We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica McEachern. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Jessica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
If I could go back in time, I would have released children’s books and recorded music sooner. I would have released children’s books and music while I was in college. At the time, I was focused on completing my undergraduate and graduate degrees. My children’s book, When I Grow Up, was published in 2017. My first single, Scared to Love, was released in 2018. I completed my undergraduate degree in Social Work in 2006. I completed my first master’s degree, a Master of Arts in Teaching, in 2008. I completed my second master’s degree in Social Work in 2010. Starting sooner would have allowed me to release more books and music and possibly be further along toward my goals in books and music. The choice of books and music released might have been different if I had begun releasing them sooner, which could have changed which children’s books and music singles were released first.
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 Jessica McEachern, an author, publisher, social worker, songstress, and songwriter. I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Social Work from East Carolina University. I have been writing books and music since childhood, and I have always had a deep love for writing. I grew up singing in the youth choir at church. I released one of my many children’s books, When I Grow Up, in 2017. I have also released five singles: Scared to Love (2018), Be with Me (2018), Naughty (2021), Tonight (2022), and Lipstick (2023). I write all of my books and music. I work with a music producer in Charlotte, North Carolina, who composes the beats that I purchase. I pre-record my songs at home and then record them at the producer’s studio. I am the songwriter, composer, recording artist, and publisher of my music.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is writing. Writing is expression and storytelling through books and music. It is exploration and artistic fulfillment. Writing is also therapeutic and healing. Being able to share stories and experiences with others through books and music is powerful and innovative. There is so much excitement when words come to life through illustrations. There is a strong sense of accomplishment when listening to the final version of a song and completing the process of releasing it.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Being an author, artist, songwriter, songstress, and social worker is part of my journey. I am passionate about writing and social work. As a social worker, I am a change agent, advocate, counselor, and liaison. I serve as a voice for vulnerable populations, embracing diversity and inclusion while empowering individuals, families, and communities. In my role, I help improve the quality of life for individuals, families, groups, and society as a whole. As I continue my journey in social work, I remain committed to addressing systemic issues and promoting social change. As an author and songwriter, I strive to share meaningful stories through books and music. I aspire for my work to reach audiences worldwide, and I hope my children’s books inspire and uplift readers everywhere.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjessicamceachern
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessicaMcEachern/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHH6xcfTTsQ&list=RDqHH6xcfTTsQ&start_radio=1
