UPDATE: The winner of this giveaway is Gabrielle! Thank you all so much for entering. What a lively discussion in the comments! Gabrielle, please check your email for details.
Hello, writer friends! I have something fun for you today. An interview with author, Jennifer Lindsay, and a giveaway of her new book, The Writer As Protagonist. It’s a book that I genuinely believe will be a great help to young writers (and those always learning!). I had the privilege of meeting Jennifer at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference a few years back and she’s got so much to offer the writing community.
Here’s a little about Jen:
Jennifer Lindsay is a freelance editor and writer who loves helping other writers discover their voice and re-ignite their passion for writing. Her published works have appeared in magazines, anthologies, devotionals, and on various blogs. When she’s not playing with words, she enjoys embarking on mini-adventures with her young nieces and nephews, visiting her parents mini-farm and getting her hands dirty, and grabbing a cup of coffee with dear friends.
You can find her online at:
Website | Personal Instagram | Professional Instagram
When I saw that her new book had finally released, I jumped at the opportunity to have her here at Go Teen Writers so her awesomeness can rub off on us a little bit. The concept of her book is one that I’ve chewed on a lot over the years (I’ve even written about it some) and I’m so very glad she’s put it on the page.
Read on for more about her book, The Writer As Protagonist, her journey to publication, some stellar writing advice, and an e-book giveaway of her inspiring non-fiction book.
Writers spend years learning the craft of storytelling and how to master the art of creating fantastic worlds. But for many, figuring out the plot of their own writing journey continues to elude them.
What would happen if we approached our writing journey the way we’re taught to approach our stories?
Part writer’s guide, part journal, The Writer as the Protagonist: Using the ‘Hero’s Journey’ to Plot Your Career as a Writer looks at how writers can harness familiar concepts found in captivating stories (both film and print) to map out their own writing journey. Each “Guidepost” concludes with thought provoking questions that will help writers discover their hero type; uncover their core desire and fear as a writer; identify helpful guides, allies, and companions; and how to recognize and respond to antagonists, conflict, and dead ends they face along the way!
Discover what’s holding you back as a writer, and what you can do to move past the pitfalls blocking your ultimate goal: creating a fulfilling career as a writer.
An interview with the author:
Shan: You have a brand-new book out! Your first, yes? I adore what you’ve done here, the whole concept of authors learning from their protagonists. I’m dying to know where you came up with the idea.
The last time I watched that film it dawned on me, that piece of advice is as just as pertinent to our writing self as it is to our relational self. As I thought about it more, my comic/superhero-loving brain went on to translate that to “You keep acting like the sidekick when you’re meant to be the hero of your story.”
And that’s how the idea of a writer being a protagonist was born.
Then last fall I participated in a virtual conference hosted by Mary Weber and CJ Redwine, and one of the sessions was on leveling up the tension, obstacles, and character development in our WIPs. As someone who both edits and writes fiction (and who’s been reading big books since 3rd grade), the info wasn’t new to me, but it did get me to start asking myself questions about my own motivations, fears, and obstacles.
There was an “aha” moment when I asked myself, “What would happen if I approached my own writing journey with the same care, attention to detail, and passion as I do with getting to know my own characters and their stories?”
So, long story short…I didn’t intend to sit down and write a book about writers being the protagonists of their own stories, but sometimes you’re given the opportunity to dig into something for yourself that has the potential to become something that helps others. The Writer as the Protagonist was one of those opportunities, and it has been the most challenging, terrifying, overwhelming, and rewarding voyages of discovery that I’ve embarked on to date. But it’s been completely worth it.
Shan: Tell us about your journey? What has it been like to write your way to the shelf? Has it always been your intention to create tools for writers?
Jen: It’s been really hard! Honestly, I never thought I’d write a book for writers about writing, and I certainly didn’t think that it would be my first published book—let alone one that I would publish myself. However, it has always been my goal to encourage writers. I started my first blog in 2012 (The Writer’s Wellspring) because the only books and blogs being published at the time were about how to get published. There wasn’t much that spoke to and encouraged the creative spirit we’re all born with. But then some super heavy things happened in my personal life and I pretty much walked away from writing for a couple of years.
At the time, I thought God had closed the door on my writing and editing career and we had some very long, bitter (from my end) late-night discussions. I didn’t realize it then, but He had a good reason for walking me backwards during that season. He needed me to come to a place where I started recognizing some areas in my life where I needed healing and restoration before we could begin moving forward again—together.
