Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Jackie Bluu is a poet and writer living in New York. She received a BA in Anthropology at SUNY Purchase and a Masters in Publishing at Pace University. During the week, she works full-time as a book publicist at Columbia University Press, and on weekends as the editor of FishFood, a literary and arts zine.
Jackie has published a personal essay titled “Beastman” in Emotional Alchemy Magazine, Jawbreaker Zine, Awakenings and Laurels&Bells Literary Journal.
You can find more of her work, mostly poetry, on her Instagram page, @jackie_bluu. Her chapbook ‘Facing the Beast’ was published in January 2019. She is currently working on a full-length poetry book titled ‘Not Another Love Story’ and a micro-chapbook titled ‘Melancholia’.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Facing the Beast” – My adolescent trauma worsened over the years and something finally pushed me to release everything years later. So I started writing poems that depicted how I felt, relating to my abuse and grief, and next thing you know, I had an entire collection of poems. “Facing the Beast” was born!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No unusual writing habits, though I do find that drinking some beer or wine while I work gives me a bit of a mental adrenaline. Sometimes, depending on what I’m writing (most likely emotional or sensual poems), I’ll listen to very deep, soulful music with no lyrics. They put me in a trance and I embody the feeling that I’m writing about.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Roxane Gay is definitely an influence, and pretty much all of the contemporary poets who are thriving today. Also all indie authors inspire me to put my work out there and keep pushing.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m finishing up my full poetry book, “(Not) Another Love Story”, and I’m currently searching for a publisher for my micro-chapbook, “My Dear Melancholia”.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I usually post my work on Instagram and Facebook, so people can get a sense of what I work on. I also just created my author website, where I have all my works listed, and try to build email list.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Work hard at building your platform! You can put out the best book ever, but without an audience, no one will know about it. So market yourself everyday until you get tired, and then keep marketing yourself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Build an email list! If all social media were to disappear, at least you’ll have a loyal following that you can always email and reach out to about your books. So I’m working hard to do this. Best advice ever!
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m trying to read The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal. It seems like an excellent read, so once I have more free time, I’ll definitely finish it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More books! More writing! More marketing! I’m trying to be a full-time author, so that’s my goal.
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?
My self-help books, Hot and Bothered (I don’t remember the author’s name right now), a coloring book, and a crossword puzzle book.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jackie Bluu Website
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You’re an awesome writer