Adventures in Debsland: Jennifer Jabaley

Look! An interview!

Today we have Jennifer Jabaley, author of Lipstick Apology, sharing her publication journey.

So without further ado, here's how Jennifer got here:

Did you always want to be a writer?

The honest answer is no. I've always been a reader but I never really contemplated writing until I was in my mid-twenties. At that point it just sort of felt like a wild hair - a random revelation - yes! I want to write! And really, it's so fulfilling to me, I'm surprised I didn't try it sooner.

What was the most difficult part about writing Lipstick Apology?

It was difficult for me to achieve the appropriate tone. The idea behind Lipstick Apology is pretty serious - losing your parents, having an unexplained apology - but my natural style and personality tends toward a lighter style. My editor suggested axing the whole first three chapters which were pretty sad and get right to the faster pace fun. This was a little shocking to me, but she was so right. The story is much better.

What is something that helped in you actually finish writing your story?

From page one I knew how I wanted to end the story. It was the drive I needed to plow through writing the middle. I'm a major believer in outlines or at least a general plot synopsis. For me, if I know where I'm going, I'm much more likely to arrive. Otherwise I'd just be driving aimlessly, wind up way off course. Probably at the beach :)

Did you also want to write for young adults, or did you just get lucky it turned out that way? ;)

I read everything, both YA and adult. But Lipstick Apology was meant from the start to be Emily's story - that of a 16 yr old who loses her parents. However, right now I just completed an adult novel, although the main character is 20 - so not that far out of YA!

Can you describe your road to getting agent and publication?

I'm very lucky in that my road to getting an agent and publication was fairly short compared to many debut authors. I think because my nature tends to be detail and research oriented, finding the right agent became a project that I tackled in a systematic way: I took all my favorite books off my shelf and looked in the acknowledgement sections to see if they mentioned an agent name. Then I queried that agent referencing the book I loved. I think not only did this show my knowledge of the industry, but it put me in touch with agents that had similar likes and styles that I did. I signed with Tricia Davey (of Sanford J Greenburger) and it has been a wonderful match.. Additionally, Tricia hooked me up with my editor, Lexa Hillyer, who also tends to like the same books/movies/TV that I like. When personalities align, I think it makes for great working relationships.

What was your reaction when you first heard you got an agent/publisher?

I was shocked, elated, excited. It's strange because I really don't think the reality of it all truly hit until I was holding the advanced copy in my hands. Then I was like, WOW, I have an agent. I have an editor. This is really going to be a book. In a store. That other people read.

How has the blogging community and fellow authors helped you in your journey?

I can not stress enough how wonderful the community of writers is. I was so fortunate to be directed to a LiveJournal group called The Debutantes of 2009 - a community of debut YA and MG authors that will release their books in 2009. This community has been enormously supportive.. We have aided each other on this amazing journey and each one of them have become a friend.

At the encouragement of my editor I did begin blogging this winter. It's a little strange to me as I tend to be a private person, but I look to the amazing Sarah Dessen's blog for inspiration and see how she has managed to create this wonderful journal where her readers truly feel like they are her friends. I hope that through my random posts people will connect to me a little bit more. (http://jenniferjabaley.livejournal.com)

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Thanks so much, Jennifer!

Here's a description of Lipstick Apology, if you need one, straight from Amazon:

Sometimes a good-bye is just the beginning…

When Emily Carson’s parents die in a plane crash, she’s left with nothing but her mother’s last words scrawled in lipstick on a tray table: “Emily, please forgive me.”

Now it’s fall and Emily moves to New York City— where she attracts the attention of two very different boys: the cute, popular Owen, and her quirky chemistry partner, Anthony. With the help of some surprising new friends, Emily must choose between the boy who helps her forget and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately heal.

Debut author Jennifer Jabaley has written a wonderful, feel-good romantic comedy with real emotional depth. Full of lovably wacky characters, Lipstick Apology is a heartwarming story about the true meaning of forgiveness.

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Sounds good, yeah? I definitely want to read it. The book is officially released on August 6, which is only a few days from now! Congrats on your release, Jennifer!

Links: Jennifer's website/blog/the Lipstick Apology book trailer

Razorbill/Paperback/$9.99/Amazon/B&N/Borders/IndieBound