Ask the Author: Kelly Ann Jacobson
Answered Questions (4)
Kelly Ann Jacobson
I had just finished Tink and Wendy, which was so much fun to write, so the idea of doing another queer young adult retelling of a classic story was on my mind. Somehow, crossing Robin Hood and an action plot like The Fast and the Furious popped into my brain, and there, in what was originally the first chapter, was Robin on a motorcycle.
Kelly Ann Jacobson
You get to create an entire world from scratch and then live in that world for as long as you want! For example, I got to create my own version of Neverland in the alternate history sections of Tink and Wendy, and I also got to create my own Nottingham with an awesome group of girls that I'd love to hang out with while writing Robin and Her Misfits. What could be more amazing than that?
Kelly Ann Jacobson
Over my years of teaching, the biggest thing I've seen students struggle with is feeling like every story they write has to be "perfect." They are so stressed about getting their story into the New Yorker that they never write at all. Writing should be fun, even when it's hard. I usually tell them to write silly things, especially prompt-based silly things, to hone their skills, because those prompts have lower stakes and allow them to practice their craft in a fun way without any expectations.
Kelly Ann Jacobson
Not well, hah. I don't get writer's block very often, but every time I do, I'm instantly convinced that I'll never write again. My best methods for dealing with writer's block are 1) preventing it from happening by keeping an idea journal of any ideas I come up with and 2) when it does happen, using other art forms to spark ideas. For example, back when I lived in the DC area, I would go to museums and look at visual art until I got inspired again. I always like to tell the story of the time I metroed into the city, walked into the first room of a museum, got an idea for a novella, and turned right around and went home to start writing it.
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