We recently connected with Jes McCutchen and have shared our conversation below.

Jes, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Writing the young adult books and actually getting them into the hands of YA readers in Oklahoma has been so meaningful. I set out to write queer-normative stories set in Oklahoma where I grew up. I wanted to show diverse kids in science-fiction and fantasy settings where they aren’t being harmed by society because of who they are. The parents, the schools, the peers, the strangers, are all accepting of the varied identities of the characters. I wanted queer, and neurodiverse kids in Oklahoma to see themselves fighting the aliens, and solving the mysteries. Having adventures with their friends and getting happy endings.

I’ve gotten to meet with groups of youths many times and it always brings so much joy to my soul when they light up, realizing they can see themselves reflected in the stories. It’s the utopia I wish for all of them. But with, you know, swamp monsters and occasional cultists.

Getting to see people’s faces light up when I give them the run-down of what my books are about and they can see themselves in the main characters. Whether they have a physical disability, or are queer, or are neurodiverse, I write stories purposefully to give people chances to put themselves in the story.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I wear many hats. I’m a multimedia artist and just wrapped up my first solo art show at Positive Space Tulsa. It was a character study that explored the life of an interstellar space traveler. I created artifacts from her life and created a museum exhibit about her. I like to joke that I’m like a Pokemon trainer, but with genres. Gotta catch em’ all.

I bounce between poetry, YA fiction, children’s books, and more. I also like to explore different art mediums. If it’s a new experience I’m here for it.

But my primary focus is on writing, editing, and publishing. “Between the Mess and Magic” was the first anthology I put together and published along with half a dozen contributors. I’m currently working on another, this one exploring what it means to be a homemaker today. I love working with other creators.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Local local local. The best way to support artists and creatives is in your own town. Tulsa has such a thriving creative community because we show up for each other. Go to those coffee shop poetry readings. Check out the small art gallery. Shop at the art markets. Your purchase of a small work of art or a book from someone in your town goes so far when it comes to encouraging them and signaling to businesses that there is a market for homegrown arts.

Don’t buy things online. Popping into the local bookshop might not get you the book you want right that second, but having a real person order it for you means they can keep their doors open and gives you an excuse to go back later. And who doesn’t love to pop into a local bookshop?

This same thing goes for all types of artisans. Bakers, brewers, authors, comics, poets and more. Keeping it local makes more of an impact than most people realize.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I actually started my social media presence as a Planner / bullet journal influencer. I loved all things sticker and pen related. While I’ve transitioned to an artist/author presence online, I still maintain relationships with a dozen or so folks I met through that other venture. Remembering that your followers and mutuals are real people who can support each other is really important. Being genuine and excited at the milestones of folks you may only know because of one overlapping hobby or career path, can make the difference between being a part of a vibrant online community or not.

As far as advice goes, back up everything you can on your own website. Social media platforms come and go (at times quite suddenly), and having your own website that you control is super important.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jesmccutchenwrites.com
• Instagram: jesmwrites
• Other: https://jesmwrites.itch.io/

  https://bsky.app/profile/jesmwrites.bsky.social