Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessika Grewe Glover.
Hi Jessika, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a multi-genre author, currently with a fantasy series and a stand-alone romantic suspense novel. As far back as I can remember, I have been a writer. Poetry, short stories, and my first written novel at twelve years old. I am a graduate of the University of Miami, having studied International Studies (focus on Intelligence and Foreign Policy), German, and Creative Writing. My writing focuses on the shadowy nuances of humanity. Our ability to feel and love so deeply despite the world burning around us. Despite the clouds which dog us. I began querying my debut novel, Another Beast’s Skin, in 2020, securing a publishing contract in the autumn of the same year, and signing the full trilogy. Two of the three books were published, having been through a disaster of a release, and this past summer, I was able to reacquire my rights to the series. I am in the process now of re-releasing the books. My goal is for this series to find its way into the hearts of new readers. I have had multiple author events at Barnes and Noble stores in the L.A. area, and I would love to see some of the Voyage readers at my next event at Barnes and Noble Valencia.
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?
My first novel had a plethora of issues. The book was published with formatting and editing errors, which made is nearly impossible to read. The ARCs (advanced reader copies), which were made available to HUNDREDS of readers, went out with the first nine chapters unedited. Someone at the publishing house made a grievous error and used an old, unrevised file. This of course, was not my fault, yet understandably, it is reflected in many of my initial reviews. Some people still have that version of the book. Books go through scores of drafts, edits, and revisions before they are fit for public consumption. What readers see in a final version is a far cry from a manuscript in a state of revision, pre-final proofread. Most of us do not ever want the greater reading community to set an eye on our unfinished work. Having had so many brains this version of the book made me feel raw and gloriously imposterish. My decision to part ways with my publisher is due to numerous problems like that.
My intention was never to self-publish, but once I had to re-obtain my series, I felt my responsibility to my readers and the bookstores who took a chance on me required I invest in the books and have a second launch for them. Though the road was akin to the Pear Blossom Highway most of us Southern Californians know well (translation for those outside SoCal: ’twas not smooth, and had more bumps and chasms than the way out in a B horror film), I have learned so much. Not only in how capable I am to persevere under extreme circumstances but also in the ins and outs of the publishing world. I am so incredibly excited to bring the new version of my trilogy out in the world in the next few weeks. The books have beautiful new covers, new edits, and newly commissioned artwork.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I say I am a multi-genre author, this is what I mean: I explore themes and genres, such as fantasy, suspense, thrillers, and dark academia, always putting a little thread of something supernatural in them. I have a magical realism marker in my non-coding DNA. My stand-alone novel, Stars Like Gasoline (released in April 2023), is categorically romantic suspense. It is also a book rich with art, strong family and sibling bonds, friendships, friends to lovers, inclusivity, second chance romance after loss, hauntings, and it is the kind of book that makes you think you can drop in on the characters and have a glass of wine, any time of day or night.
My contemporary fantasy series, Another Beast’s Skin, is also a bit genre-bending. It features a main character who is in her 30s, is trained on the sword, and has a successful FOREX trading career. It has history, science, fae magic, and a wee bit of spice.
I have short stories and flash fiction pieces published and am in the process of querying an academic thriller. My goal is to eventually be signed with an agent.
The thing that sets me apart is that I am a true citizen of the world. I consume art from nearly every medium, travel, and pay close attention. In my art, be it my writing, photography, etc, I show vulnerability in fierceness. The beauty in growth. Comfort in dark spaces.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that L.A. is welcoming for all. Los Angeles is like its own Friendsgiving. Those we meet here are from all over, having cast ourselves out on our own and made lives away from where we may have grown up. The friends we make become family. I don’t think there is really anywhere like Los Angeles. I’m not a huge fan of the weather. I definitely like a bit more rain in my life!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jessikagreweglover.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessikagreweglover
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessikagreweglover
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/jessikamittens
