Welcome (again?)
It may not officially be spring here in the Northern hemisphere, but I feel my creative sap flowing again. The seasonal dreariness is abating, and I’m nurturing new green shoots from my winter-stripped twig-bones. Everything inside and out, literally and figuratively, is fair game to be spruced, cleaned, or purged—including my multiple inboxes!
No one needs clutter, whether physical or psychological. And goodness knows, 704 unread emails and the constant ping of notifications is most definitely “clutter.” Soul-sucking, creativity-smothering, clutter.
I don’t want that for me, and I don’t want it for you, either.
So…
Hi there! I’m Jennifer.
Which you already know. But I’d like to reintroduce myself and invite you to unsubscribe, not read my books, and not listen to my podcast.
I would also like to invite you to join a community, read my books, and listen to my podcast. 🌷📚🎧
My words
I’m a fifty-three-year-old author of speculative Southern women’s fiction, poetry, and a children’s picture book…and that’s only the words I’ve published. I also have a 1st draft of a Romantasy novel that I wrote long before that was a “thing,” an assortment of supernatural horror stories and short scripts, and even a very steamy contemporary romance novella with no paranormal or SF elements at all!
Now here’s another fun fact that not many people know… Some of the speculative elements in my stories are loosely based on my actual experiences. I stress “loosely” because I write FICTION. More on that later.
My why
I used to write as an outlet for emotions (and sometimes events) that I was unable to properly process, so I channeled characters and let them tell stories. As I matured and evolved (two very different things), I began to be more thoughtful with my words. More interested in the life-lessons and soul-expressions that my characters needed to share—even if they didn’t particularly want to share ‘em.
My first novel, Daughters of Men, reflects all of that…and the series even more so. Writing, editing, rewriting, and then repeating that process with the prequel and the sequel have been as much a personal journey as a creative one.
And as I’ve grown comfortable in my own skin (and brain), I wanted to help others evolve, too. Not because I’m some sort of expert—but because I believe that’s what we’re each here to do.
Help. Share. Give and Receive.
What I offer
I write stories that help people feel. Feel deeply and fully, connecting with characters that are odd enough to make them think—just a bit—and wonder—just a little—about the Universe we call home.
I help other writers, mostly ladies like myself, find their voices and tell the stories that they need to tell.
Last month, I launched a podcast that (hopefully) feels like meeting a friend for coffee—a friend who’s “been there” and might have some ideas worth considering, but mostly gives you confidence in your own ability to create and problem-solve.
And because I believe that small acts of thoughtfulness go a long way…
I’m donating book bundles and creative consults each month to people/groups that you nominate for the “Thanks to You” Giving Project. (Scroll to bottom for February’s recipients.)
Does any of that sound interesting?
If so…yay! And welcome all over again, whether you’re a new subscriber or one of my very first. I’m so excited to share the rest of this year with you!
There’s so much more to come!
— Jennifer
Shall I read to you?
I’ve been wanting to produce an audiobook version of Daughters of Men for some time now, but it’s a project that keeps getting pushed aside for others.
This video is just a bit of fun—and practice—but if you like this format, let me know with a “Like” or comment. It would be fun to record more chapters for you!
(My crazy facial expressions are a bonus. You’re welcome.🤣)
Click image to watch on Substack or in your browser | 👉 Click here for YouTube
And I’m extra-happy to say that the sequel, Like Moonlight on Water is still on track for wide release May 4th and ARCs March 24-26th.
Meanwhile, I just posted two new chapters on Substack. Start at the beginning with the Prologue, or dive in here:
T2Y Giving Project | February update
Our “Thanks to You” Giving Project hit a bit of speedbump for February, because I did a terrible job of sending out reminders. 🙄
Starting this week, I’m going to open up nominations on Facebook, Instagram, and Substack Notes to make it easier for you to participate just by sharing and tagging.
But for our February nominations…
Lassie B. was the lone, lovely reader to nominate someone. She requested a book bundle so she could stock a local Little Free Library in her hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina…and since that’s my hometown, too, I’m going to double the books and help her distribute across a few locations.
✔ Two book bundles
🚫 Coaching session skipped (but added to another month)
New podcast episode drops Wednesday!
Catch up on The Creative If Podcast wherever you like to listen. New episode delivered to your inbox on Wednesday. The topic is a surprise. Even to me. Because I haven’t decided yet. 🙃