J.D. Southwell, wife, author, and aspiring business woman
The Creative Council
Welcome to The Creative Council, where I interview creatives about their lives and work and the ups and downs of being a creative soul.
Today’s interviewee is J.D. Southwell!
Born and raised in Texas, J.D. is not only a wife but an author and aspiring businesswoman. You can also put her in the category of functioning introvert.
She was driven by her love for reading and the escape it offered into different worlds and decided to become a multi-genre author. She began her writing journey by self-publishing Christian children’s books. After a year, J.D. stepped out of her comfort zone and began to write adult fiction.
J.D. finds peace and inspiration in the quiet of the night or at the break of dawn, where her creativity flourishes. The characters and adventures she encounters in books continues to inspire her to stay on her career path as an author.
When J.D. is not working on books, you can usually find her in the kitchen baking, rewatching her favorite shows/movies, or spending time with family and friends.
The Interview
Hi J.D.! Welcome to The Creative Council! Are you ready for this?
· When did you start creating? Do you remember what pulled you in?
I started creating when I was in elementary school. I remember writing a short story about a lost bear that was trapped in a library when I was in the third grade. I realized how much I liked using my imagination and telling a story to keep people entertained.
· When did you start pursuing your current craft for real? As in, when did you begin to take yourself seriously as a creator?
I began to take myself serious in late 2022. I had found an old manuscript in one of my MANY notebook journals and decided to go after my dreams.
· Are you still having fun? If yes, how are you making sure it stays fun?
Absolutely! I have only just begun my journey as an author. I make sure it stays fun by remembering to take mental health days and not obsessing over my work (even though I still tend to from time to time lol).
· What has been your biggest ‘mistake’ thus far, and what would you tell people about to make that same mistake?
My biggest mistake was not utilizing my resources like social media, beta readers, and ARC readers to make my debut novella a better success. And I would tell anyone else about to make that mistake to not be afraid to ask for help. If I had reached out to more people to read my book in advance and post more on social media, I would have done better the first year I was writing.
· Of all the milestones you’ve reached thus far, what has been your favourite? How did you celebrate it?
My favorite milestone has definitely been holding my very first printed paperback copy. It was surreal to see my finished work formatted and ready to go.
· What do you struggle with most as a creative person?
Procrastination, and I am easily distracted. Unless I am in a quiet room, I won’t get work done.
· Have you always had that struggle, and what advice would you give creatives dealing with the same?
I struggle with this daily, always have. My advice would be to place your phone or any other distractive devices away. It also helps me to write when I am at a desk or table versus writing in my bed with the laptop.
· What do you do to stay inspired?
I read or watch movies. Strange? I know, but it goes back to keeping my mental health safe and not treating my passion as a job.
· Fuck fear: Yes or No?
Hell yes! Being afraid only stops you from going after and achieving your goals. As scary as it can be sometimes, you have to step out of your comfort zone especially when it comes to showcasing your work.
· What is the biggest compliment you ever received about your work?
I had someone write me to express how much they enjoyed my books. They said that when they read my work, it was like talking to their best friend who was sharing some really juicy gossip that was filled with drama. She said that she almost forgot that it was just a book because it felt real.
· What’s the best creative advice you ever received?
Just write. Don’t go back to reread what you wrote, but instead, get your first draft written down. Then once you’re done, go back to add/edit before sending it to your editor.
You can find J.D. and her work on her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.
J.D.’s Kickstarter campaign for Ezra and the Forbidden Scroll, a new adult spicy dystopian romantasy with illustrations and stenciled edges, is live now and runs until 30 October. Back it here!
Are you a creative and would you like to be interviewed next? E-mail me at marielle@mswordsmith.nl and we’ll make it happen!