We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Leigh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?
As a writer of mythology-forward fantasy romance, I feel that I may have some differing opinions than some individuals within my industry. Despite the consistent success of the romance books year after year, this genre often faces dismissiveness and lack of recognition within certain circles of the literary world. This marginalization, in my opinion, can largely be attributed to internalized misogyny, where works predominantly created by women and for women are undervalued and overlooked.
Romance narratives, which consistently dominate bestseller lists and inspire dedicated readerships, challenge conventional views of what constitutes noteworthy literature, work worthy of garnering recognition and technical awards. Unfortunately, the romance genre’s success is still often dismissed as trivial or formulaic, disregarding the skill, emotional depth, and cultural impact these stories hold.
The continued lack of respect for romance writers and readers reflects broader societal biases that diminish the creative contributions of women, yet the genre’s influence on readers and its undeniable commercial success stands as a testament to its paramount importance in the literary landscape.
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 am an emerging author of fantasy romance. I published “A Daughter Forged in Fire” as my debut novel in September 2023. Since publication, I am happy to report that my books have enjoyed significant success, rising to the top of the charts on Amazon and other platforms. “A Daughter Forged in Fire”, along with my second novel “A Destiny Spun in Silver”, released in May 2024, forms part of an engaging trilogy that has captivated readers both locally and internationally.
Beyond the realms of fiction, I feel that my mission transcends storytelling; with each story, I endeavor to shed light on the intricate journey of individuals navigating complex trauma through self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of fantastical worlds, I believe that my romance narratives serve as compelling expressions for raising awareness about the profound challenges faced by those on the path to healing.
What I am most proud of is my ability to connect with readers on a deep level, offering them a space where they can reflect, heal, and be entertained. I would like potential readers and followers to know that my work goes beyond romance; it’s about understanding the complexities of the human experience and finding strength through adversity. Romance is a genre that has allowed many women to heal through the narratives woven onto the page. Through the lens of mythology and history, I want to continue to elevate voices from both the past and present that readers can relate with on their own journeys.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of writing is when readers reach out to me to tell me the ways in which they connected to the story or the characters. Some of my characters have endured unspeakable things within the narratives of my work. When my stories align with those who have been through similar situations and are navigating their own healing journeys, it brings a new layer of purpose and meaning to my mission, each time I sit down to type.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I will say that my current audience on social media is still small, compared to some authors or influencers. However, I feel that the community that I have built on Instagram specifically, has been one that has nurtured and encouraged my growth as a writer. I am surrounded by individuals who promote my work, provide uplifting feedback, and are a listening ear when I need to talk or brainstorm ideas–all because they genuinely want to. I am very proud to be a part of the network of authors, readers, book reviewers, and other creatives that I have connected with on social media. I feel that this type of online community provides the most benefit and encouragement to up-and-coming creatives when the foundation is strong, organic, and authentic, much like I feel that mine has been. I feel very lucky.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.authorjessicaleigh.com
- Instagram: @authorjessleigh
- Other: Tiktok: @authorjessicaleigh
Image Credits
Carla Zaio