Jennifer Case Second Interview

We did a second interview with Jennifer Case after our Indie Author Spotlight!

What does your writing ritual look like?

I write best in the morning. I love days when I can get out of bed, pour a cup of coffee, and immediately sit at my desk. I tend to be the most inhibited—and thus can write with the most joy—first thing in the morning. (On the other hand, my critical brain tends to take over in the afternoons!) If I’m in the middle of a project, I can jump right into the word document once I’ve poured that cup of coffee. If not, I often journal for a little first. Otherwise, I tend to keep a lot of ritual-like objects around my desk: images or art that inspire a current project, books I feel in conversation with, post-it notes with ideas, facts, or inspirational quotes, notepads with outlines, etc.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received as an Indie Author?

Well, what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another person, so I try not to judge anyone’s practices. That said, some of the worst advice I’ve gotten is about marketing and pitching essays…not because it was bad advice, necessarily, but just because it didn’t fit my personality. I don’t like self-promotion, and although I’m dedicated to my work, I hesitate at some of the hustling required in today’s book industry. As a result, I’ve learned to be really discerning about how I self-promote and pitch essays. It’s a tough business, and I value genuine connections more than numbers. I’ve learned to let that value guide me so that I can sustain myself and not burn out.

What’s your go-to book, movie, or musical artist when you need some inspiration (or just a break from the keyboard)? Why?

When I need a break from the keyboard, I actually try to do something physical. A long walk, a hike, or a yoga practice almost always helps re-energize me. I also love to cook, so cooking an elaborate meal when I get stuck in a project often opens pathways and gives me new vision the next day.

If you could snap your fingers and be “known” for one piece of your writing, what would it be? Is it something already published? Or is it something in your heart you’ve not yet written?

I’m less interested in being known (I’ve always preferred to stand at the side of the room rather than to be in the center), but I do hope my two most recent books offer something to readers. I hope We Are Animals: On the Nature and Politics of Motherhood reaches women who find mothering in today’s culture more challenging than expected, and I hope The Carework Project benefits anyone who struggles with the concepts, work, or labor of “care” (including the need to care for themselves). If my work can have an impact on others, I’ll consider it successful.

Any other tidbits you wanna share?

I’ve become really fascinated with the integration of writing and visual art, and how visual art can re-kindle a sense of play. I included collage postcards in The Carework Project, and that process was so freeing. I’ve recently spoken with a number of writers who are doing something similar: experimenting with visual art in order to return a sense of play to their writing practice. It might be worth considering if you find yourself stuck or uninspired.

Do you have a newsletter you want people to sign-up for?

I follow a lot of people’s newsletters, but I’ve been hesitant to start my own, in part because I’m not sure I could contribute consistently to it. However, I do collect email addresses for very occasional announcements about work. You can sign up at my website if interested!