We recently connected with Jessica Clem and have shared our conversation below.

JESSICA, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

It took me ten years to learn how to write a novel. My first book was a collection of short stories with gossamer-thin transitions. There was no actual plot–it read more like a fever dream. I was under the innocent impression that all a writer has to do to publish a book was write the damn thing. It should have been simple.

I collected many agent rejections from that book. I didn’t understand how that could be. I had written the damn thing, right?

The only thing I could do was write another book—and then another. And another. I established a daily writing routine around my job, took it upon myself to find local writing classes and query critiques, attended book festivals and writing conferences, looked up my favorite authors’ interviews about craft, and was shocked to learn that most professional writers have several unpublished manuscripts languishing in desk drawers. Most importantly, I slugged it out day after day on the page.

Finally, after six books and hundreds of rejections, my seventh book will be published in November 2026.

I wouldn’t do anything differently. The only way to grow as a creator is to experience failure and not let it deter you. I learned to feel rejection’s sting, dust myself off, and keep going.

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

I received my master’s degree in 2010 from the University of Nebraska in Omaha and planned to go into public administration and planning. But the first once-in-a-generation recession hit, and nobody was hiring. Instead, I found a project management job with a local design company. Soon, I was writing content for our website and branding clients. My career took me to a videography startup, where I became a producer and scriptwriter. Writing was always part of my job, but it was never my sole role. Finally, I took a digital strategist job with an SEO company and became a full-time professional writer.

I’ve been writing for almost ten years in various industries. I’ve written for aerospace manufacturing companies, architects, universities, healthcare, and more. I’m now a writer/editor at the University of Minnesota.

The most important thing I provide to clients is a good story. I want to craft their story in a unique, readable way that showcases their mission and values without being prescriptive. My writing also helps improve the user experience for UMN students, faculty, and staff, which is incredibly satisfying.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mother died of cancer when I was fourteen. She was an avid reader and horror fan and always supported my creative writing. In her last note, she urged me to keep writing and never to give up. Her advice has stuck with me for twenty-six years. I keep her memory alive with every word.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had known earlier in my career how many excellent free classes the library offers. I’ve taken query critiques, plot-building workshops, novel writing courses, classes on finding agents, and more. The library is a precious resource to writers at any stage of their careers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jessicaclem.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: @heyitsclem
• Twitter: @jrclem