meet The Storytellers
Six writers. Six journeys. One collection.
DR. ALECIA R. JONES
Alecia R. Jones is a digital storyteller, instructional designer, speaker, and creative nonfiction writer whose work explores identity, resilience, transformation, and the power of voice. She is a proud graduate of Pepperdine University, where she earned her Doctor of Education in Learning Technologies; her research focused on adolescent girls, body image, self-esteem, and participatory digital storytelling as a tool for empowerment and healing.
With more than two decades of experience in education, learning design, facilitation, and storytelling, she blends cinematic narrative, reflective writing, and immersive visual experiences to create stories that move people emotionally and intellectually. She is the founder of Uniquely Alecia: Stories That Stir, a creative platform dedicated to storytelling, empowerment, and transformative conversations.
30 Minutes to London marks her debut multi-author anthology.
She lives in Alexandria, Virginia, where she continues to write, speak, and design learning experiences that center humanity, creativity, and authentic voice. She is a quintessential proud auntie.
ANITA R. NIXON
Anita R. Nixon is an artist, educator, writer, and creative director whose work weaves together visual art, storytelling, culture, and community. For more than two decades, she has created art, written books, developed exhibitions, and designed meaningful educational experiences centered on memory, identity, resilience, faith, and joy.
A mother and craniotomy survivor, she writes with an artist’s eye and a deep belief that our stories illuminate who we have been and who we are becoming.
CAMILLE
Camille is a poet, a mom, a nurse, and someone who believes deeply in the power of compassion, creativity, and faith. With a background in mental health and healthcare, she has spent years walking alongside others in their healing journeys, offering care, support, and a listening ear.
Art and travel fuel her spirit, helping her to see the beauty in different cultures, people, and perspectives. As a Christian, her faith grounds her and gives her purpose. Camille is called to be a light in a world that’s often hurting, and grows every day, learning how to live that out loud, step by step.
Although Camille doesn’t have it all figured out, her heart is set on healing, growing, and helping others do the same.
JUSTICE AFFUL-ROCKSON
Justice Afful-Rockson is an Armed Guard at Wells Fargo Bank, originally from Komenda, Ghana, now residing in Alexandria, VA. His story, “The Chosen One,” reflects on his immigrant journey to America and the sacrifices, challenges, faith, and determination that shaped his path.
Through his storytelling, Justice offers a personal glimpse into identity, perseverance, cultural transition, and the pursuit of opportunity across continents. When he is not working, he enjoys watching movies, playing games, and staying at the forefront of current events.
Justice is the proud father of five, two boys and three girls, and the grandfather of four. He values his role as an Executive Member of a Ghanaian Society in the DMV.
DIONNE JONES
Dionne Jones is a transplant to the state of Maryland and is originally from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Maryland is where she finds balance in her professional journey as a federal contractor and fulfills her passion for counseling and mental health. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling with the goal of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.
What brings Dionne the greatest joy is helping others recognize their strengths and find hope, whether through personal connections, community involvement, or academic growth. Outside of work and study, she enjoys thrifting, home decorating, and spending time with her grandbabies and her two adult daughters.
Dionne chose to be part of the 30 Minutes to London storytelling project because she believes that stories connect us, heal us, and give meaning to our journeys. Sharing her story is not only a way to reflect on where she’s been but also to encourage others to embrace their own voice. This project is an opportunity to celebrate authenticity and collective strength.
YVONNE B. JONES
Yvonne B. Jones is a retired English teacher and reading specialist who has taught from middle school to the collegiate level. Although she does not consider herself a serious writer, she enjoys storytelling, writing, and performing poetry to small groups.
Aside from her professional pursuits and community service, she thoroughly enjoys having small dinner parties with special themes. Her “soup parties” are one of her favorites. Yvonne is the mother of three adult daughters, the grandmother of four adult grandchildren, and the great-grandmother of two wonderful great-granddaughters.