Jessica K. Foster shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jessica K., really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m proud of building my work ethic one routine at a time. I don’t always feel like writing, but I do always show up and do my best to cross things off my list. I live in eternal optimism that work ethic and opportunity will align in ways I haven’t seen yet.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jessica K. Foster, and I am a young adult romance author. My titles include ANDY AND THE EXTROVERTS, ANDY AND THE SUMMER OF SOMETHING, and in March, THE FRAMING GAME will hit shelves. I also have short stories and poetry published in various journals and anthologies. By day, I teach middle school Language Arts and am also a wife and mom to two beautiful boys. Much of my life is a balancing act, but every square inch of it is filled with joy.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when my story was selected for an honor at the elementary level. When it was read aloud to my class, they all laughed and told me I was good at writing. The fact that I had the power, through my words, to make people smile, felt like the best power in the world.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say something kind to a younger Jessie, it would be “You are enough.” I wish I could say this to all our younger selves. You’re doing your best. You’re doing enough.
Too often, I used to waste time trying to fit into a mold of what I thought I needed to be in order to have friends, romance, or good work relations. Since embracing who I actually am (which is a bit of a sensitive weirdo), I’m much happier and that happiness brings a kind of calm my former self struggled to find.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I love this question. Yes and no. The public version of me is the most confident version of myself. It exists inside me, but I’m not that confident (or loud) all the time, and that’s okay!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I think writing was something I was born to do. I think of stories and consume stories constantly. It feels natural to extend that into creation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessicakfoster.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/JessicaKFosterAuthor
- Twitter: https://X.com/JessicaKFoster
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/JessicaKFosterAuthor
