Conversations with Jennifer Moorman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Moorman.

Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a writer, even as a young girl. I crafted epic tales of adventure, love, and magic. I wrote stories in Mead notebooks, on printer paper, on napkins, on the soles of my shoes. I wrote poetry too. Even though I was writing prolifically as a kid, I didn’t know that I was doing something other kids didn’t do. I thought we were all doing the same activities.

But in high school, I shared a story I’d been tinkering on with a few of my girlfriends, and they were hooked! I was stunned by their interest and with the realization that I was doing something different, something special.

I continued writing through college, but just for fun. I never thought much of making it a career, mostly because expectations were to “get a good job,” and being an author felt like something far out of my reach and not very sensible according to most. Thankfully, I’ve never been conventional!

In January of 2012, I resolved to write a book, finish it, and publish it. I kept that promise to myself, and in May of 2012, I independently published my first novel. I went on to publish a novel every year until 2023.

In 2022, Harper Muse offered me my first traditional publishing contract. I signed a 2-book deal, and they published my first book with them, The Baker’s Man, in February of 2023. The next book, The Magic All Around, publishes this month on January 16. It’s been a wild but fulfilling ride so far!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Is anyone’s road ever smooth? Probably not! My biggest struggles were with myself. Publishing independently is no easy feat. You’re playing all the roles: writer, promoter, publicist, marketer, salesperson, creative director, etc. Believe me, there were days when I asked myself, “What am I doing?” but my passion and my belief kept me going.

However, the real turning point in my career was the moment I decided to take my author life seriously. I’d been working full-time as a book editor for more than fifteen years, so I had a “day job.” Even though I was writing continuously, I still saw writing, in a way, as a hobby. I was dreaming big, but as long as I thought of being an author as a hobby, I was playing small.

The moment I decided to stop playing small and put my author life in the driver seat, my entire life changed. Opportunities started showing up because I was  open to them and saw myself as worthy and capable. It’s incredible what happens when you start believing in yourself.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My published works are mostly Southern fiction with a magical realism element. I love weaving whimsy and magic into our everyday lives. I’m known for my lovable characters, quirky small-town settings, and leaving my readers with a hopeful, uplifted sense of the world.

I love connecting with readers and sharing my love for magic and kindness with them. It fills me with joy to know that people close one of my books after finishing it and feel like they can breathe easier–like they’ve spent days in a wonderful place that is warm and cozy. I even have readers who tell me they want to visit the towns I write about (some are fictional!). I always say I’m ready for a road trip.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
This list is long and tough to include everyone because my career has spanned for many years. So let’s focus on the most recent years. My biggest supporters and encouragers have always been my family: my parents, my brothers and sister, my extended family.

Natalie Banks and Jeanne Arnold are always willing to read my rough drafts, talk me through roadblocks, and drag me out of the pits. Their encouragement and support are endless, and I am eternally grateful. Being published authors themselves, they understand the ups and downs of a creative life. Rea Frey is such a  mentor, friend, and inspiration; she’s also a fabulous author, and we can talk for hours about not only the craft but also the business of writing.

Love Hudson-Maggio, my upcoming tour buddy, is such a gift to my creative life, and we couldn’t be more excited about traveling the country and promoting our books together. Jason Steffens has been my champion since I was wearing Umbros and baggy T-shirts and writing stories on napkins. Where I be without his support, we don’t even want to know!

My Harper Collins family: Mike Briggs for believing in me and for handing off my book proposal that led to my first publishing contract. Amanda Bostick for seeing my potential and knowing I can excel as an author and live my dream life. The entire Harper Muse team for their kindness, attention, and devotion to their authors, including me! I couldn’t ask for a better team to support me and help guide me along this path.

There are always dozens of other people on this journey because no author creates a book alone. To all the people before now and all the ones to come, I overflow with gratitude. My readers are one of the most magical parts of my life, and they are vital to moving me along this road. If I told them thank you for the next one hundred years, it wouldn’t be enough.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jennifermoorman.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferrmoorman
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermoormanbooks