Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica McNicholas.
Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ever since I was a young girl, I loved reading. I went from picture books to Amelia Bedelia, to Magic Tree House, to Twilight, then Hush Hush, and it never stopped. My childhood dream was to one day become an author. I would spend my days writing short stories and poems, stapling pages together for my make-shift books. Creativity lived in me, my mind running rampant with stories that had me putting pen to paper – or, in my childhood – 50-cent pencils to random notepads. I started working for Barnes & Noble in college to make extra income. My love for books led to spending most of my paycheck in the store as soon as it hit my measly bank account. All my new book purchases inspired me to start an Instagram account (@JRMBookReads), where I began reviewing and posting about my love for the books I was reading. I always hoped to build a platform to help market a future book. In 2017, the book community online was less popular compared to how it’s grown today. The community of bookish creatives on Instagram and TikTok are called “Bookstagrammers” and “Booktokers.” I’ve developed my platform to “micro-influencer” status along the way. I have yet to work on it full-time and mostly spend time on the platform to share creativity rather than fight algorithms and trends for a huge following, but I’ve found that I adore my corner of Bookstagram.
In 2018, I began the journey of chasing my childhood dreams and started writing my book. As a first-generation college student from a single-parent, low-income home, this dream took time. I was constantly battling the balance of being a full-time student, working 30-35 hours a week between multiple jobs, and volunteering at my church while also being involved in organizations at my college. I was used to working hard and giving my all. I began working for my mother’s commercial cleaning company in 7th grade. It was nothing new to work for the things I desired in life, but writing a book was a beast in my mind.
It was always just a dream, and dreams weren’t supposed to be real. It was not a real career I could chase, but a dream that a young girl had about magical worlds and fancy words. Finding time to write was always a challenge, but after 5 years, I completed my 110k manuscript in 2023. Along the way, I’ve seen people on social media who have encouraged, supported, and stuck with me on this 5-year journey to publishing. With a growing following, I am now starting to query, find an agent, and connect with publishing houses. Although this dream is still in its beginning stages, it’s growing every day. The ability to share my creativity through social media and writing is such a joy. It’s opened doors of opportunity to start a bookish Etsy shop, partner with brands and locals in ATX, and connect with others chasing their dreams!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the most difficult challenges has been navigating social media. Most platforms have become a saturated marketplace for influencers and companies. “Micro-creatives” have to jump through hoops to ensure our content is seen and marketed correctly. Taking time to learn more about how to build on socials successfully has been a never-ending journey because there are constant changes in social media platforms and trends. Many people who navigate and market successfully are on social media full-time. During my last semester of college in 2019, I got hired at Christian Life Austin. I began working full-time in 2020 through the pandemic and have continued writing and creating content. I have not had the luxury of navigating this journey full-time, and it can get difficult chasing a dream while also living in one. I am a Student Director at a nondenominational church in South Central Austin. I am writing content, scripts, speeches, and sermons daily. I find it interesting that I am currently working as a writer, speaker, and teacher, and this position has always been in place to help me one day become a published, full-time author. It is challenging juggling the obstacles of working full time, writing, being creative, and finding spaces to promote that creativity. One thing remains true in my life, though: I will not stop chasing this dream!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Most of my work is related to popular book series or writing content. My Etsy shop is for book lovers who enjoy Fantasy and Romance works of fiction! I’ve overcome the fear of becoming a writer and wrote an entire book, which I hope becomes a series! (Yes, it ends on a cliffhanger! All the book girlies will get it) My book is an Upper YA with Adult Crossover appeal that explores the beauty of living the life you were meant for instead of living to prove yourself to others. I am a proud Mexican-American, single-parent raised, first-generation college student, living with my husband, Australian Shepherd, and two cats in Austin, Texas. If I had to use one word that sets me apart from others, I would use: determined. Not one obstacle in my life has ever stopped me from chasing after the dreams in my heart. If we didn’t have enough money, I’d work for it. If we didn’t have the right resources, I’d find them. Time and time again, I’ve seen how determination wins the race. My race is far from up, but I will continue to strip off the things that slow me down and run the race that has been set before me with endurance and joy.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that there’s no reason to be afraid of “What’s next.” there’s no reason to be unsatisfied with where you are right now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jrmbookreads/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JRMBookReads
