We caught up with the brilliant and insightful N. Jane Quackenbush a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
N. Jane , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
After many years of studying the literary greats, feeling absolutely inadequate, I realized that even the most talented artists have to start somewhere. When I was a child I was misunderstood because it always seemed like I wasn’t paying attention, but secretly I was paying a lot of attention to my subconscious thoughts, hopes and dreams. I didn’t learn or think the way most other people my age and oftentimes felt obscure, but then I realized that’s what made me…me. And everyone has a unique perspective. I realized that all my writing heroes had something in common…they were a person and … I’m a person, too. So when I realized that the only real quality I needed in order to do what I wanted to do was to be a person, then I thought, if that person could do, then so could I. I just had to want it. So, I decided that what I wanted was to become an author. And every day I took steps to make that a reality. Some small, some more complex but each day I walk closer and closer to my goals. It wasn’t easy and it has not been exactly what I thought it would be, but I regret nothing. And I love encouraging others to follow their dreams.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am an author who specials in STEM-based fiction who has dabbled in other exciting genres like fantasy and…(eh hem)…RomCom. All of my books share a thread of astronomy which neatly binds them so eloquently together. I am also an artist who struggles with diving up time between my two passions because both are so delightful! I paint mostly fairies, unicorns, mushrooms, and other magical scenes for theraputtic reasons. And have been honored by some magical-loving folks who have paid me for them…(Imagine my glee!) Oh, and I have a penchant for all things Halloween, too.
My writing adventure began with a dream that I had at just 4 years old. I went to my grandparents for my very first sleepover and when I fell asleep my bed turned into a rocket ship and I cruised around the solar system for what seemed like all night. It was a very vivid dream and I can still recall the sights, sensations, and all the fascinating things I saw. I believe that dream launched my perspective to reside in the great beyond. And why I always seem to get in trouble for daydreaming.
I love providing unique and wholesome worlds to my readers and clients. It is very important to me that I leave a positive legacy. My books and art are designed to give my readers and viewers something beyond our world to imagine. I love stargazing and imaging all the possibilities that await our discovery and it is my job to provide the wonder…that there is so much more than what our eyes can perceive.
As a lifelong Christian, it is very important to provide an exemplary place for my readers to get enthralled. As an open-minded artist, I make it a point to include every magical life/creature, great and small. I believe what sets my work apart from others is the ability to weave science and magic together in a fun, (oftentimes outrageously silly), thought-provoking manner that even the most advanced readers could find themselves thinking novel thoughts.
My first published book, The Rocket Ship Bed Trip won the FAPA President’s Gold Metal Award for Best Picture Book 2014. It was endorsed by a record-breaking astronaut, was featured at The Carnegie Museum, and The Kennedy Space Center. To be included among such esteemed establishments was more than gratifying and gave me more confidence to move forward on this incredible adventure.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Find authors in your area. Go to your local farmer’s market and look for other artists/writer’s. People who are doing what you want to do are your greatest resource. Volunteer to help other aspiring authors because you will learn so much from them. Get on social media and follow winning-recipes for success. Sign up for newsletters. I found Kindlepreneur to be helpful. It helps authors find their audience. Read everything you can in your desired genre. Don’t be intimidated. I have always felt “unqualified” for everything I have managed to overcome. I still have so much more to learn but it’s hard when you hear so many ideas sometimes conflicting from multiple sources. It’s hard to stay focused. I highly suggest reading Publisher’s Weekly if you are an aspiring author. Get to know the field and become familiar with the correct process. Join writer’s group. Most libraries host some kind of writer’s groups. There are also many different groups on Facebook that I have joined that leave me with more knowledge every time. I’m not a huge engager, but I do read a lot of the comments to get a better understanding on how to improve my path.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Yes. My mission is to leave a positive legacy. It is my hope that the first generation of readers of my books will remember it as their favorite book, they wanted to read over and over again. It would be a dream come true if they would share my stories with their children and so on.
Contact Info:
- Website: hiddenwolfbooks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n.janequackenbush/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocketshipbedtrip/
- Linkedin: N. Jane Quackenbush
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nancyjanequackenbush/videos