Oh, and if I could do anything with my life, it would be to help teen girls learn that much of what happens in high school isn’t all that important. And that the most important thing they can learn while they’re there is how to be themselves!

Jackie Nastri Bardenwerper – 14 December 2014

The Back Flap

Getting in is hard. Staying in is harder…

Joining social network Populatti.com let sixteen-year-old Livi Stanley trade her awkward middle school past for the social life of her dreams. Because Populatti isn’t just a social network. It’s a club, providing access to friends. Parties. And Livi’s crush, star baseball player Brandon Dash.

Yet lately, online rumors have been threatening Livi’s place in the group. And not even her friends are doing much to stop them. Leaving Livi to prove them wrong, and fast.

Before her life as a popster is over.

About the book

What is the book about?

Populatti tells the story of high school sophomore Livi Stanley and her interactions with the social network Populatti.com. To access this secret site and the social life that comes with it, students must be voted in by their friends. They can also be voted out at any time.

Through this framework, the story examines both the overt and more subtle types of bullying that often occur in high school settings, especially among friends. It also really is a coming of age story, as Livi must learn to trust, and be true to, herself, especially when it comes to friends, boys, and school.

When did you start writing the book?

I wrote the first draft back in 2010.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took about three months to write the first draft, and then another three for revisions. But at that point, I still wasn’t satisfied with the plot, so I put it away and wrote On the Line, which became my first novel. About a year after that book was published, I returned to Populatti and rewrote almost the entire story over the course of another six months.

Where did you get the idea from?

This story came to me when I learned about the dating website www.beautifulpeople.com back in 2010. It was about how you had to be voted into the site and could be voted out if your looks changed and the community decided you were no longer beautiful. It sounded terrible – and very much like something high school kids might do! So I adapted the concept to work in a high school setting.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Yes! Actually shaping Livi was by far the most difficult part of the book. I wanted her to be likeable, but given that she was involved in such a terrible site, I knew this could be difficult to convey to readers. Hence the heavy edits from 2010 to 2014. I really went back and looked at Livi, and worked hard to portray her as an insecure, good kid instead of a “mean girl.”

What came easily?

I think the conversations and interactions between Livi and her closest girlfriends were some of the most fun I’ve had writing in a long time. While the characters really are not based on people I know, some of the situations they find themselves in remind me of my own experiences back in high school, which made it a lot of fun to write!

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

My characters are definitely fictitious, each with a personality unique to them. However, while I may not borrow personalities, I do sometimes borrow wardrobe choices, as well as little mannerisms or expressions. Whenever I’m out, I tend to pay attention to these things and then file them away for just the right book or scene.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Oh gosh, so many. I would say every author I have read has probably helped shape me in some way. But if I had to boil it down to particular elements, I would say that Steinbeck and Hemingway – two of my favorite authors – have very distinct styles that have stuck with me, even if it isn’t always evident in my books.

When I first read The Grapes of Wrath – funny enough, a book mentioned in Populatti – I was immediately taken by Steinbeck’s stream-of-consciousness chapters which are interspersed throughout the story.  I loved the feeling of these passages and often think of them when I’m writing, especially when I am describing a place.

I also have always loved the clarity of Hemingway’s writing, and how he could evoke such emotion with so few words. I often think of this during the revision process when I stumble across an adjective or adverb. Especially an adverb. I like to think this originates from my love of The Sun Also Rises.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

My writing process really is to just sit down and write. I like to write first drafts fast and then spend time analyzing the characters and story later. Usually my work is more character-driven, where I envision a character in my head, then sit down and tell her story. Populatti was a bit different because I had the concept before the characters. This led to more major revisions than my previous manuscripts, but in the end I felt like the process made my characters, and writing, stronger.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

If I outline at all, it is usually done by just jotting down a few sentences or ideas at the bottom of the page where I am writing. I do a lot of my best thinking when I am jogging, so often I will come back from a run, bolt to the computer, and write down a few thoughts for a scene that I just worked out in my head. But besides that, I do not follow a formal outlining process.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Ah, I always tell myself I’ll edit when I’m done, but if I think of a plot change that affects earlier chapters, often I find myself feeling anxious moving forward until I go back and weave the changes into the story. That said, most of the heavy lifting happens after writing the first draft.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I have never hired a professional editor, but have relied heavily on family, friends, and writing groups for critiques and suggestions.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

You know, when I was younger I couldn’t write without the music blaring. But after years of working an office job, I now find music too distracting. Yet like I said before, most of my best thinking happens when I’m running. And when I’m running I always have music. Usually country. Or something fast and peppy.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes, I submitted my work to agents for close to three years. After subbing two manuscripts that are still locked away in a drawer, I landed one with my first novel On the Line. While my agent was very insightful and taught me a great deal about the editing and revision process, the relationship ultimately wasn’t a good fit so we parted ways. It was at this time that I started considering indie publishing.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

The move to indie publishing was definitely gradual, as I spent years trying to go the traditional route. But after working with an agent and seeing behind the publishing curtain, my decision seemed very clear. My main goal as a writer has always been to share my work with others. And that was the one thing that wasn’t happening by submitting to agents. So I decided to put my work out there and see if there were any readers. The amazing part was that there were tons of readers, so many more than I could have ever imagined. Knowing that indie publishing has allowed them to hear my voice has made me feel so honored to be part of the indie community.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I designed the covers for both my novels. With a background in marketing, I’ve got a basic grasp on graphic design and really enjoy the process. Often I’ll start playing around with cover ideas way before I’ve finished the manuscript.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I do have a marketing plan, which came quite naturally given that I spent many years writing marketing plans as part of my former day job. However, I have found time and time again that the most important part of the plan is flexibility. Not everything you try will work and sometimes changing courses is necessary, even if it means taking a risk. In my experience, I have found that the results of those mid-course corrections often far surpass any short-term losses.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Indie publishing is hard work, but it is also incredibly rewarding. To those considering jumping in, I’d say it is important to really understand what indie publishing entails before starting. For example, ask yourself, who is your target audience? How will you reach them? Do you plan on writing multiple novels? How will you distribute? Do you want to use a small press or do everything yourself? If going it alone, where will you bring in professionals? And are you prepared to invest considerable time into the publishing aspect of your book as well as the writing?

If the answer is yes, then go for it! And don’t forget to reach out and connect with other indie writers. Because there is a great community out there just waiting to welcome you and offer their support!

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Orange, CT, a town outside of New Haven. It’s a beautiful place with lots of New England charm and a small-town feel that I often draw on in my writing.

Where do you live now?

Currently I live in Stamford, CT, about 30 miles down the coast from my hometown and 30 miles outside New York City.  My husband and I have been here for about six years now and have found that it is a really vibrant city with lots of wonderful parks, restaurants, beaches and more. It is definitely a place I could write about one day!

What would you like readers to know about you?

I love to write, run, and spend time on the ocean. I prefer chocolate over vanilla, listen to country music, and am obsessed with neon sneakers. Oh, and if I could do anything with my life, it would be to help teen girls learn that much of what happens in high school isn’t all that important. And that the most important thing they can learn while they’re there is how to be themselves!

What are you working on now?

I am currently hard at work on a new novel about a high school sailing champion living in another small beach community in Connecticut. Right now I am researching some local legends and working on tying them into the plot. I am really excited about this new novel and can’t wait to share more details soon!

End of Interview:

For more, visit Jacke’s website or the website for Populatti, or follow Jackie on Twitter.

Get your copy of Populatti from Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), or Barnes & Noble.