Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was a teacher for over 20 years and even after “retirement” still think of myself as an educator. “Once a teacher, always a teacher.” I continue to keep up on issues in education, and often share what I have learned with others, both in the teaching world, and with many more people who hold similar interests and concerns.
In my spare time I follow a number of education and political e-zines and newsletters, and enjoy reading a variety of books (mostly nonfiction). I also like listening to an eclectic mix of music, take and edit photos of my travels, do a bit of gardening, and feed a bunch of feisty backyard hummingbirds. Some of my quiet time is spent at a rustic, hike-in cabin in the mountains.
Jazz Mergirl, which was recently published, is the first book I have written, (other than my master’s thesis. Does that count?).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jazz Mergirl is the biography of Jazz Jennings, a transgender teen activist and star of TLC’s I Am Jazz TV docuseries. When I came across Jazz’s most moving and uplifting life story, my teacher’s inclination to share, and to inform and educate, just naturally led me to write this book.
Jazz Mergirl’s target audience is older teens (15+) to adults. I think that my having already worked with both students as well as grownups helped prepare me to present this story in a way that is accessible and engaging to teens and adult readers too. Included in the book’s back matter is an extensive resource section, with helpful information for parents, teachers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
The most common question I have been asked by curious and puzzled friends and acquaintances is, why did I write this particular book Jazz Mergirl? To begin with, I was not expecting to write any book, much less one about a transgender teen activist.
But a helpful writer friend who was reading the rough draft of my book’s preface asked how my many years as an educator might have led to my interest in this subject. Thinking about her question, it occurred to me that I had come to teaching with a keen awareness of the women’s rights movement, and over the years, I always made it a point with my students to ensure the girls were treated equally along with the boys. In fact, I decided to write my thesis about increasing gender equity for girls in school, and even conducted teacher trainings based on that research.
So the path to this book was already prepared when I came across Jazz’s wonderful and inspiring story. I just knew this was something I had to share with others. But when I looked for a biography about Jazz, there wasn’t one available. That’s how I came to do what another author advised: “Write the book you want to read but can’t find.” In other words, this book found me, not the other way around.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if anything about my writing would qualify as “unusual.” What I do as an author seems perfectly normal to me. Maybe someone else might be surprised to hear that when working on Jazz Mergirl, I often found myself writing late into the night and beyond, until my butt hurt and I couldn’t sit anymore, or that I sometimes awoke in the middle of the night and just had to work some more on my book. But I’m guessing this is not so unusual for other authors as well.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Over the years I have read many well-written and moving books, but I can’t identify any one author or title that directly impacted my writing. I think it is just that over time, having read so many books, especially nonfiction works, that the cumulative effect did influence my writing style and skills. However, there is one script writer, Aaron Sorkin, whose smart and incisive television work definitely makes an impression on me whenever I view one of his programs. Being somewhat of a political junkie, I have re-watched Sorkin’s complete West Wing TV series, probably four or five times. That’s how I learned the meaning of “binge watching.”
What are you working on now?
I laughed when a friend asked me, “So, now that you’re done with your book, what are you going to do next?” I’m learning that for me, my book is kind of analogous to bringing a child into the world. Upon publication, you’re not suddenly “done.” For example, now I am preparing the Kindle version of Jazz Mergirl.
Another job I’m focusing on is promoting Jazz Mergirl, which takes a lot of time and effort. This book’s success is important because Jazz’s story, and the educational information included, needs to be spread far and wide. As part of that goal, I am very appreciative of this opportunity to answer your questions. Also, readers should know that Jazz Mergirl’s profits go to support Jazz’s TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am just beginning the process of promoting my new book, and there is definitely a learning curve involved in doing so. Use of social media, such as Facebook www.facebook.com/jazzmergirlthebook is an obvious tool, as is having established a website dedicated to Jazz Mergirl www.jazzmergirlthebook.com Signing with my publicist is another essential element involved. I have also reached out to some of the well-known figures mentioned in my book, and to a few other authors who are part of the trans community.
Joining Facebook groups connected to the subject of Jazz Mergirl provides additional opportunities, and meeting supportive people who are in a position to provide more opportunities is another valuable approach. In this case that means attending meetings and introducing myself and the book to interested organizations. For example, when I recently met the mayor at a political event, he asked me to bring Jazz Mergirl to a local book fair this fall, and I’m told I will be welcome to make a book presentation at a nearby LGBT Center.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’d probably go with the recommendation to write what you know or about something that grabs your interest and attention. As I mentioned before, “Write the book you want to read but can’t find.”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In my time I have heard a ton of great advice, but right now the most apropos answer would be what Jazz Jennings says. Jazz is a very wise person, even more so considering she’s only 15. Her advice: “Always be your authentic self.” I hope my replies to your questions reflect my authentic self.
What are you reading now?
A bunch of books, a few of which are on the topic of people who are transgender. Most of these are nonfiction, but I recently finished three engaging YA novels whose main characters are trans kids. I continue to be very interested in this subject, and aim to become more knowledgeable about this.
But I have other titles on my nightstand as well, including a classic mystery by a famous French author, and a memoir by Piper Kerman titled Orange is the New Black. She’s a terrific writer, and her book is the basis of a critically-acclaimed Netflix series of the same name. One of the main characters in this program is played by Laverne Cox, a well-known trans activist and actor. And I recently finished Wild, a memoir by Cheryl Strayed that was made into a movie. In this case, both the book and the script were very well written. (Strayed wrote, “You don’t have a right to the cards you believe you should have been dealt. You have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones you’re holding.”)
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am considering various possibilities for the future, including doing more in support of the transgender community. But for now, I think I’ll keep the details to myself.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh, there are so many great books I’d like to reread, or that are waiting on my “to be read” bookshelf, or that I’ve heard about and would like to read! Can I change the rules and bring a fully-loaded Kindle Reader?
Well, if not, then here are a few choices. Because I’m so pleased and proud about Jazz Mergirl, that would be one of my selections to bring with me. Also, I like reading some mysteries. I’d take along a favorite from when I was a kid, a thick, one-volume anthology of all the Sherlock Holmes stories that I still treasure and keep on my bookshelf. Finally, if I’m allowed to take along something digital, I’d include an “A to Z” of the encyclopedia. There is much to learn, and besides, maybe I could use this information to figure out a way to get off that desert island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Bruce Edlen Website
Bruce Edlen Amazon Profile
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