Episode 16: Jessica Lewis
CLICK HERE for a downloadable PDF transcript of this episode
Jessica Lewis is a Black author and receptionist. She has a degree in English Literature and Animal Science (the veterinarian plan did not work out). She lives with her way-funnier-than-her grandmother in Alabama. When she isn't writing or working she enjoys watching cooking or HGTV-type home shows. She writes both young adult and middle grade fiction, the latter under her pen name Jazz Taylor. Her forthcoming 2023 titles are Monstrous (YA) and Starting from Scratch (MG).
In this episode:
The Maximum Ride series and When the Wind Blows by James Patterson
Hank the Cowdog series by John R. Erickson, illustrated by Gerald L. Holmes
Goosebumps by R.L. Stine
Holly Root at Root Literary
Wildfire (title changed to Bad Witch Burning)
Star Wars
Marvel
Olivia Valcarce, Jessica’s editor at Scholastic
Story Genius by Lisa Cron
Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
She is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores
The Last of Us (the game)
The Last of Us (the show)
Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
Blood and Chocolate (the movie)
Blockbuster videos
Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
Warm Bodies (the movie)
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
writing as Jessica Lewis
Bad Witch Burning
Monstrous (Fall 2023)
Writing as Jazz Taylor
From the author of Meow or Never, a story about blended families, anxiety, and how a fresh start can be just what you need…even when you least expect it.
Janie believes there’s a best way to do everything. When she sticks to a schedule, she and her mom can tackle anything. But Janie’s perfect schedule—and her life—are getting shaken up this year. Her new stepmom, Keisha, is moving in, along with her daughter, Makayla.
Worst of all? Makayla brings a cat with her. And Janie hates cats.
Even though it’s hard, Janie tries to welcome Makayla to her new school. And honestly, she maybe does too good a job. Soon, Makayla is volunteering with Janie’s beloved Sunshine Club, and Janie’s friends all love her. The only one who pays any attention to her anymore is Makayla’s nosy cat. It feels like her new sister is taking over! What's a gal to do with a copycat in her life?