Jessika Grewe Glover, Author
Growing up in Miami, Jessika always dreamed of fantastical places and started writing to escape. She is a University of Miami graduate with a degree in both English: Creative Writing and International Studies: Intelligence and Foreign Policy. She is the author of the Another Beast’s Skin adult fantasy series.
Currently, she works as a personal trainer in the Los Angeles area, having Saturday night singalongs with her British ex-pat husband, two teenage children, and the world's fastest bulldog. In her free time, she makes dragons out of chocolate.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
Instagram allows me the creative freedom to post a tapestry of my art - writing, photography, and design. Share it with other creatives and those who appreciate art in its many forms.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
Writing has always been essential to me, from my early years of scribbling poems on Pan Am cocktail napkins whilst travelling with my mum to majoring in Creative Writing at university. However, it wasn't until 2018, on a trip back to England with my children, that I decided to buckle down and pursue writing professionally.
That was when my debut novel, Another Beast's Skin, was born. I am currently in the midst of that series (book two released in march, book three in October) as well as querying another novel, some short stories, and readying a new novel to query.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
Having my books published and in the hands of readers is my lifelong dream. To be able to write and one day support my family through my stories is the goal I am tirelessly working towards.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Don't read your reviews.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Art. The vast umbrella of it and its contribution to the world both historically and in a contemporary sense. The intrinsic need to create moves me forward. The pulsating possibility of realizing every dream motivates me. Knowing my children see me giving all I have to make my dreams come true inspires me.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
Perhaps it sounds trite, but my children. They make me immensely proud. Having my books published is definitely a pride point, too, though!
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
I don't have many reader/writer/creatives as friends whom I've met (initially) offline. So, in that sense, I have made most networking and creative friends via Instagram.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
I am extremely detail-oriented. I notice the small, marginal things others might not, and I feel this has been helpful in my writing, especially in writing dialogue.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
To trust my instincts more. This is a common theme in my life I always come back to wishing I'd trusted my gut more. Standing up for myself is something I'm learning more and more. Because of that, my mantra, if you will, is "I am worthy of success."
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
Oh, this is a lovely question. I admire so many people.
Academically, author Deborah Darkness is the subject of my constant admiration. She is an accomplished academic and professor who snubbed colleagues who urged her not to write a fantasy book because it might tarnish her professional reputation. She is quite successful and a wonderful human to boot.
Creatively, my friend Rashidi Harper, a filmmaker, has used his own brand and style to make his mark on the entertainment industry.
As for business, my friend John Buccola, who I lovingly call the cavalry when I need business or tech support, is truly inspirational to me, as I am not quite so business savvy!
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
Wellness has always been a passion of mine. Helping people become the best versions of themselves drew me into personal training. Apart from that, which is another facet of my career, travel with my family is my greatest joy. Except for the one caveat: I always miss my dog, Coco, far too much. She is a rescued bulldog who rarely leaves my side.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
I saw my last paying personal training client in March 2020. My clients were less inclined to move into virtual training, and as such, my training career was made redundant. Now that things are normalizing a bit, I find myself looking into other opportunities. I am extremely fortunate that my husband's job was able to continue, and though we don't have the double income we once had, I have been able to focus on my writing and children.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have not, though I look up to many and seek advice from those who are knowledgeable in whichever field I am presently focusing on.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Do your research. Don't give up. There's no age cap on being a writer. And trust your gut.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
A lack of instant gratification. Especially in today's fast world of text responses and post likes, it's easy to get caught up in feeling like you're treading stagnant waters when there's always a current. So, let it take you as slowly as it needs to. Just don't forget to put in the work.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
I am such a Marlowe-loving emo kid.
"Quod me nutrit, me destruit."
"What nourishes me destroys me."
I am a creative, sensitive, empathetic, loving creature who feels deeply. I feed myself with art and music that tugs every soul string. I thrive when I am helping others or taking on the feeling and emotions of others. Unfortunately, these things nourish who I am and are also emotionally taxing. Plus, I really do, quite literally, love food. I have an unapologetically large appetite for good food.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Oh goodness. Universities that are moving away from exclusive, expensive standardized tests and companies willing to stand up for LGBTQ+ and environmental issues will profoundly impact the next generation.
Companies such as Pelican House clothing uses sustainable fabrics, not reef-destroying ones, for their carbon-neutral clothing company. I'm also a big supporter of animal welfare and rescues. Southern California Bulldog rescue will always have my heart.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Overall, success matches your current situation with what aligns with your beliefs and long-term desires. Though I am not incredibly financially successful yet, I have placed myself on an evolving track to my and my family's goals of being present in each other's lives and living amongst the art we have created. My success is in not regretting the trajectory of my life and staying true to who I am.