Daily Inspiration: Meet Lizbeth Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizbeth Jones.

Lizbeth, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
My creative life began early, coming from a family of artists and designers. I also grew up surrounded by storytellers with a love of travel and reading. I’ve lived in places as diverse as Ohio, Tucson, Seattle, and now Atlanta, and immersing myself among people communicating–whether in crowds, around the table, or on the page–always inspired me with curiosity. The variety of distinct voices and perspectives people call upon to share their histories and experiences has provided me with an ability to listen for both the unique and the universal. 

Writing is a contemplative, solitary activity, but it can also serve to bring people out of isolation and into connection through story. I think this is why I chose to study creative writing at the University of Arizona, where I learned to critique and workshop work by my peers, as well as to create original fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. 

Since 1992, my published journalistic pieces have included interviews with painters, musicians, and small business owners. Recently, I edited a book about the historical origins of the Veterans Hospitals that were formed after the Civil War. Since 2021, I’ve been part of the Wild Women Who Write podcast, where we interview authors on how their personal and professional lives are interwoven with the subject of their books. Last year, I served as the author coordinator for Atlanta’s A Novel Idea Author Showcase. This is an organization that hosts and promotes the launch of books by both debut and seasoned authors. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve had my share of bumps and detours, for sure. We all get so much thrown at us to knock us off our path, and the struggle is often just to stay on it and headed in the right direction. My writing mentor once told me that survival alone can be cause enough for celebration. For me, being part of people sharing their stories–which, at a basic level are all survival stories–is one form of celebration. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an editor and creative coach, I have a calling to support fellow writers because choosing to write can be daunting and sometimes lead to discouragement. This is why I call myself a Literary Therapist because anything that a person writes–from an essay for a college application to an informal presentation or a family memoir–is full of personal challenges, heartaches, and triumphs. Writing can be part of someone’s healing process in disguise. My role, then, as a consultant on these endeavors requires listening with sensitivity and confidentiality without judgment or getting territorial with opinions. 

Editing and coaching should be about educating and guiding a writer, not criticizing their work. I’m essentially sharing the wisdom and experience I’ve drawn from professors, mentors, and other creatives, as well as providing a thorough assessment. We can all be enlivened by the collective stories we’re exposed to, and I contribute to that by helping people tell their stories at the highest level we can reach together. 

One of my favorite clients is a behavioral health therapist who travels the country presenting talks on topics such as parenting, teen anxiety, and strengthening families and communities. I get caught up in helping her shape and polish her ideas so that they will touch the lives of those who are struggling and looking for guidance. It makes me feel like I’m part of something impactful and positive. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Atlanta is so open in how it introduces itself and invites you to get to know it better in so many different ways. It doesn’t play it safe or shy. I love that. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theliterarytherapist.com/office/ltwelcomepage.html
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizbeth.l.jones/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizbeth.l.jones