Jessica Terry on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Jessica Terry and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I get up, work out, then eat, shower, and head to work.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an indie author of Black contemporary fiction, mostly romance and women’s fiction though there are some other things mixed in here and there. I released my first book, ‘Some Like ’em Thick’ in 2008 and just went on from there. I just released ‘Liz and Luther’ and am currently getting ready to promote a couple of holiday projects. I’m always working on something. 🙂

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
It’s silly. lol I legitimately believed I’d turn into a boy once I hit twelve years old. Don’t ask me where I got that…I have no idea. I was not looking forward to that age and was glad when my twelfth birthday came and went and I was still the same. LOL

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was absolutely a time I considered quitting writing – or at the very least, publishing anything – because I was several years in and felt I wasn’t really progressing or getting anywhere, no matter what I did. Figured no one cared if I released these books so why bother?

Thankfully, I came out of that mindset. It wasn’t outside influences that started my love for writing as a child and they shouldn’t stop anything now. Of course I still want success doing what I love to do, but regardless, I still love writing these books and will release them. They’re a legacy that will be here long after I am.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
Anything regarding getting what I deserve simply because I deserve it, worked for it, or waited for it.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
If we’re talking about my 9-5, absolutely not. I’m grateful for it but it doesn’t excite me. Regarding my author career, though, I’ve had quite a few tap dancing moments, like when a book club invited me to be a guest at their meeting when they were featuring my book and I surprised them by bringing the guy (who happened to be my ex) that inspired one of the main characters. The uproar and excitement in the room amongst those ladies when I told them who he was stays locked in my memory, and they proceeded to have a TON of questions and comments and feedback, for the both of us, and I loved every single second of it. I still hate I didn’t film any of that. lol

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jessicaterry.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/AuthorJessicaTerry
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/copyjessicaterry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessicaTerry
• Other: https://threads.com/AuthorJessicaTerry