When I started working on The Writer as the ProtaJust the thought of doing that terrified me because I didn’t think I was qualified to publish a book like this on my own. But the more I thought and prayed about it, the more I realized God was inviting me to do something that felt beyond my capabilities while being scared. So, I decided to take that first step.
Looking back, I can see how God was working through my life this entire time to lay the groundwork for me to get to where I am now. He introduced to writers that I’ve become good friends with who encouraged me to start thinking about myself as a writer again, and who have been so kind and generous with their time and experience when I’ve had questions or doubts pop up.
I’ve also realized that all the experiences I had while locked in “the pit of despair” ended up being what equipped me with the courage, skillset, and gumption I needed to grab hold of the opportunity to walk away from an unfulfilling career I’d begun building outside of the publishing industry, and to start my own freelance editing and writing business. I was terrified when I did that (I still am most days, to be honest), but if I could do that while being scared, I knew I could do this.
Because I’ve been working with beginning and established writers for the past five years, I’ve seen that I’m not the only one struggling to figure out how to move forward as a writer. I decided if my e-book helps just one other writer avoid some of the sandpits so many of us end up sinking into, this book would be worth writing.
Shan: Your interest in the publishing industry extends beyond writing your own books, doesn’t it? I’ve been receiving your newsletter for a while now, and I was excited to see you offer editing services? Will you tell us a little about freelance editing and your vision as an editor?
Jen: I truly enjoy writing, but I LOVE editing. As a freelance editor, I get to come alongside authors—especially beginning writers—and help them draw out the true heart of their story. My favorite types of edits are developmental and assessments (which are kind of like professional critiques). I work with the author to look at the story as a whole—plot, characters, dialogue, pacing, world building, conflict and tension, resolution—and how well it speaks to the intended audience. I help the author see what’s working well in the story, and what can be improved to take the story from “it’s good” to “this is fantastic!”
I like to say that editors are the bridge between writers and readers. As I read through a manuscript, I’m trying to balance the vision and voice of the author with the expectation and needs of the reader. Yes, I help with grammar, structure, and punctuation, but there’s so much more to a book than the technical aspects of writing. When I’m done working with an author, I want them to have a story that they can be proud of, but I also want them to feel confident that their words will resonate on a deeper level with their readers. More than anything, however, I want them to walk away with a better understanding of who they are as a writer, and to be armed with new skills that will give them a leg up with every project they take on next.
I know a lot of writers a nervous about showing their work to editors, or even hiring an editor to work with them. But editors are really just people who love books and who are passionate about helping writers succeed in their long-term publishing goals. When you hire a good freelance editor, you’re not just investing in your story, your investing in yourself.
Shan: What advice can you give our readers? While some write solely for themselves, many have aspirations of turning their writing into a career. How would you encourage them?
Jen: Don’t be afraid to try things that scare you. Even if things don’t turn out the way you’d hoped, there are going to be amazing things that you learn about yourself, about your dreams, and about your long-term goals. Things that you wouldn’t have learned if you hadn’t taken a risk to do something new.
But most importantly I’d say, be honest with yourself. Check in with yourself regularly and ask, “What am I looking to accomplish with this project?
Are you looking to try something new, just for yourself? Great! Do that. Are you wanting to share something that’s important to you with others? Fantastic! Ask yourself why it’s important to you to share that specific story or bit of insight with others. Knowing your motivations for doing (or not doing) something will help you evaluate if you’re walking in the right direction, or if you need to make some course corrections to get back on track.
Your characters need a strong and worthwhile motivation to get them through their journeys highs and lows. As a writer, so do you. When you know what your goal is with each project, it makes it easier to show up from beginning to end—even when the road to publication feels impossible.
Shan: What do you have on the horizon, friend? Any projects in progress?
Jen: I’ve got a couple of writers I’ll be working with on stories that I’m really excited about between now and Christmas, but I’m also planning to dive back into my own fiction writing again. I’ll be spending a little time each week in October plotting and daydreaming the overall story arc for the 2nd POV character in the YA fantasy that I shelved to work on The Writer as the Protagonist. While I was away from the story, I realized that she has a much bigger role to play, and I cannot wait to explore her character more. Come November, I plan to join in on NaNoWriMo with this project. We’ll see where things go from there!
