Q&A with Jennifer Cox – Author Interview

Jennifer Cox has a natural talent for crafting heartfelt, engaging stories that pull readers in from the very first page. In this exclusive Q&A, we sit down with Jennifer to chat about her latest book, Getting to Know You, and the creative journey that brought it to life. From character inspirations to the writing process, she shares insight into how she builds relatable, memorable stories that leave a lasting impression.

In this interview, Jennifer opens up about the themes behind Getting to Know You, what motivates her as a writer, and the highs and lows of her writing career so far. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her work, this conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and dedication that goes into every page she writes.

About The Author

Tell us more about you

I’m a licensed therapist who specialises in attachment trauma! I’m also a parent and spouse, a D&D enthusiast, and a hobby sewer.

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

A food-safe vessel to boil water in, a knife, and a poncho.

Who is your biggest role model?

I can’t narrow it down from my maternal grandparents and my parents. Collectively the four of them have taught me my values about compassion, empathy, collectivism, faith, advocacy, and love.

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

You mean I have to pick ONE?! Unfair! Can I change the question to, “What’s a book that you found incredibly influential in your self-development?” Because the answer to that one is “Emiko Superstar” by Mariko Tamaki. This graphic novel about an Asian-Canadian teen developing her artistic identity over summer break opened my eyes to how I could grow as a multi-faceted teen myself.

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobooks?

I prefer to read physical books (and have a massive collection I’ve gathered since childhood). But I love that ebooks have given me access to all kinds of indie authors I would otherwise never know, and there’s a special place in my heart for audiobooks that have a full cast!

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

Being a therapist is my full-time job, but I’m working for writing to expand past my “hobby” and into an “additional career.”

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

I’m most active on Threads! But I’m @jenivere_the_wit pretty much anywhere.

My social channels are:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

I’ve been writing since I was a child, and I was a pantser for the longest time. But since I buckled down into writing published work, I’ve turned into a planner. I’ll start writing out ideas before the full outline is done to help me get a feel for what the idea is turning into.

Where do you like to write?

I’m a parent in a small house with a cat who demands my lap when I’m sitting. I write where I can.

What do you like most about writing?

I love its ability to heal. In myself, my clients, and my loved ones, I’ve seen how writing can help people grow in their values, learn to love themselves, connect with a community, and process trauma in an empowering way. Writing creates new stories in our real lives just as much as it does on the page.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

I’m a parent in a broken-down house with a full-time job.

What genres do you like to write and why?

Contrary to what it seems based on my published work so far, my favourite genre (to write and read) is fantasy! Fantasy was my escape as a child. As a genre, you can always trust that the characters who are kind, brave, and hard-working will survive their trials and be victorious with happy, peaceful endings. 

Oddly, I think that’s why I’ve started writing more contemporary/lit fic pieces. In adulthood, I have my “happy ever after” childhood I never thought I would ever see. Now I’m processing for myself the importance of stories closer to home, where victory is uncertain or looks unexpected. That said, my next work lives somewhere between the two genres.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

Write crap. Write bad stories, bad dialogue, bad scenes. We all do – that’s what editing is for. If you let yourself be afraid of writing bad art, you’ll hold yourself back from your masterpiece. So write crap!

Showcase your books!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

I only have one published book so far (although I’m starting a series next, stay tuned). “Getting to Know You” is a sapphic contemporary novel about Maggie and Gwen trying to work together in theatre while healing from past relationships. This book is special to me because of my love for theatre as an art, my experience with my LGBT+ found family, and the message of surviving domestic violence in a same-sex relationship.

How long did Getting to Know You take to write?

Two, maybe three years. Then I tried self-publishing-not my skill set! Finally five years after starting my draft I was blessed when NineStar Press, an indie publisher for LGBT+ authors and stories, took a chance on me.

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

When my imposter syndrome lets me see myself as an author, I’ll let you know. But I can say my favourite thing about authors: authors are truth keepers. Fiction, non-fiction, or any genre. Authors keep cultural, emotional, and philosophical truths, across time and languages. I hope I can prove to be part of that legacy.

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