Q+A with Author Jenna Matecki
She's a writer, a sustainability strategist, a beekeeper, an avid traveler...
As important as stories are, I believe the people behind them are even more important. I think the world of Parea’s first author, Jenna, so I wanted the world to get to know her a bit better.
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Let’s get right into it. You’re a writer now–do you think of yourself as one?
I've always been a writer. But now I’m a writer who has a beautiful book that’s filled with meaningful moments from my life and cities around the world - words that point at the most universal and human things that I would love to talk with you about - complete with colorful illustrations by Jimmy - and an immensely supportive publisher and exceptional team at Parea behind it all…
I’m a writer, but I’m still wrapping my head around being that writer now.
What was the hardest part of this writing process?
This book was a result of the deepest self-examination and introspection. Speaking from that place, en-masse, can be a bit terrifying.
Which chapter came the most naturally to you, and which one was the hardest?
Mexico City poured out of me - I opened a faucet somewhere and went swimming. Vancouver was quite difficult, because the world changed so abruptly during that time (it was at the beginning of COVID). The tone shift from the light and playful voice that I usually have, towards words that could hold the emptiness that we all felt at the time - that was jarring to witness.
Every author, creative person, and perhaps human deals with a little nagging voice in the back of their head that tells them they can’t or shouldn’t do something. Did you experience this? What was your voice telling you? How did you quiet it?
Absolutely. It’s important to know that I wasn’t alone in this process. There are truly amazing people who worked on this book with me, who were and are in this with me. They read my earliest drafts, encouraged me to keep going. Nothing meaningful ever happens without friends by your side, and with them there was little space for negativity and self-doubt.
What do you hope this book inspires readers to do?
To actually live that sparkling life that you envision for yourself.
Who would you recommend the book to?
For those who want a delicious kind of rest and real, thoughtful conversations with a dear friend.
You told me earlier today you just want to spend your days writing books. What book is next?!
A book of stories about love. Readers were especially vocal about the love-themed pieces in The Hours Before Dusk, and of course I enjoy writing them. We all love, and love hard. I’m excited to share these new stories with you.
Aside from Jenna The Writer, who is Jenna The Human? What do you do when you aren’t writing?
Spending time with incredible people, listening to their stories, asking about their days. Traveling and learning about different cultures, ways of being. Exploring nature, climbing trees. I’m working on my Spanish a lot lately (I’m happiest when speaking it) and taking classes in biodynamic beekeeping.