Shan: I’m hoping to do NaNoWriMo too, Jen! Fingers crossed I hit my deadline and can make that happen. I do want to say a huge THANK YOU for chatting with me! I’m always learning and I love learning from you. Which brings me to this:
THE FUN STUFF!!!
I want to give away an e-copy of Jennifer’s new book because I want to encourage someone’s writer heart, and I believe Jen’s book will do just that.
To enter, simply comment on this post. Easy peasy, right?
You can tell me how Jennifer’s interview inspired you, or you can ask Jen a question about absolutely anything. If we’re lucky, she’ll pop over and answer your questions.
I’ll select a winner on Wednesday, October 20th, and update this post then with the winner’s name up top. I’ll also reach out to the winner directly via email, so when you fill out the comment form, please use a valid address!
And now it’s your turn. Go, go, go!
Shannon Dittemore is an author and speaker. Her books include the Angel Eyes trilogy, a supernatural foray into the realm of angels and demons, as well as the fantastical adventure novel Winter, White and Wicked. Its sequel, Rebel, Brave and Brutal is due out January 10, 2023.
Shannon’s stories feature strong female leads grappling with fear and faith as they venture into the wilds of the unknown. She’s often wondered if she’s writing her own quest for bravery again and again.
It’s a choice she values highly. Bravery. And she’s never more inspired than when young people ball up their fist and punch fear in the face.
To that end, Shannon takes great joy in working with young writers, both in person and online at Go Teen Writers, an instructional blog recognized by Writer’s Digest four years running as a “101 Best Websites for Writers” selection.
For more about Shannon and her books, please visit her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Hey Jen! Thanks for sharing! The concept of your new book is really an interesting one. I hope I get to read it!
You are so welcome, Ava! I hope that you have the opportunity to read it, but most of all I hope you continue to press on in your own writing journey with courage! —Jen
Ooh, this looks awesome! I often think about the relationship between real life and fiction/art, but not quite like this before.
Hello, Jennifer
I’m Wendy from the UK. I Will definitely read your new book. My path to writing is quite a long winding one! I retired last year at the age of 71. I was a psychotherapist and worked a with troubled teenagers. The old cliche ‘I ‘m still 15 ‘in my head’ certainly applies to me.
My question is : Do I use the current ‘in words’ that this age group employ?
PS I do not use my client’s stories.
Jen, so fun to learn more about you and your journey! You are such an encourager, and I’m excited for the chance to highlight you on Go Teen Writers.
Thanks, Stephanie! Your team has been such a huge encouragement to me over the years and I’m glad I was able to pass on a little on what’s been poured into me on to others! 🙂
This is such a cool concept for a writing book! I never thought about considering my own writing journey from a protagonist’s perspective, but maybe that’s the inspiration I need to keep moving forward. Thanks Jen!
It really has been a huge eye-opener for me, Gabrielle. Learning to recognize our personal needs, fears, and motivations can help us spot trouble spots, but it also helps us lean into who we were marvelously created to be. I look forward to seeing your stories out in the world one day!
This book sounds super neat and encouraging!
Thank you, Jen! Your book sounds so interesting. What are some examples of taking actions like a “main character” in your writing life?
HI, Claudia. That’s a fantastic question. I personally identify with what I call the “reclusive hero,” which are characters who have something of value to share with the world, but for whatever reason tend to hold themselves and their gifts back. I love learning and I love sharing what I learn, but being called a know-it-all as a kid taught me to keep my thoughts to myself. Taking smaller steps with posting to IG and blogging about writing has helped me to develop confidence with sharing publicly again, and it’s also helped me discover an amazing writing community who encouraged me to press forward with this book project.
This interview was so inspiring! I can’t wait to read the book. 🙂
Thanks, Cathryn! I hope it encourages you to take the next step in your own writing journey!
I love the emphasis Miss Lindsay puts on motivation. Intentionality produces longevity. <3
I also loved hearing the heart of an editor. As a teenager pursuing a future as a freelance editor it was fun to read about what that job can look like.
You just warmed my heart, Caylin! And I’m so excited to hear that you want to pursue a career in editing! It can be a challenging job at times, but it’s well worth the effort. As with writing, reading books on writing (along with plenty of published fiction) will go a long way in helping you develop an eye and an ear for the craft! Good luck!
