Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Dickinson
Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started writing stories as a little girl and studied writing in college. I’ve always been writing, even when I did other sorts of jobs. I worked as a reality TV casting director for a while and wrote and published stories in my spare time. In 2015 I began my writing coaching business, which started out as leading writing workshops for women and then I began one-on-one mentoring/editing work with women writing books.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I first had the idea to start my business I attended a writing workshop where a teacher said whenever you have an idea to do something that feels big, you should start “small and immediately.” I wrote this on a piece of paper and taped it in my office above my computer. My sister helped me create my website in a few hours. The website was rudimentary, but it did the job. My good friend who was also my hairdresser said I could use her hair salon on Sundays for free because the salon was closed then. I held monthly 4 hour writing workshops for women in the space and I led the first one a few weeks after creating the website. My business grew mainly on word-of-mouth. I also like talking about myself and what I do and I’m not afraid of talking to strangers about my work because I love it so much. There have definitely been struggles. I’ve had slow periods. I’m lucky because my partner supports my work and helps me financially when times are tough. I do not make millions doing this work, but there was never the point. My goal is to help women love writing the way I do, to feel saved by it, like I have been.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m known in the weekly writing workshop I lead as the poetry witch because women tell me I picked the poetry prompt they most needed to read.
“How did you do that?” they always ask me.
I rely on my intuition when I work, when I assist women with their writing. Yes, I’ve studied writing all my life. I’ve taken tons of classes, I have a minor degree in creative writing, and I’ve written 3 novels and numerous short stories, but my gut instinct informs me the most when I am helping a woman with her writing. More than any of my publications, I’m most proud of the help/inspiration/and guidance and I’ve given women in regard to their creativity and writing.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I found one of my beloved mentors at the Sewanee Writers’ Conference in 2007. I think writing conferences are a great place to connect with teachers. My advice is to attend a conference that has a great faculty and take a class with a teacher whose work you enjoy and admire. Writing conferences are expensive, though, so a cheaper option is to take online writing classes with writers whose work you admire, and don’t be afraid to email them and tell them how grateful you are for learning from them during the class. Ask if you can keep in touch.
In regard to networking, I always try to say “yes” to opportunities. I’m not the most outgoing person in the world, but striking up conversations with strangers about my work has lead to friendships and connections which has grown my business, but also my personal confidence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jenniferdickinsonwrites.com
- Instagram: chapteroneworkshopla
- Twitter: Pinktreesj
