We dive into the Ali Hazelwood situation and the lessons it left behind—yes, it’s been resolved, but it’s a powerful reminder: authors are human, and if something doesn’t serve you, it’s okay to walk away without cruelty. We’re all here because we love stories, even if we don’t all love the same ones.

Jen shares her journey writing The Veiled God series—spoiler: it’s not a pirate book, no matter what people think! She took the brave step of writing a quiet, introverted FMC, knowing not everyone gravitates to that character type, but standing by her choice anyway.

We talk about the unpredictability of author life, the absence of a rule book, and how sometimes you have to get it wrong before you get it right. From balancing life as a working mom to drawing character inspiration from her brothers (built-in research squad!), Jen brings humor and heart.

We also touch on grief, growth, and healing—how writing helps her process the loss of a loved one. As a multi-genre author flipping between fantasy and romance, she’s all about learning the craft, finding what works for you, and giving yourself the freedom to evolve.

You can follow Jen on instagram here.