We recently connected with Jay Sparks and have shared our conversation below.

Jay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Five months into full-time freelancing, I was so desperate that I called my old boss begging for my corporate job back. When he told me it wasn’t available, I was devastated. I’d been trying to build my full-time writing business alone, and failing spectacularly.

That’s when I saw a LinkedIn post about a June 2024 writing workshop in Paris. Financially, it made no sense. But I realized isolation was killing my career, so I took the risk.

I met published authors and travel writers, including the Program Director of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and an editor at large for National Geographic Traveler magazine, exactly the kind of people who could give me industry-specific feedback. I went to every panel, asked questions afterward, and shared my work for critique.

The feedback and connections I made expanded my world. I started seeking more input on my work and building relationships with other writers. I received an invitation to write for the website Wavecomber. When I landed a client in January to write their weekly newsletter, I applied what I’d learned about storytelling and audience engagement. They loved it so much that within two months, they asked me to write app and website copy. By March, I became their regular blog writer. Yesterday, they called to offer me bylined pieces and hinted at much bigger projects ahead.

This progression never would have happened if I’d stayed isolated. Success isn’t just talent. It’s about calculated risks and the courage to share work with the people who can help you grow.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a storyteller who went from writing scripts at NPR to helping health and wellness brands connect authentically with their audiences.

I started my career interning and then working for NPR’s Weekend Edition, writing blog posts and scripts. One story about authors sparked my fascination with storytelling craft, and I spent years studying and writing fiction—though I kept it to myself back then.

After NPR, I took a corporate role that left me unfulfilled, so I combined my storytelling skills with my business experience. I studied copywriting and launched a part-time writing business. My first client came through Instagram—I posted about offering copywriting services, and a friend starting his law firm asked me to write their landing pages.

Now I specialize in blog posts, newsletters, and website copy for health and wellness companies, along with fiction and travel writing. Having struggled with anxiety for years, I understand how the right words can help people feel less alone and more empowered to make positive changes.

One of my favorite projects is working with a mental health company where I break down complex concepts for their readers. I bring professional storytelling experience and personal insight to this work—I know what it’s like to need that guidance.

I’m currently refining my first novel, a blend of dark fantasy and mental health themes, which keeps my creative storytelling skills sharp for my commercial work.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

When my corporate role didn’t fit me creatively, I remember looking at the cubicle farm around me and thinking, “There’s got to be more.” When a co-worker connected me with a partner organization needing writers, I wrote press releases and blog posts on the side.

I dreamed of turning this into something bigger, so I took a copywriting course and posted about my new services on Instagram. My first client came through that Instagram post. That led to referrals and a growing side business. Meanwhile, a close friend and fellow writer coached and connected me with opportunities.

The “A-Ha!” moment arrived a couple of years later. I’d just finished the first draft of my novel at my kitchen table. I thought, “If I could do this, I could make my business full-time!” Two days later, I gave my boss two weeks’ notice.
But running your own business is different than a side hustle. I isolated myself, tried to do everything alone, and the business tanked. My anxiety exploded.

My close friend and writing mentor checked in on me and said something that shifted my perspective: “I don’t think you’ve been rejected enough.” So I started pitching more actively. When Apartment Therapy accepted one of my article ideas, I knew I could make this work.

They published that article right before I left for the Paris writing workshop, and returning with new writing and networking skills helped me secure the clients I work with today. As challenging as some days can be, I’m grateful for the chance to use and refine skills that enliven me and empower readers.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes! I wish I’d discovered how vibrant LinkedIn is much earlier. It’s now my #1 source for connections and opportunities. Most of my clients come through LinkedIn networking. I found one client because a college connection posted about their new business, and I reached out to introduce myself and my services.

As a writer who occasionally needs simple graphics, Canva helps me create social media content and client presentations without hiring a designer for every small project.

For craft development, several books shaped my approach to storytelling:

– The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell: Examines the hero archetype in world myths
– The Elements of Style by Strunk and White: Essential for clear, concise writing
– Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody: Breaks down story beats in a practical way
– Story by Robert McKee: Deep dive into what makes stories compelling
– On Writing by Stephen King: Demystifies the writing process and mindset
– How to Tell a Story by The Moth: Perfect for learning authentic, engaging storytelling

And I’ll be forever grateful to the Paris Writers Workshop offered through WICE. That investment in learning and networking transformed my craft and approach to building a creative career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaysparkswrites/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysparkswrites/

Image Credits

Tana Metcalf