But I do want to express that whatever one is going through, he or she is not alone. There are still a few good-hearted people who are openly willing to listen and not judge. We all want to be heard and understood. We all want to belong somewhere to someone.

J.N. McGhee – 15 February 2018

The Back Flap

A story told through the eyes of a little girl transitioning into adolescence. Witness the struggle of existence and purpose as the girl searches frantically for answers through pre-made images. Experience the emotional rainbow.These poems question the conjectures of the societal and familial constitution. Therefore, the main themes of this book center around identity, self-discovery, and existence.

About the book

What is the book about?

These poems.

When did you start writing the book?

As a friend once told me, “I already had the poems; all I had to do is assemble the book.”

How long did it take you to write it?

Honestly, the poems were already written throughout my poetic career.

Where did you get the idea from?

When I was a little girl, my PawPaw had a swing on his porch, and I loved to swing. Then, while I was growing up, I always struggled with identity and my purpose. Even now, I still feel like that little girl who’s still searching for who she really is.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I struggled deciding which sections I wanted the poems to be placed. Also, whatever order I had the poems, I wanted it to flow without difficulty.

What came easily?

Gathering the poems for the book.

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?

There are several authors who influenced me over the years. But Emily Dickinson would be the most influential for me. I really empathize with her. She lived a solitary life, and she dwelled in nature. That’s how I am, the loner and outsider. And I love to be in and around nature especially water and exercising/walking.

Do you have a target reader?

The voiceless; the people who have a hard time communicating how or what they feel. Then, the people who has been trying to communicate, but no one is listening. I feel that everybody can relate to these poems. Some of us are suffering silently, and nobody has a clue. But I do want to express that whatever one is going through, he or she is not alone. There are still a few good-hearted people who are openly willing to listen and not judge. We all want to be heard and understood. We all want to belong somewhere to someone.

About Writing

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

I don’t think I have a writing process.

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

Since this is my first poetry book, I did have to decide what order I wanted the poems and dividing the poems into different sections. Then, I had to format and edit the content. I work quickly, so it didn’t take up too much of my time.

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

A little bit of both. Most of the poems were edited after I typed; some were tackled after I finished.

Did you hire a professional editor?

No.

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

Not really. I listen to music anyway. I’m an eclectic when it comes to music. I’m pretty much moved by everything except the genre of blues.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did not.

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

I have a friend of mine, a charity publisher, that uses a self-publishing company. She told me about it. I did some research, and I decided that self-publishing would be better for me. I know most traditional, if any, would want to publish a book of my poetry. It was somewhat of a gradual process at first. After I finally found someone to do my book cover, all I had to do was gather my poems; it was easy. Besides, self-publishing provides more options and possibilities. Only thing is you can the do the marketing yourself unless you have the funds to pay someone else to do it.

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

Oh, no. I had it professionally done although I wish I had that skill.

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

For the most part, I’m just winging it. But I have been consulting with other established authors and writers. I pick their brains for marketing/promoting techniques. It has been working so far until my funds become more stable and reliable.

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

Join groups; there are countless groups on Facebook. Network and connect with other authors, writers, etc. It’s just good to be among other individuals that share the same passion as you do and the struggle.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Mendenhall, Mississippi

Where do you live now?

Yazoo City, Mississippi

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m a lover of all literature, but I’m a poetry fanatic. I love video games, anime, manga, etc.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I’m just taking a little time out for myself. Being a published author is fun, but it’s a lot of work. It’s almost like a full-time job without the pay.

But I will be scheduling more book signings, events, etc. a little bit after the new year. And I’m working on creating a literary journal.

End of Interview:

For more from J.N. McGhee, visit her website or blog, like her Facebook page, and follow her on Twitter.

Get your copy of Little Girl Blues from Amazon US or Amazon UK.