Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up surrounded by books. My mother was an avid reader and taught me to love books from a very young age. I started journal writing when I was around five or six years old and have been writing ever since. Throughout college I loved to write, and I even applied to journalism school but opted for law school instead. While working as a young litigator and writing tons of legal briefs, I missed the creative writing outlet that my college days afforded me. As a means of satisfying that desire, I started a blog back in 2005, back in the early days of blogging. It mostly focused on my dating misadventures and was a really fun outlet for me, but that naturally ended when I met my husband. In 2014, I wrote an article about my struggles with infertility, which was published on a parenting website. Outside of legal briefs and blogging, it was my first time experiencing other peoples’ reactions to something I had written. Since then, I have written several short stories, none of which I have attempted to publish. I am in the midst of writing a novel, and I have now published Bailey Bloom and the Battle of the Bug, which I hope is the first of many children’s books that I will publish.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In mid-March, my kids’ school suddenly closed due to the pandemic. They were aware at that point that there was a virus, but the sudden closure of the school resulted in a lot of questions. Like most parents, I was trying to navigate explaining to my kids what was going on without saying anything that might scare them or make them feel sad. In late March, I read an article about kids putting up rainbow art in their windows. I decided we should do the same, so we made a huge rainbow poster and put it in our window. I thought my kids would find it fun, but what I didn’t anticipate was how much creating the art would affect my kids, particularly my daughter. I explained to her that while people were out walking, it might make them feel less lonely if they saw rainbow art in peoples’ windows. It was a way for us to say to our neighbors, “We’re here with you.” I then explained that stress could affect one’s immune system and make people more vulnerable to illness. However, when people are happy, they are less stressed and their bodies are stronger. In a nutshell, I helped her understand that by making art and placing it in our window, she was helping to combat Covid-19. Since then, we’ve decorated our window several times, and we’ve done other things to make people feel happy throughout the pandemic: sending gifts to friends, dropping off cookies, delivering groceries to people, donating money to various COVID-related charities, etc. It’s really helped my kids feel okay during the pandemic. I wrote Bailey Bloom and the Battle of the Bug with my kids in mind and initially just read it to them to help them see how powerful their actions had been. After seeing their reaction to it, I decided to put the story out into the world with the hope that other kids might feel the same.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
This mostly applies to my novel because it’s a big project and requires daily attention. However, when I write, I put my phone on airplane mode, I disconnect the Wi-Fi on my computer, I light a candle, and I write. I try to hit 500 words a day, and once I reach that goal, unless I’m mid-paragraph, I blow the candle out and am done for the day. I made the mistake once of going back and editing my novel, and it set me back for months. I am now just writing and moving forward. As soon as I finish the first draft, I will go back and dissect the piece.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For the most part, I’ve been posting on social media and getting the word out to friends about Bailey Bloom and the Battle of the Bug. I’ve also been doing Zoom readings, which has been a great way to engage with kids and give parents a preview of the book. While the book is available on numerous websites, I am very grateful that it’s available on Amazon in many different countries. Since most people shop on Amazon, it’s a very easy way for people to buy my book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
This might sound cliché, but my best advice is to just do it. If you have always wanted to write a book, sit down, write something you love, and put it out into the world. You won’t regret it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This is seemingly obvious, but the best advice I have ever received was to approach large projects by making lists. If you break down anything into small steps, even the most daunting of tasks becomes manageable. And next thing you know, you’re a published author!
What are you reading now?
I just started reading Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. I wanted to read it before I watch the miniseries and now I can’t put it down.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am still busy with my novel but I am already thinking about the next Bailey Bloom installment. The idea is starting to form and I’m very excited about.
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?
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin, and A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jill Rosensweig Website
Jill Rosensweig Amazon Profile
Jill Rosensweig’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile