Yesterday, I finished another class in my program at Southern New Hampshire University. I am nearing my Senior year, which makes me downright giddy! Going back to school at this age has been incredibly beneficial for me, not just educationally but mentally. I love learning and, it appears, I am good at it. Some classes have nearly eaten me for lunch, but pushing through those long projects and difficult reading assignments has shown me what this middle-aged former college dropout is made of.
My writing skills have improved tremendously. I look back on earlier works and, if I’m honest, cringe a little because I see things I would have changed had I known then what I know now. Word choices, comma placement, descriptions of characters and scenes that would have given the reader a clearer view into what I saw as I wrote all stand out to me now. (Oh, and so much overuse of the words and & that. Good grief.) This English degree is doing what I had hoped it would: making me a better writer and reader.
I’ve also had to come to peace with the fact that, despite my frequent desire to ditch all social media and go analog, I will have to learn to use it well if I want what I write to be seen and accessible. I am not J.K. Rowling or Stephen King, so no one is googling my name to see what I am up to..except my mom. (Thanks, mom!) If I want to succeed, I will have to advertise on some level and social media is the number one (and most affordable) way to do it. Ugh.
My professors have coached me along, teaching me how to create a brand that reflects my personality and my style of writing. I learned to research the demographics of my readers (you!) and create a space that helps us connect in real life, even if not always in person. I have spent many hours designing a website and social media page dedicated to my work as an author of both nonfiction essays and fictional young adult novels, and after months of laboring over every detail I am finally ready to share them with the world!
So, without further ado…here we go!
Where to find me
First is my new website: jeaninejoyner.com. I am really proud of how it turned out! It is different than my space here on Substack as I am using it to serve as common ground for both older and young adult women who read the different genres of my work. Here, I will share the latest about upcoming projects, life as an author, updates from the farm, and my research as I work to create stories about the real-life situations all women face.
Second is my new Instagram: @j.joynerwrites. This is where I plan to connect in real time with you! I will regularly share quotes, peeks into my current projects, fun writing and reading focused content, and more photos from home along with updates on my current work in progress. (Yes, I’m writing a new novel!)
I need your help!
I would be thrilled for you to subscribe and follow both platforms! Their content is different than what I share here and I need my dear friends and loyal readers to help me build a safe, encouraging, and challenging community.
Thanks for making it this far! It is a little scary to plunge this deeply into the whole “author platform” world. As one who battles a strong case of imposter syndrome, I may need an IV drip of chamomile tea to calm my nerves. Gulp.
More soon!
~Jeanine
P.S.–I have a personal commitment to keep all my online writing free of charge. That will not change.
So exciting! You go girl❤️⭐️❤️
Jeanine, I am SO proud of you for the ways you’ve grown, and for all you have accomplished in the years since you and Kyle were at Live Oak Community Church in Lubbock! You’ve raised and homeschooled a bunch of kids, supported your husband, and stayed fresh in your walk with the Lord. I’m thankful God brought you for a time (though all too brief) into Chuck’s and my lives. I will gladly sign up for you new website and your instagram account. Sending hugs.