Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been into creative writing ever since I was a kid, but cracked down a few years ago for National Novel Writing Month to finally write my first book. Now, I’m an award-nominated romance author of five novels, including the romantic comedy STUCK ON THE SLOPES. My sixth, a fantasy romance titled EYES OF MOLTEN SILVER, publishes later this year.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Any author, regardless of if they’re self-published, working with a publisher large or small, or somewhere in between will tell you it’s not an easy journey. The road to publication is a long one, even well after you’ve finished your first draft and self-edited it until you can recite the manuscript in your sleep. Being an author requires a lot of patience – it’s not uncommon to face dozens if not close to a hundred rejections before getting the “yes” you need from an agent or publisher – and also requires you to wear many hats all at once since we all have to market our own work, too. Finding the time to balance marketing and writing is a struggle in and of itself, so it can be easy to feel burned out.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in romance novels of various sub-genres. My debut novel is an urban fantasy romance, my most recent release is a contemporary romantic comedy, and my next romance book features a high fantasy setting.
What I’m most proud of is being able to reach readers that need my stories the most. I have CPTSD and fibromyalgia, so it can be rare to feel represented well in between the pages or in other media. Plus, my journey to diagnosis was a very long one. So I strive to include positive representation where I can as authentically as possible so folks don’t feel as isolated as I did.
I’m also incredibly proud of some of the work I’ve done with my fellow authors. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to a few charity anthologies, including “Unapologetic Love: A Charity Anthology of Radical Resilience” which has raised $650 and counting toward the ACLU.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The Seattle area may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I honestly hold so much love for this city. From the eco-diversity and proximity to the mountains to the wonderful community we have, I’m so glad I moved here a few years ago. People complain about the rain, but it’s what keeps our state so lush, and the city itself is so diverse and creative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessicasalina.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorjessicasalina
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/authorjessicasalina
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@authorjessicasalina
