Ask the Author: Jenna Edwards
Answered Questions (6)
Jenna Edwards
It's going to sound super annoying, but I don't typically get writers block. I think because a long time ago, I gave myself permission to write the way I speak. I am not here to write the next "great American novel" or spectacular pros, I am here to write stories that are relatable, that (hopefully) make people feel something and so, when I sit down to write, it's usually something I really want to share and so I don't put pressure on myself to share it perfectly. I think about the reader and what I hope they'll get out of reading it and what I would say to my friend who might be going through a similar experience and that takes the pressure off of me. Listen, I truly believe the world needs to hear your perspective on whatever you want to write about so take the pressure off yourself and just write it. You can always tweak it later. <3
Jenna Edwards
Honestly, it's the opportunity it affords for me to talk to people. I absolutely can't describe how much I love speaking to groups and individuals about how books and media affect them. It is everything to me.
Jenna Edwards
I know a lot of people talk about figuring out your "why" and that's super important. But, what I've found for myself is, if you are already ambitious and you know this is what you truly want to do, the key is to focus on your "how." How do you work best - for example, I'm definitely more creative in a constructive environment so I like to approach my goals with the end in mind. For writing, that means an outline. But, it can't be too rigid so I use the SAVE THE CAT beat sheet. Then, I know I'm all or nothing. So, even though I tried, struggled and failed to write something every day, I kept going and finally realized that the best way for me to actually write the book was to get a hotel room for a few (in my case, 5) weekends in a row and just write like a mad woman until the first draft was done.
Learning how you best operate is the most important thing anyone can do to accomplish their goals and create their dream life.
I talk a lot about this on my instagram @jennaedwardsofficial if you'd like to join the conversation.
Learning how you best operate is the most important thing anyone can do to accomplish their goals and create their dream life.
I talk a lot about this on my instagram @jennaedwardsofficial if you'd like to join the conversation.
Jenna Edwards
Honestly, I'm working on getting AGGRESSIVE OPTIMISM into the hands of as many people as I can. So, mostly writing marketing copy and short-form content around the book and the book release.
But, I've got a couple stories brewing that I can't wait to be able to focus on so stay tuned. ;)
But, I've got a couple stories brewing that I can't wait to be able to focus on so stay tuned. ;)
Jenna Edwards
It depends on what I'm writing. For my novel, AGGRESSIVE OPTIMISM, I had wanted to write about it for over a decade. I just had to clear out the noise of those who had an opinion on "how" I should tell my story and really sit and listen to myself. Once I heard that small still voice, I couldn't be stopped.
If it's a blog post, article or a short story, I'm usually inspired by a topic that I have an opinion on. I'm very opinionated :)
If it's a blog post, article or a short story, I'm usually inspired by a topic that I have an opinion on. I'm very opinionated :)
Jenna Edwards
My new book, AGGRESSIVE OPTIMISM - A unique yet relatable coming of age story fusing the emotional resonance of “GIRL INTERRUPTED” with the empowering essence of “LEGALLY BLONDE” - is a fictionalized version of my own story of not fitting in where I grew up, following my dreams to Los Angeles, thinking my dreams are coming true and having tragedy strike. If you'd like to read the true story, you can go here: https://jennaedwards.myflodesk.com/wi...
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