Inside the Mind of a Debut Children’s Author: Jennifer Nestor’s Journey
Meet Jennifer Nestor, a fresh voice in children’s literature, who’s been crafting her path in the marketing and communications field for over a decade. Now residing in the charming city of St. Augustine, Florida, Jennifer has embarked on a new literary journey with her first children’s book, Jane Escapes to The Jungle of Individuality. This captivating tale, aimed at kids aged four to nine, explores significant themes such as bullying, anxiety, and mindfulness. It’s a resource designed not just for schools, but for parents, counselors, and anyone invested in social-emotional learning.
In a recent conversation, Jennifer shared insights into her self-publishing experience through Book Baby, which has landed her book in major online retailers. However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Issues with distribution have pushed Jennifer to persistently promote her work, securing placement in 12 indie retailers.
Jennifer is not just an author; she’s an active member of numerous literary groups including the Children’s Society of Illustrators and the Independent Author Alliance. She recommends other new authors explore communities like Manuscript Academy for its agent meetings and query letter assistance, as well as joining children-author groups on social platforms to network and gain critical feedback.
Jennifer’s current writing is evolving beyond children’s literature. She’s exploring a crossover young adult romance novel, revealing her thoughtful consideration of a pen name to distinguish her diverse genres. Her approach? Keep children’s and romance audiences separate, potentially developing unique branding for each genre.
For Jennifer, showcasing passion in her projects is critical. This reflects in her marketing strategy where she emphasizes the mission behind her book and shares personal stories to connect with her audience on a deeper level. Her practical advice for aspiring children’s authors includes networking and being authentically yourself in conveying your book’s message.
In discussions about the challenges of book banning, particularly around topics like diversity and mental health, Jennifer advocates for parental involvement, encouraging them to voice their support for inclusive literature to school boards and administrative bodies.
When asked about missteps new authors might make, Jennifer cautions against imitating others, stressing the importance of originality and ensuring the language is accessible to young readers. She also shares practical tips on sourcing beta readers, like leveraging feedback from teachers and parents in the target demographic.
Jennifer’s journey from debuting a children’s book to exploring new genres serves as a relatable narrative for many budding authors. Her insights about maintaining passion and authenticity underline the complexities and joys of the writing journey. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned author, Jennifer’s journey is an inspiring example of resilience and commitment to one’s creative vision.
Get in Touch With the Author
Author Website: https://JenNestorAuthor.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennestorauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennestorauthor
Jennifer Was on Jolene’s Book and Writers Talk Podcast
A Note from our Editor
We would encourage any North Florida Writers who would like to submit a Guest Post on our online magazine or be a featured author on the North Florida Writers Tour website then please get in touch using their CONTACT US form. Our other Online Magazine called “Webs and Blogs for Writers” does featured articles and has an excellent monthly Newsletter with exclusive content. Check it Out! CLICK HERE! For those who wish to be a guest on Jolene’s Book and Writer’s Talk podcast visit the Southern Dragon Publishing Information page.
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