Introducing the Beautiful #Awethor Jackie Connors

A young woman who writes about women issues, be they mental health or physical health.  Her short story in Awethology Dark tell of a young woman who finally finds reality which will change her life forevermore.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Jackie Connors, also known as Jack by my close family and friends. I was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, before relocating to New Jersey after marriage. I’m really a small town girl at heart, which is hard to imagine given the fact that I grew up with most of New York commuting right outside my kitchen window, zooming by on the infamous Staten Island Expressway. (But hey, New York has its perks – I can vouch for tasting some of the best pizza and bagels in the region.)

I’m fourth generation American and enjoy learning about my diverse background that includes the following ethnicities: Italian, Irish, English, and Swedish. I grew up with my Sicilian American grandparents, and am influenced by their passion for family, food, and community. I appreciate listening to their stories about my great and great-great grandparents experiences as immigrants to the United States.

Despite my heavily influenced Italian American upbringing, I’m an Anglophile when it comes to literature and cinema. I can some this up by saying – I named by daughter after Mr. Darcy. Yes, that’s right. My first-born child’s middle name is devoted to my literary husband. And Colin Firth was the best Mr. Darcy. I’m not budging on my opinion, sorry Matthew Macfadyen fans. 

What bought you to the world of writing?

I’ve been creating stories for as long as I can remember. As a young child, I discovered my passion for writing while daydreaming on an old hammock in my grandparents’ backyard. I would imagine myself as a heroine of a far away land, planning adventures on the wisps of clouds.

What story have you entered into the Awethology and Why?

My personal memoir, Waiting for the Twelfth, is about an experience that changed my entire life – it altered my Type A personality viewpoints forever. Goodbye ducks that stand neatly in line. . .  

What type of books do you write and do they fulfill your reader’s needs? 

My writing is focused on women’s issues, specifically the connection between mental health and physical well being. Plumage, my first poetry collection, addressed my struggle with fertility, as I had experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, including a partial molar pregnancy and secondary miscarriage, and the aftermath of postpartum depression. My goal is to help other women who are struggling to realize that they are not alone, and should not have to hide or be ashamed of their emotions. I believe that awareness and acknowledgment of these issues can help to tear down the taboos related to infertility, miscarriage, and postpartum depression/anxiety.

In addition to non-fiction, I plan to pursue fictional stories in the future. Motherhood comes first, of course, so my production is at a snail’s pace. But I’ve heard this great colloquialism, something about slow and steady winning the race. I hope to explore this adventure soon.

Tell us about your short story?

In short, girl becomes acquainted with reality.

What was your experience with #Awethors group and the Awethology?

What a fantastic group! The diverse talent of the #Awethors is truly remarkable. I love that I can keep in touch with authors from around the globe – we’re like a family, always encouraging, supporting, and most of all, motivating one another. Not once have I felt uncomfortable or intimidated; everyone realizes that supporting one another is more beneficial than competition or non-constructive criticism. I’m honoured to be a part of the #Awethors and a contributor to #Awethology.    

How do you promote your writing?

I use social media outlets such a personal Facebook and author page, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. I also belong to independent author sites such as the Independent Author Network and Cold Coffee Café. 

Where can we buy your books? 

Amazon

Who are your favourite authors?

Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Louisa May Alcott, and J.K. Rowling (among many others.)

Social Media Links

Website: http://www.jackieconnors.com/

Blog: http://www.jackieconnors.com/#!blog/cija

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jconnorsauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JackieC_Co

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jackie-connors/74/951/b2/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9865563.Jackie_Connors

Pinterest: http://uk.pinterest.com/jaxc1127/