Write Now with Jennifer Pearson

Who are you?

My name is Jennifer Pearson, and I am a children’s and YA author, living in Durham in the Northeast of England. Until recently I was balancing writing with teaching, but after 20 years in the classroom, I have just made the move to full time author.

What do you write?

I write a range of stories for children and young adults. Drop Dead Famous is my first of two thriller novels that will be published by Sarah Barley books at S&S. Blair Baker an international pop star is murdered and her sister, Stevie, has to find the killer. It was a real change for me, not only because of the older age range, but also because I usually write in first POV.

I started out writing Middle Grade, I’ve had seven books published with Usborne and they have been described as ‘Heart & Humour’. My debut novel, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates, won the Lollies (formally Roald Dahl) award for funny books. I have delved into historical fiction with my novel, The Shrapnel Boys. Under the penname Hartigan Browne, I wrote the Cluedle series of puzzle books.

I have also written The Tuchus and Topps series, with my agent Sam Copeland. Hex and Hilda, a younger chapter book series is due out in 2027 with Simon and Schuster which I co-wrote with my great friend, Katya Balen.

Where do you write?

I usually write at the kitchen table so I’m near all the snacks. I also write on trains and in hotels if I’m on book tour. I don’t use anything fancy- just word on my old and generally reliable laptop. Sometimes I scribble in notebooks, but I don’t usually refer to them. It just helps me to get the ideas flowing.

When do you write?

When I was teaching, I used to come in and write in the evenings until quite late. I have always been a night owl, and I find that I am most productive between 11pm and 2am. Which was an absolute disaster for my energy levels! Now I have more time to dedicate to writing, I will write from 8:30-4:30pm Monday-Friday. I don’t usually set myself a word limit. It’s nice to hit 2-3k but I don’t beat myself up if I don’t. There are days when I can smash out 5k word, and others where I only manage a couple of hundred and I will tell myself that it is because I’ve had to spend a lot of time problem solving (not that I’ve just been a bit rubbish). I do like a deadline to keep me focused. I think the pressure helps.

Why do you write?

The want to write came from sharing stories with my students and seeing the huge impact books can have. I didn’t start writing until my late thirties and when I told my friends and family that I was going to be a published author, it came as quite a surprise to them. I’m still quite surprised myself, but I can’t imagine not doing it now. I honestly love it so much!

How do you overcome writer's block?

If it’s a short-term block, I usually go for a run or a swim or do something active. If it is lasting more time, then I take a longer break. I’ll watch movies and read books, maybe go to the theatre. I will also talk it through with my close writer friends, or my agent. But I think we live in such a diverse and inspiring world, just making myself be present in it can help the ideas come.

Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?

Being with my kids. I love watching them play sports; cricket and rugby. I also like to go to the gym, run, swim, play netball- anything sporty. I also like to get outside and be in nature. And going out for good food with good friends.

My thanks to Jennifer Pearson for today's interview.