Jessica Celaya has been creating stories for as long as she can remember. During her younger years, she could often be found with her nose in a book, or writing her own tales into her notebook. She started writing stories during first grade recess and the long bus rides home. By fourth grade, writing was a daily activity and the notebook was always in her grip. It wasn’t until she was in college that she became serious about learning the art of writing and began attending writer’s conferences and taking classes. She published her first book in 2019.
Hobbies
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys crocheting, playing board games with her husband, or trying to convince one of her four cats to get off her keyboard. She can often be found outside, leading a small army of chickens with treats.
Family
One of the best days of her life was when she met her husband, Michael. She’s living her happily ever after with him and the cutest baby boy this side of the Mississippi. (Who are we kidding, he’s the cutest baby on the other side of the Mississippi too.)
Background & Personal Story
What inspired you to start writing?
First grade. I attended a tiny school in an even tinier town in the Midwest. My sister and I were the first ones on the school bus in the morning and the last ones off at the end of the day. I used that time to write stories because I wanted to be published someday.
How did you get started as an author?
I sacrificed many recesses and sunny summer days, writing word after word. I completed my first novel not long before I left for college. At college, I probably spent too much time writing and not as much time studying, but writing called to my heart. Any time an author had a book signing on campus or in town, I tried to attend. This lead me to send a very rough first draft to the most patient of authors. The story was very beginner but her feedback inspired me to keep going. On another occasion, I met an author who mentioned a local writer’s conference.
Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a published author?
I have always been a prolific writer. But I was always timid and unconfident in my work. I wanted my books to be flawless and loved by all before I published them. Which is impossible. So, I hemmed and hawed over my book for almost ten years. Changing it and getting feedback and changing more. I almost gave it up several times. Until a good friend helped edit my book so that I could see the good in it. Then she didn’t let me stop there. She didn’t give up until I published it.I went to that conference and it changed my life. It put me on the path of maybe I can publish to I want to do this! Some of the people I met at that first conference have become writing friends for almost twenty years now.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
When I am not writing, I love to play board games and table top RPGS with my husband. I crochet and draw. I picked up guitar a few years ago. I own four cats and lots of chickens so I love petting them and talking about them and sharing pictures of them with my friends.
Currently, my favorite activity to do when I am not writing is playing with my son. This boy might only be a year old, but he’s such a cool person. Making him laugh is life.
How do your hobbies and interests outside of writing influence your stories?
Fun fact: I try to incorporate a cat in every single one of my books. Sometimes, the cat is briefly mentioned in passing, other times, the animal plays a pivotal role in the story.
What are some of your favorite books or authors? My favorite author is Brandon Sanderson. His Mistborn trilogy is amazing. Sanderson is a brilliant author. Maggie Stiefvater is another of my favorite authors. Her books are so poetic. One of my favorite books is The Giver by Lois Lowry.
Writing Process & Style
What is your writing process like? Do you have any routines or rituals?
First step in my writing process is doing a light outline. I wouldn’t say I’m a true plotter, but I need to know the basic story arc, otherwise, I meander. Once I get the basic arc, I sit down and write the story. It has to be handwritten. My brain cannot get into the creative mode with typing.
Once the first draft is done, I let it sit for a while. When I return to the manuscript, I read through it, making notes in the document on changes I think it needs.
Then I go through the manuscript one more time, making sure I am adding lots of rich sensory details and check for frequent used words.
After that, the book is off to editors and feedback.
What do you enjoy most about writing?
I love good stories. There are books that I have read that have such beautiful stories that they have stuck with me for my entire life. I still remember being enthralled with the plotlines in my favorite video game. I love the chills I get when a character wins or the sweet irony of an unfair loss. When the words are like a poem and the world vast and real. I’ve always wanted to create that feeling in others.
Books & Projects
Which of your books are you most proud of and why?
I don’t know if I would call it being proud of, but my favorite book that I have written so far is one called Fox. It has some of my favorite characters. I love their banter. When I reread it after several years, I surprised my own self with one of the plot twists.
What challenges have you faced in your writing career?
Imposter syndrome has been my biggest battle. I hesitate to share my writing for fear of not being good enough. I will edit my stories to death in my fear of writing something less than perfection. But with each new book, I feel the anxiety lessen.
How do you handle writer’s block or creative slumps?
Writer’s block for me means that there is something else in my life I need to do. So I go and do the dishes or a take a walk in some fresh air and the ideas start to stir. Best cure for writer’s block? Do some menial task in a place where you don’t have the option to jot down notes and think about your book. Ideas will sneak up on you.
Reader Interaction & Future Plans
What kind of feedback have you received from readers that has stayed with you?
When someone tells me they can’t put my books down, it makes my heart happy!
What’s next for you in your writing career?
Along with writing, I am starting an editing business in the fall. I am very excited to help other author’s books shine.
I also plan to finish The Mage Bond Trilogy and introduce readers to a new trilogy with a book tentatively called Fox.
Are there any upcoming projects or books you’re excited about?
I am excited about the release of Fox as it has characters that I love. There is also a series that I initially wrote back in 2008 that I am very excited about revisiting and revamping.