Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jacqueline Kopito. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jacqueline, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

As an identical twin myself, I always wanted to write a book about twins which I’ve finally did with Twintastic, my fiction book for tweens & twins.

My strong connection with my identical twin sister Amy, who shares my memories of childhood mischief, middle school, and friendship, inspired the story. Then, I thought it would be great for the twin protagonists to have magical powers because who doesn’t love cool, magical powers. Childhood experiences with friends, including bike rides, sleepovers, and laughter, also influenced the book.

Being a spiritual person, I love having crystals (for positive energy) and lighting candles (to bring light to my wishes) throughout my house. These elements also found their way into the story.

All these life experiences provided the material to create a story. Slowly, my manuscript evolved into Twintastic, with its exploration of family dynamic, trust, friends and, the consequences of the misuse of power – each of which is so important for tweens to absorb.

Writing Twintastic was a rewarding journey, filled with moments of intense focus and creative inspiration. Regardless of its success, my primary motivation was the love I had for the writing process itself. It allowed me to express my thoughts and ideas, create characters and worlds, and discover myself. This personal journey was very fulfilling and a worthwhile endeavor.

Jacqueline, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My writing journey began with a desire to share my experiences, particularly about being a twin. This led me to contribute to TWIN Magazine, where I connected with a community that shared my experiences.

As my love for writing grew, I ventured into different storytelling avenues, such as the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. This heartwarming collection of stories offered the perfect platform to share my personal tales, anecdotes, and life lessons. Recently, one of my stories was published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Time for Christmas.”

My passion for writing extended to various magazines and newspapers, but my favorite topic remained being a twin. This passion inspired my first book, “Twintastic.”

As I continued to write and engage with readers, I’ve noticed a common thread in the questions and curiosity that emerged from my twin-focused writings. Many people, both twins and parents of twins, would approach me with questions about the twin experiences. A common question would be, “Should twins attend the same college?” It was during these interactions that I began to embrace the title of a “twin expert.” I take great pride in this role which allows me to assist twins and their parents with a wide array of twin-related questions and concerns.

Through my writing, my book, and my role as a twin expert, I hope to continue celebrating the joys and complexities of being a twin while providing guidance and support to those who seek it.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When my publisher, who happened to be based in India, informed me that I would need to take charge of promoting Twintastic, in the United States, I was faced with a huge challenge. The prospect of my book being available on Amazon was exciting, but the question remained: How would potential readers ever discover it unless I took matters into my own hands?

I quickly realized I had to take action and step out of my comfort zone. With determination, I embarked on a journey to promote my work. I enthusiastically sought out every available podcast, leveraged the power of various social media platforms, and collaborated with magazines for interviews and features.

Surprisingly, as I ventured beyond my comfort zone, I discovered a sense of fulfillment that I had never experienced before. The process of self-promotion, initially a daunting prospect, turned into a rewarding adventure. It became a journey of personal growth, and the joy of connecting with readers who resonated with my story.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Writing is the way I connect with my readers. It’s a heartwarming experience when they reach out to express how much they’ve loved my book. Many of my readers are from the ages 7- 12 years old. These messages and emails are so wonderful to receive. Hearing about the impact my work has on someone else is truly great, reinforcing why I do what I do.

I’m reminded that being a writer is not just about the art of creation but also about the connection. When I visit schools for a book reading or go to book fairs, I love meeting all the young boys and girls and seeing their smiles!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jacquelinekopito.com
• Instagram: @jacquelinetwin
• Facebook: @Jacqueline Davidson Kopito Author
• Linkedin: @Jacqueline Davidson Kopito
• Youtube: @jacquelinekopitowriterandt6091