SIX MINUTES WITH JENNIFER JACOBSON:

Today Jennifer Jacobson, author, educational consultant and conference speaker, joins LitPick for Six Minutes with an Author! Jennifer is the author of juvenile fiction, young adult fiction, and professional books geared to educators. Her books include Paper Things, Small as an Elephant, and the Andy Shane series. Small as an Elephant won a gold fiction award from Parents’ Choice! Jennifer was recently interviewed about Paper Things by WCSH6 in Portland, Maine. A link to the interview is at the end of this.

Jennifer recently spent time one evening reading from Paper Things, with proceeds from sales benefitting Preble Street in Portland, Maine. Preble Street is a facility where people work together to turn hunger and homelessness into opportunity and hope through programs that operate 24/7/365 to meet the needs of 500 people each day.

How did you get started writing?

When I was in college, majoring in education, I took a required course in children’s literature. I adored it!  I fell back in love with many of the books I’d read as a child, discovered new books, and developed the hope of becoming a writer.

Who influenced you?

Other children’s authors.  E.B. White, Katherine Patterson, Karen Hesse, E.L. Konigsburg were some of my mentors (even though I never met them).

Do you have a favorite book/subject/character/setting?

I enjoy realistic fiction with characters who triumph over deeply personal challenges. Most of my own work falls into this category.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to be an author?

In addition to reading (which every author will tell you is imperative), train yourself to look at the world  . . . really look at the world. Don’t give settings a passing glance; register the details that call to you. Watch people, notice their gestures, compare their facial features. Listen to voices -- their inflections. Record quirky habits. Later these details will give your writing both strength and verisimilitude.

Where is your favorite place to write?

My favorite place to write is on a loveseat in my dining room with my Jack Russell Terrier cuddling on my shoulder. However, I’ll head to a coffee shop if I need a change of scenery.

What else would you like to tell us?

There’s nothing like finding a community of people who share a love of good books. Thanks for providing this opportunity!

Jennifer, thank you so much for spending six minutes with LitPick! We are looking forward to the publication of your next book!