- Where did you grow up? Did your childhood have any impact on your writing?
I grew up in Anna, Illinois. I began writing when I was very young. I started with poems and short stories about God. I also read a lot of drunk driving tragedy poems that inspired a lot of my work in junior high. By late junior high and into high school. I was filling notebooks with poems about my life, my experiences, and the occasional love poem.
2. Tell us about the first story you ever wrote, published or not?
I wrote this endless book in junior high called “Leah” and it’s written as a journal about a teenage girl who gets pregnant and her life as she navigates how to cope. It was never published.
3. What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on the third book in my Belong series. The first book introduced a girl named Brie, a 16 year old girl who deals with tragedy, betrayal, and it all inspires a spiritual journey that gives her hope.
The second book was about domestic violence, and it was inspired by my experiences.
The third book will give Brie a conclusion, and hopefully an ending that finally gives her some peace
4. What is your favorite character you have ever created and why?
An unfinished project of mine is about a girl named Augusta who is in love with a vampire, but also discovers her own power. She’s my favorite so far because she stands her ground, is true to what she believes in, and of course, because she’s powerful.
5. Do you have to write/draw in order or do your ideas just come to you and you put them in order later?
It depends. I make notes that help with ideas and help organize them. Mostly I just write, let the ideas flow, and edit later.
6. What was your path like until you found writing?
I’ve always been a writer, so I can’t really say.
7. How is your relationship with your publishing company? If you are self-published, what tasks do you have to do to get your project completed?
I have a small publishing company that the Belong series in published through, but my two poetry books are Indie. Editing is the is the biggest task. I recruit my husband to help. Finally.
8. Tell us about your covers.
My first book, I Am Driven Crazy, has a cover that is a painting I painted myself. My other covers have girls on them, conveying the emotions in the books.
9. What inspires you to create?
Life. Pain. Love. Loss. So much more!
10. How do you get reviews?
I actually struggle with that. I’ve traded with authors before with the purpose of giving each other reviews though.
11. What is harder: writing, drawing, editing, or marketing?
Marketing
12. If you could publish every book/comic/art idea you’ve ever had, how many would you have out right now?
Hundreds.
13. Have you ever considered co-writing a series with another creator?
Yes, but nothing has come to light at this point.
14. What do you do to relax?
I read and watch TV. I love stories!
15. If you could tell your 14-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
I would tell them to publish ASAP. Don’t wait, and don’t feel insecure. You have talent and don’t forget it.
16. What advice would you have for this upcoming generation?
Dream big, work hard and never give up hope.
17. Have you ever read a book/series that changed your outlook on life?
Yes. Many
18. Do you have a classic piece of literature or a classic author you are fond of?
Edgar Allan Poe
19. Any type of music that gets your writing juices flowing?
I actually have playlists for each book in the Belong Series. It’s a mix of pop, rock and country. But mostly it’s music that gets me in my feelings, and I use those feelings to create emotions for my characters.
20. If you could pick three people who are your heroes or role models, who would they be and why?
Taylor Swift inspires me a lot because she keeps poetry journals too. I honestly don’t have any specific role models. I just admire good people, and strive to be good myself.
21. Dog or cat person?
Cat.
22. What do you want to eat right now?
Pizza
23. If you could be in any movie that has already been made, which one would it be?
Cry–Baby
24. What is your favorite holiday or time of year?
Fall and the holiday season.
BIO:
Jessica Wettig Hendrix has been writing since she could form words. She published her first poem when she was only 14, and has never stopped writing since. She graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and has worked for many publications. She resides in Anna, IL with her husband.
LINKS/URLS:
HTTP://facebook.com/jesswettig
Instagram: jesswettig