This interview was so inspiring! I can’t wait to read the book. 🙂
I am a struggling writer myself who’s been taking a bit of a step back from writing and pursuing a different degree. I still love writing more though. I would appreciate any help or advice you might have.
Hi, Rachel. First, I’m sending you a hug. I know how difficult it is to feel like you’re walking away from a dead dream. But I will tell you this, that dream was placed in your heart for a reason and sometimes we have to walk down a longer, more winding path to reach the fulfillment of that dream than we originally thought we would. I continued to keep a personal journal during the years I’d stopped writing with the goal of publishing, and those journals have become a treasure to me. I can look back now at the struggle and see the refining purpose in it. Those years also opened up some fantastic opportunities outside of writing that I never would have considered had I been completely focused on publication. Those opportunities have gone on to play a key role in my writing and my editing to this day. My biggest piece of advice is this, keep trusting the One who created your passions. I know it’s hard and doesn’t always feel like He’s there. But He hasn’t forgotten you!
Thank you for this. Thank you for reminding me to keep trusting God, as He knows what I need. Your message was an encouragement to me today.
Hi! I think it is really interesting how you said that you thought God had closed a door on writing for you. It’s kind of funny how we always expect God to do one thing, but then He does another.
Also, that is an amazing cover! Who did the design?
Isn’t that the truth! And His way always ends up being so much grander than anything we could have imagined. As for the cover, we can thank the marvelous Emilie Haney of eahcreative.com. She’s amazing!
I love the idea of applying book structure to a everyday life! That’s such a cool concept. And, wow, I absolutely love your story of God guiding you through your writing journey. That is so inspiring!
Congratulations on your book, and good luck with Nanowrimo.
Thanks, Naomi!
Thanks so much for sharing, Jen! Writing my latest project has been SUCH a struggle for me, and I worried that that meant I wasn’t growing as a writer. This “writer as protagonist” mentality may be just what I need to keep going! <3
If there’s one thing I’ve found to be true it’s that our great growth comes during difficult moments. Just think about all the impossible things we put our characters through before they reach the final conflict. If they hadn’t gone through them early on in the book, they wouldn’t have the wisdom, strength, courage, or skills they needed to succeed. Keep pressing on, Valari! You can do this!
This book looks super interesting. Best of luck diving back into the fiction world again.
Firstly, Jen — Congratulations on your book! I am so excited for this and love seeing the fruition of your ideas come to life! Your passion to help other writers through your editing is inspiring and comes across so clearly. I think this book as your first publication is a perfect fit.
You had so many good nuggets in this interview, but I particularly loved when you said, “I like to say that editors are the bridge between writers and readers.” I totally resonate with that, even to my day job as an administrative assistant in the cybersecurity field. I didn’t expect to end up here, but I’m so lucky to have been given the role of copy editor for my departments risk assessment reports. I connect to what you said because I basically serve as the connection for these technical security analysts to “dumb down” the jargon enough for laypersons like a dean of a college to read the report. Not only do I get to utilize my editing skills to catch grammar and punctuation mistakes and make the reports more professionally presentable overall, I get to be the bridge that connects the security people to the people who use the reports to make business decisions. I find it so incredible that God put me in this job that has nothing to do with my education or background, but I am able to still use my writing skills!
I can’t wait to see what’s next for you.
I absolutely love reading stories like this, Leanne! I’ve worked in a number of jobs where I thought, “I am not qualified for this by any stretch of the imagination, only to discover that couldn’t be further from the truth! Just look at how your territory is growing as you continue to trust Him with the gifts and talents He created you with! Onward and upward, my friend!
Great idea! I need to learn how to be the hero.
It’s definitely an on-going process, but it can help us identify areas were we need to step into the action instead of being carried away by the events of our lives. I introduce four main hero types in a series of posts over on my website that make for a good place to start, if you’re interested: http://thewriterswellspring.com/what-kind-of-hero-are-you/
Oooh, okay, this is so cool!!!
readreviewrejoiceATgmailDOTcom
What an interesting concept for a writing book! As you said, most are geared toward getting published.
I’m quickly discovering that there’s a need for books like these. I didn’t realize how much until I started sharing posts on the topic this past year.
