Interview With Author Jennifer Gay Summers
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After a career as a high school and adult school English teacher, I became a journalist, contributing news briefs and essays to magazines and anthologies. I co-wrote my father’s memoir, Any Way I Can: Fifty Years in Show Business, and now my own memoir, Chasing Lee: A Memoir of Raising a Neurodivergent Child, is my second book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Chasing Lee: A Memoir of Raising a Neurodivergent Child grew out of a blog I wrote for ADDitude, the national magazine for the ADHD community. When Lee was in middle school, I found the time and courage to share, with Lee’s permission, the day-to-day struggles and joys of raising a neurodivergent child with ADHD. The blog ran for almost a decade and gave me much of the material and inspiration for my book, which comes out October 27, 2026, published by She Writes Press.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m sure people in the park where I walk every day think I’m nuts! I’m often mumbling pieces of dialogue or working through problems with scenes. I love escaping my desk and getting a new perspective on whatever is giving me trouble.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anne Lamott’s Operating Instructions gave me the courage to write about my child and share our lives. Glennon Doyle’s Untamed convinced me that authenticity and vulnerability could build connections with other struggling mothers. And Katherine Ellison’s Buzz: A Year of Paying Attention inspired me to write candidly about the challenges families face with ADHD.
What are you working on now?
I just finished an article for L.A. Parent on the struggles neurodivergent young adults face with social skills and dating, coming out in the September/October 2026 issue. Right now, much of my time is devoted to promoting Chasing Lee as I prepare for its October launch.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is the hub for everything I do, but I especially value my bimonthly email newsletter because it gives me a direct connection with readers. Subscribers also receive a free booklet I created, “A Year of Calm: The Neurodivergent Family Toolkit,” filled with my favorite tips and resources for each season. I also enjoy connecting with readers on Instagram and Facebook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I grew up with a father who was a screenwriter and stuck to a 9-5 writing schedule his entire career. His commitment and dedication, along with his ability to face rejection head-on and move on to the next project, taught me the value of resilience and self-confidence. He didn’t dwell on losses; he kept moving forward. My advice to new authors would be to create a routine, believe in your work, learn to weather rejection, and keep going.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I once heard Anne Lamott say to write down every idea that comes your way because you never know when one of those ideas will turn into a book. (She also said to write it down because you will forget it!) I had the idea for a motherhood memoir 21 years ago. It has taken many forms since then, but the heart of Chasing Lee grew from that seed idea, and I’m glad I never gave it up!
What are you reading now?
Heart Centered Connections: Seven Essential Skills for Helping Neurodiverse and Marginalized Children Thrive by Niki Elliott, PhD for education and inspiration. Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke for fun!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now, I’m focused on bringing Chasing Lee into the world and continuing to write articles about neurodivergence, parenting, and motherhood.
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?
I’d bring a Shakespeare anthology-that would keep me busy! Any Way I Can: 50 Years in Show Business by John Gay, the memoir of my father’s life that I co-wrote, would always have a place in my suitcase and my heart. And I’d bring Anne Lamott’s Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith because anyone stranded on a desert island could probably use a little faith and a little Anne Lamott.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Gay Summers Amazon Profile
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