Who ever said that print is dead is a liar! In the current digital age, millennials are getting their voices heard and their stories told quicker and faster.
That’s exactly what’s happened with Chicago’s own Jessica N. Watkins.
Watkins’ debut novel Jane Doe spiraled into an engrossing, drama filled and highly entertaining series. In August 2013, she signed to SBR publications, which ignited her writing career with the Secrets of a Side Bitch series. The Secrets of a Side Bitch series has sold over 100,000 copies since its release in September 2013. “What I try to do is make my storylines and characteristics as realistic as possible,” Watkins tells The Source by phone.
“Even though it’s fiction, I want it to kind of be relatable. I don’t want it to be too far out there. I like women to read my books.”
As her writing reach has spread, she’s adjusted to being recognized in the streets too: “I was on my way into a fast food restaurant and a woman walked up to me and said, “Hey. You’re that girl that wrote Secrets of a Side Bitch,” joked Watkins.
With her growing celebrity, Watkins recognizes the old adage of each one teach one. The proof is in the pudding as this year, she’s giving other aspiring authors the opportunity to become published by launching Jessica Watkins Presents. “Once you have your foot in the door the sky’s the limit,” she said.
So what advice does Watkins give to young women who wish to one day take over the writing game just like her? “You have to put in a lot of work to get your work out there,” said Watkins.
For more information on Jessica N. Watkins and her growing reach, check out her website www.jessica-n-watkins.com
Writers Note: Watkins is passionate about her literature. So much so that while she was being interviewed on the phone for this feature, she was driving and pulled over by the police for driving and talking. Humorously, she told the police officer that she was a writer and was on the phone with The Source. Thankfully, the police officer was understanding and gracious.
