Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Jennifer Lieberman, from Maple, Ontario, Canada. I’m a multi-hyphenate writer-actor-producer and have appeared in over thirty stage productions in Toronto, New York City, Los Angeles, Europe and Australia; including my Award-Winning Solo Show Year of the Slut, which my novel was adapted from. In addition to my performance career I’ve penned a number of screen and stage plays including the wacky web-series “Dumpwater Divas” and the short films “Leash” and “Details” which both screened at the Festival De Cannes’ Court Métrage among other international film festivals. I also have a weekly vlog “I Never Thought I Would…” where I interview fellow authors about doing things they never thought they would and the amazing places it led them.
I’ve written one checklist novel “Year of the What?” adapted from my solo show “Year of the Slut”, one erotic poetry book “Aural Sex: Naughty Notes for Lovers” and two ‘how to’ books “Make Your Own Break: How To Master Your Virtual Meeting in Seven Simple Steps” and “Make Your Own Break: How To Record & Publish Your Audiobook In Seven Simple Steps.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book and first novel is called “Year of the What?” and was adapted from my award-winning solo show “Year of the Slut”, it a racy coming of age comedy. When I first moved to LA a friend suggested a write a showcase piece to let people know I exist, so I created a funny, sexy and heartfelt show to showcase both my writing and acting ability and range. I played 10 characters. Like in the movie “La La Land” no one really came, but I stuck with developing the show and went on to win an award for it in New York, then I was encouraged to adapt it into a book…and it took on a life of its own.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I guess I do have some unusual writing habits, I like to embody my characters physically and vocally in order to really get under their skin, I’ll even go out into the world as the character and try to experience life from their perspective.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many different authors have influences me: Angela Carter, Herman Hess, Tom Robbins, Pauline Reage, Emily Bronte to name a few. I’ve also been influenced by many playwrights Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Judith Thompson, since I also write theatrically.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently gearing up to direct my first feature film “Longing” about four couples whose lives become entangled as their relationships are unraveling. I’m also working on book two of the “Year Of The What?” series – “Year of the Bitch.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe the best method to promote books is by word of mouth, after that a newsletter that fans can share with friends and third would be Facebook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Advice I would give to other aspiring writers is to be gentle with yourself and your process. Some people may tell you to write a certain amount every day even if you don’t feel like it, that doesn’t work for me and may not work for every writer. I let the story tell me when it’s ready to be written. One week of ‘inspired writing’ can yield a greater product than six months of forced writing. However, if you are not writing daily, you can still be in process daily by reading great books, researching topics for your piece and doing things that feed your creative spirit like listening to music, watching movies, connecting with nature, or whatever else energizes your soul.
Also, sometimes the feedback you are most resistant to; is exactly where you are supposed to go to find the gold.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is a quote from Henry Ford “whether you believe you can or you can’t, you’re probably right.” It’s so easy to tell ourselves ‘we can’t’, but all the magic happens when we tell ourselves ‘we can!’
What are you reading now?
I’m always reading many things at once, at the moment it’s Sean O’Casey’s play “Red Roses for Me”, and Brianne Davis’ “Secret Life of a Hollywood Love and Sex Addict.” I’ve also been chipping away at all the manuscripts from the “Seinfeld” sitcom series (I’m on season 8).
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a half hour comedic TV series and another dramatic feature film in the works…but that’s all I can say for now!
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?
If I were stranded on a dessert island these would be my 4 books: Herman Hess’ “Steppenwolf”, Emily Bronte’s “Withering Heights”, Paulo Coelho’s “Eleven Minutes” and Tom Robbins’ “Still Life With Woodpecker.”
Author Websites and Profiles
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You are awesome