Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Thompson.
Jen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have loved to write for as long as I can remember. I have stacks upon stacks and bins filled with old journals that contain records of how I have spent my days, along with some of my deepest and most true feelings. The other day, I pulled down a pile of old journals and as I was flipping through, I found a page where I wrote about my dream of one day writing books. I wrote that I wanted to be an author. I didn’t know how it would be possible. But, I hoped and prayed it would be true.
Fast forward to now, as I sit here typing these words, that dream has become a reality.
I am so grateful for every door that has been opened and for every opportunity I have been gifted. Like most good things in life, this has taken time. Years. Decades. It started with the creation of a blog and a social media account where I declared I was a writer. I decided part of making this dream come true was speaking about it to others. As I spoke about this dream in my heart, people encouraged me to take the next steps. A friend of mine introduced me to an editor, and I began freelancing for parenting magazines. Another friend connected me with a writer online who led me to the Her View From Home community. As I connected with other writers in pursuit of sharing their hearts and stories and love and faith online, I learned about writers who were seeking agents and writing book proposals. I wasn’t sure what would come of it, but I had to try.
I will spare you all the details, but I signed with an incredible agency and landed a contract to write my first book, Return to Jesus: An Invitation to Abide with Him in Every Beautiful, Stressful, and Tedious Moment. I then wrote a devotional coloring book titled Grace in All Places and a couple’s journal, You are My Answered Prayer.
As I said before, every opportunity is a gift. I pray for those who read my words, and I give thanks to God for every opportunity I have to share my heart.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Part of writing is rejection, and that has definitely not always been easy.
Rejection hurts. I have had to learn to not take the rejection personally. Because my book or my story isn’t a good fit for a publisher, doesn’t mean it’s not a good story. And sometimes, the no responses really are not yets. Sometimes, they are opportunities to revisit the idea and see if it needs to be shared from a different angle or perspective.
Rejection still isn’t easy, but it doesn’t hurt me quite as badly as it did in the beginning.
I know it’s part of what I do. The important thing is that I don’t let the rejection define me, and that I don’t quit because of a no reply I’ve been given.
I thought I was going to receive a contract for my first book proposal. Instead, I had to go back to the drawing board and start all over with a brand new idea. It hurt deeply and I thought about quitting several times, but I knew in my heart my writing journey wasn’t finished yet.
I started over with a proposal for Return to Jesus – and I know now, this was meant to be my first book.
The road wasn’t smooth, but it was important and meaningful and taught me so many things. If you find yourself on a bumpy road today, don’t give up. Your time will come. I believe in you.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a faith-based author who shares vulnerably about the good and the hard parts of life. I titled my social accounts and blog Truly Yours, Jen because I want my writing to feel like a warm, comforting letter from a friend. I don’t pretend to have it all together. I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I am on a journey of healing and growing, as we hopefully all are. Life is not easy. It is full of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, highs and lows. I thank the Lord for His love and His grace that covers it all.
I feel blessed to be able to share my heart and my words and pray for my readers. I want them to know they are deeply loved and that there is no road they will travel where God has not been.
I am grateful for every opportunity I am given and hope and pray my words are a source of comfort for those who read them.
Pricing:
- Return to Jesus: An Invitation to Abide with Him in Every Beautiful, Stressful, or Tedious Moment: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747877/return-to-jesus-by-jen-thompson/
- Grace in All Places: A Devotional Coloring Book: https://amzn.to/4aUuJZF
- You are My Answered Prayer: https://amzn.to/4filtQu
- Here are links to my books! If you could share that would be amazing! Thank you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenthompsonauthor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trulyyoursjen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trulyyoursjen
- Other: https://www.trulyyoursjen.com
