Jen Simpson Books

Do you ever find yourself waiting to feel motivated before you write?

I caught myself doing exactly that over the past few weeks.

I have projects I genuinely wanted to work on, but I kept putting them off and couldn't quite figure out why.

So, being ever the researcher 🤓 I looked into motivation research, and what psychologists have learned about creativity and why motivation seems to come and go.

And guess what? Highly productive writers aren't necessarily more motivated than everyone else. In many cases, they've simply learned that action creates motivation, not the other way around.

It made me rethink how I approach these creative slumps.

I'm curious: when your writing motivation starts to fade, what helps you get back to the page?

I shared some of the research (and what I learned from it) in a new article - check it out - first comment below!

I made a new banner for my page!
I’ve also started a brand new newsletter for families who want books that connect. Imaginative adventures where the lesson is discovered through story-telling.
Children want stories that they can relate to. They want to be immersed, not lectured to.
More about me and my book newsletter in the link in the comments below 👇

I just sent the FINAL manuscript for my next book to my illustrator and I am SO nervous to hear what he thinks! 😭✨

What’s this story about, you ask?

Ohhhh… let the teasers begin!

Here's Teaser #1: What brings together…
🌸 a magical flower
🦄 a unicorn
🫎 a moose
🦬 a baby bison
⛰️ and a herd of mountain goats?

You’ve read stories about kindness and belonging before…

…but you’ve never read one quite like this. 💛

ACK!!!! I’m so excited for this one.!😍😍😍

A wonderful illustrator, for anyone needing someone!

Sometimes, I have to disappoint my four year old😢
Other times, I’m the superhero who saves the day! 🙌
Is this experience a right of passage for parents? Or just part of the every day?


This “true story” gives a nod to this parental experience!
👇link in comment!🩷👇

Update: I’m overwhelmed with responses in my DMs and emails and sorting through. Note that those who cannot share an artist website or portfolio with me so I can see examples of your work, and verify you, I cannot collaborate with you.

I am looking for a cover designer/illustrator who is talented creating visuals in different genres. I have some potential visibility and promotional opportunity for you, as well as potential work.
No AI work.
If you are interested in a collaboration, that is geared to help in the authors and also get you some visibility, please drop a comment or message me. With my thanks.

I was on a podcast interview with "Tarot and Write" on Spotify!

We covered a LOT! (Simone, the host, asks GREAT questions!) with a focus on advice for indie authors, and my personal story writing children's books and launching Author Gold, a platform that serves other writers and authors.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:23 Jen Simpson Background
01:52 What Is Author Gold
03:01 Publishing and Marketing Focus
05:13 Jen Publishing Journey
07:10 Who Author Gold Helps
09:48 Substack Growth and Community
12:18 Vanity Press Wake Up Call
14:02 Scam Red Flags for Authors
18:55 Pay to Play vs Legit Services
20:06 One Message to Writers
22:23 Self vs Traditional Publishing
23:06 Choosing Your Path
24:22 Traditional vs Self: the Myths
25:40 Traditional Publishing
28:30 Traditional Publishing Cons
29:23 Marketing Reality Check
32:14 Reader First Messaging
35:58 Childrens Books Spotlight
39:28 Launching Evora Press
40:44 Short Story Contest Details
43:56 Final Encouragement to Other Authors

I'd love to hear what you think, if anything surprised you? Or if you've encountered any of these same challenges yourself?

Listen on Spotify! 👇LINK BELOW In COMMENTS👇