An Interview with Laura Jinks
Laura Jinks is a writer, a mother, and a widow. She lives with her daughters, her dogs, her chickens, and whatever other animals wander into her life in Upstate New York. She continues to build a life filled with memories, meaning, and shouted moments of joy. When she is not writing and the kids are in school, she can be found crocheting, knitting, practicing karate, or playing video games.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title took a while to figure out, but writing about my journey as a young widow, I realized that was the easiest way to put it. I had never felt younger than being a widow at thirty-four and learning all the nuances of my ‘new’ life.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
It felt amazing! I’m a tactile person, and having it in my hands with my name, title, and picture was so overwhelming in the best way!
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
When my husband was sick, I had a running blog to update family on his treatments and conditions, along with our little family. After he died, I started my own blog to explain my feelings to the outside world without having to talk to anyone. Writing became a necessary outlet for my emotions and questions. When I started writing in classes (the best thing to come out of Covid was my zoom writing classes!) my content started to have more of a ‘theme’ and the essays started to come together in a form I could put together into the book and add to. It was so exciting!
My father is a self-published author, and knowing he had his books out inspired me, along with other writers who published memoirs that were poignant and humorous. I wanted to write the book I’d wished I’d found when I was a new widow.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I have a history degree but worked in the healthcare field for thirteen years. First as a pharmacy technician for ten years and the rest at a long-term managed Medicaid company. I love working with nurses and helping others, but I love writing and having my own schedule more!
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
This is the book I wish I’d been able to find when I became a new widow. It isn’t written in a linear way, and I love the unique chapter structure that kept my attention for the three years it took to write!
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I hope young widows understand that they are seen. It is very lonely, and building a community in Covid years was anything but easy.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on new content for another book, but I don’t know what it’s about yet … and of course, knitting and tending animals.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
It was a fun process, and they were very kind with the follow-ups. They were patient as I finished up the edits until I was ready to let it go.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.