Q & A with Author Jessica McCann

I follow her on social media and she’s someone who constantly inspires and impresses me with her publishing success. When she reached out about her upcoming nonfiction book, I was eager to feature her on Author Q&A. She happily agreed. I think you’ll enjoy our conversation. It’s real insight into what it’s like to be an author of both fiction and nonfiction.

You’re no stranger to authoring a book. You have two successful novels out, All Different Kinds of Free and 2018 Arizona Book of the Year Peculiar Savage Beauty. But this March you’re coming out with a nonfiction book, Words: Essays on Writing, Reading, and Life. Was the process writing nonfiction different for you than fiction? Is one harder for you than the other?

My writing career began with journalism and evolved into corporate writing. I did both for a solid decade before venturing into fiction writing. Since then, I’ve learned that the fundamentals of compelling writing are essentially the same for fiction and nonfiction – relatable storytelling, efficient language, vivid imagery, well-rounded characters (aka, sources). That said, the process of writing a novel versus a nonfiction book is very different for me.

Ultimately, I find fiction is infinitely harder because I strive to include more than those fundamentals. There’s theme and motivation and symbolism. There are subplots and twists and conflicts. For me, all these components take much longer to flesh out than the foundation of the story. My novels go through several rounds of revision, during which I keep adding new layers of meaning and complexity.

My nonfiction goes through multiple revisions, too. But I’m looking for different things. The focus is on adding more meat (facts, insights, different perspectives) and cutting fat (redundancies, ambiguities, extraneous words). For me, the areas of nonfiction that need more work are easier to spot than the areas of fiction. They’re flashing neon signs. VACANCY. OPEN 24 HOURS. In fiction, they’re a faded, knocked-down sign at the fork of an overgrown forest trail. Figuring out where to go and what to do from there is tricky.

As a multi-published author, do you still grapple with issues of self-doubt, fear of rejection and writer’s block? If so, how do you get through these common writer challenges?

Oh, yes – self-doubt, fear, blockage. All of it. Writing is an uphill struggle, because you always want to be better at it. Publishing puts you on display. It invites criticism. Sometimes it stings. Then, any measure of success actually makes all those things a little worse. Because you worry… Will my next book live up to my last one? Will I get pigeon-holed into one genre? If I take too long writing my next book, will I lose all my readers?

Why the heck do writers do it? Because we’re inherently curious people. We like to question, dismantle, study. We’re driven to learn, reassemble, share. When I catch myself worrying and struggling, I re-read something that spoke to me or changed me in some way (examples can be found on the #BookLove page of my website). Revisiting good writing reminds me why I love to do it myself. It helps me forget all the intimidating stuff and get lost in the work again.

What advice would you give beginning writers?

Read, read, read. If you don’t love to read, if you can’t make time to read, then you will never become a published writer.

Writing for yourself is different. Journaling is a great way to process your thoughts and tear apart your dreams, fears, goals, dilemmas and motivations. It relieves anxiety, fosters hope, builds empathy and unlocks creativity. Bottom line, my advice for everyone is to read and write every day, regardless of whether you want to be a published writer.

What has been the biggest surprise for you on the journey to becoming a published author?

I am always shocked how easy it is to procrastinate my writing, even though it is what I want to do. You really have to develop strong habits to become published. Telling yourself, “I want to write a book” is a lot like telling yourself, “I want to run a marathon.”You can’t just say you want it. You have to get up early and do the work every day. Share on X Write a page. Run a mile. Write five pages. Run five miles. Keep going. Then, the biggest surprise is that once you actually do it (Yay, I finished my book! Woohoo, I ran a marathon!), it’s so easy to slip right back to old habits and you find yourself starting all over again. Like many successes in life, it’s often more about endurance than talent.

Thank you so much Jessica! She’s also generously giving a way a free signed copy of her new book Words: Essays on Writing, Reading, and Life. You can enter here.

I’m excited for you to read her book and would love to know what your greatest challenge is as a writer and/or the best writing advice you’ve ever gotten.

Bio:

Jessica McCann is an award-winning historical novelist and has worked as a professional freelance writer and editor for magazines, universities, corporations, and nonprofits for more than thirty years. She lives with her family in Phoenix.

In her forthcoming nonfiction book, Words, she has woven together a collection of personal essays and writing tips that offer a unique glimpse into her writing journey and process. McCann shares her passion for books, as well as research that shows how reading improves our lives. With a philosophy that is equally pragmatic and optimistic, Words will appeal to readers and writers alike.

McCann enjoys interacting with fellow writers and readers on her website and social media.