Okay, y’all have seen me write (alright–gush) about her for long enough, now you can learn about Jackson Pearce in her own words! First, a little about Jackson:
Jackson Pearce is twenty-five years old and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with a slightly cross-eyed cat and a lot of secondhand furniture. She recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and a minor in Philosophy. She auditioned for the circus once, but didn’t make it; other jobs she’s had include obituaries writer, biker bar waitress, and receptionist. In addition, Jackson coaches both colorguard and winterguard at a local high school.
Jackson began writing when she got angry that the school librarian couldn’t tell her of a book that contained a smart girl, horses, baby animals, and magic. Her solution was to write the book herself when she was twelve. Her parents thought it was cute at first, but have grown steadily more concerned for her ever since.
And now, the interview!
1. You coach a high school color/winterguard, which I think is AWESOME. Can you explain a little about what winterguard is and how you got into coaching? Also, does your coaching job help you with your writing?
Winterguard is similar to fall colorguard, only instead of performing with a marching band on the field we perform indoors and to a soundtrack. I was involved in winterguard and colorguard all throughout high school, and the year after I graduated had a chance to work with a group. I’ve been doing it ever since! I think coaching definitely helps with writing because it keeps me honest and in touch with my audience. I don’t necessarily get ideas from my students, but they remind me what being a young adult is about when I start to become a jaded grownup 
(Pssst…check out the Winterguard Jackson Coaches. They are awesome!)
2.Your vlogs are really fun, opinionated, and informational (or sometimes just FUN). On Twitter last week, someone even referred to you as the Vlog Queen. What made you decide to get started on vlogging?
I thought it would just be fun one night, so I made one! It got such a positive response that I kept it up. I try to make them interesting/fun/funny, and tend to just not do videos if I don’t have anything exciting to video about. I’ve got one coming up I’m VERY excited for…
(Follow Jackson on YouTube – you will not be sorry.)
3. Moving onto your writing. What is your favorite thing about writing for young adults?
Young adults are shameless– they don’t care if something is a bestseller or a graylist book. They read what they think is good, and respond to it passionately. They’re the perfect audience.
4. On your live show a couple weeks ago, you mentioned that AS YOU WISH went through many renditions before it became what it is now. How many versions did you write before the final one? How did you know it was finally ready to see the world?
I genuinely have no idea how many renditions it went through– there were a bunch! I actually never KNEW it was ready, but trusted my editor’s gut feeling that it was polished and shiny.
5. Quick! You have four words to describe AS YOU WISH. Go:
Hopeful, romantic, melancholic, meaningful
6. Your next book, SISTERS RED, is also told from alternating points of view. What do you liked best about writing in this style?
I love writing from alternating POVs because it gives me a chance to show how more than one character is changing as a result of the story.
7.We all know how important it is to have others read our work and give us honest feedback. Who are your first readers and how did you find them?
I found my critique partners through online communities, mainly the 2009 Debutantes. My critique partners have changed a lot over the years, but now I feel like I have a really solid group that does an AMAZING job with the craziness that is my first drafts!
8. When you are struggling with your writing, how to you motivate yourself to keep going?
It’s funny you should ask this, because I’m definitely struggling right now with SWEETLY revisions! I just keep reminding myself that if I can get through this, I can get through anything writing-wise…
9. When you know you should be writing, but just aren’t, what is your favorite procrastinatory outlet?
DEADLIEST CATCH. And Glee. But seriously, I LOVE Deadliest Catch and Mythbusters and other nerd shows.
10. What is the best bit of advice you have for aspiring authors?
Don’t quit, and don’t be afraid to fail. They’re just words– you can delete them, rewrite them, start over, and no one is going to come yell at you. Relax and enjoy the act of creating!
11. Aside from your own, what are a couple books you love and would recommend we all read?
I loved Carrie Ryan’s The Dead-Tossed Waves and John Green/David Levithan’s Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Unfortunately, I haven’t had much time to read recently since I’ve been working on notes and new books.
12. It is no secret that I ADORE the South. In fact, I might be making a list of reasons why the husband and I need to move to warmer climates. What is your favorite thing about living in the South?
I love the South. Love it love it love it. I think my favorite thing about the South is the people. Even though the small-town-feel is somewhat a thing of the past, people are largely polite, kind, and interesting. There’s an attitude here that you just can’t find anywhere else.
13. Finally, it’s time for the Fast Five! What are five random things we might not know about Jackson Pearce?
-I collect My Little Ponies.
-I have owned two purple couches in the last two years.
-One of my favorite books is actually a graphic novel called BLANKETS by Craig Thompson.
-I have never left the country, but got a passport just in case. I really want to travel!
-I have pink luggage. Because pink is awesome.
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Thanks so much, Jackson!
Don’t forget to sign up for a chance to win a signed copy of As You Wish.
For more Jackson Pearce, be sure to check out her website, follow her on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook (or do all three!).
2 Comments
Great interview! Jackson is such a sweetheart. I was lucky enough to read Sisters Red, and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of her before then. I’m still waiting to get my hands on a copy of As You Wish! I love her writing style. And she is awesome in her vlogs, if you guys haven’t seen one once, def. check it out!!
I am so jealous! I can’t wait to read Sisters Red!!