That’s a super cool book idea, the Writer At The Protagonist! I’d never thought of writers like that, but it makes so much sense! I’m looking forward to reading it. Blessings on your YA fantasy, a genre I love to write in too!
Thank you, Jeremiah! I hope you find it helpful in your writing journey, and I wish you all the best as you press on in writing your own stories!
Your book sounds so encouraging, and I love how it comes right of your life. ❤️
Thank you, Lydia. That was actually a bit of a challenge for me during the writing process because I tend to hold personal things very tightly. The more I started sharing some of the big picture ideas with others, however, the easier it became to share some of the more personal aspects as well. It’s definitely a project that God used to grow and develop me as a writer and as a person. 😀
Jen, what you said about your writing journey with God is so encouraging. I tend to get discouraged sometimes about my writing because of how slow my progress is, so to be reminded that it’s all in God’s hands is what I needed to hear today. Also, your book looks so beautiful and I love the concept of viewing our writing journeys as the Hero’s journey– so amazing! I would love to read it!
I’m so glad to hear this, Karis! So often we want the quick and easy road, but what we fail to realize is that it’s the slow road that best prepares us for the future joys and challenges that await us! Keep walking, keep trusting, and keep writing! Can’t wait to see all that He has in store for you in His perfect timing!
I thought I published a comment but now I’m not seeing it, so apologies in advance if I already submitted one haha.
I think it’s so neat that you are sharing a book like this with the idea of a writer being a protagonist. I probably act like the funny friend way more than a writer so I’m interested to see what kind of encouragement might apply to me. It sounds really neat.
Hi, Bethany, I don’t think I saw your comment either! Being the funny friend or the plucky sidekick has its moments, but as they say, without risk there can be no reward. I share some ideas about some different strengths and weaknesses for the 4 hero types over on my blog that might help you find a way to press on. You can find them at: http://thewriterswellspring.com/what-kind-of-hero-are-you/
This is such a cool concept for a book! I reflect a lot on the idea of the hero’s journey in my writing and my life and faith. It’s so encouraging to hear your story!
Thanks, Abby! It’s good to know that I’m not alone in looking at our writing through this lens! If you’re posting these ideas anywhere, I’d love to read them!
This book looks awesome! I’m really intriuged, I might have to get this book myself!
Thanks, Hannah! I hope you do, and I hope it encourages you and your writing!
I can’t wait to read this book, it sounds inspiring!
Wow, this is definitely not a way I have ever thought about writing, but it sounds really cool and helpful!
What a cool, unique concept! I love looking at the writer’s journey this way – it makes the challenges seem all the more exciting!
Wow I love your unique concept. It very intriguing. I. Can’t wait to your book.
There are times in my life that I see almost a book plot being carried out, so seeing myself, a struggling teen writer, as a protagonist in a story is easy to see.
Thanks for putting so much effort into this project, Jennifer! Most of the time, readers judge the finished product, toss it aside if they think it’s boring, and overall don’t appreciate all the time, money, and energy that went into the masterpiece they’re holding. My question is: How do you stay motivated during the writing process? Lately, “eyes on the prize” has only discouraged me. God could potentially be calling me to a different path, but writing was so fulfilling before I was self-published and then started putting so much pressure on myself. Any thoughts?
Hi, Tracy. Elijah’s story came to mind as I read your comment. When we see him for the first time, he’s come out of nowhere and yet stands before the king as if he were a king himself. Then he’s immediately taken out of the picture and forced to sit on the sidelines while God works out His purpose through the drought and famine. Then, once again, Elijah comes out of nowhere to do a miraculous thing at Mount Carmel, and once again he’s taken into a rocky desert. In both cases, God was purposefully requiring him to rest in His strength and provision. Part of the answer to your question is right your last sentence.You’re feeling pressured to do more and be more, in your own strength. I’ve found that the moment I begin to put the pressure and responsibility to produce/succeed/move ahead on myself, it becomes a burden that I cannot carry. Perhaps the different path you feel God calling you to isn’t so much a different path, but a different route to the same destination. One that will give you some much-needed rest from the expectations that are currently making you feel stuck. Lean into it. Look for the ways He’s speaking into your life and the other opportunities He’s placing before you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been surprised by how the the things I witnessed, experienced, or took part in while I stepped away from writing are now informing the very things I write and edit. It truly is marvelous! Trust Him. He’s got you!
I’m definitely putting this on my TBR list.