Tag Archives: Jennifer

Finding My Own Inspiration

Posted on January 15, 2019 by Jennifer Kay

Last weekend many of my writing friends returned to VCFA for residency. I did not – for the first time in two and a half years. It was harder than I expected to view the social media posts about the … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Creativity, Home Improvements, Jennifer, MFA, SCBWI, VCFA MFA WCYA, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Post-Grad Revelations

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Jennifer Kay

Last month I checked a few major writing milestones off my bucket list: 1) Delivered my graduate reading of my young adult science fiction work-in-progress, Eraser. 2) Presented my graduate lecture, Shift That Narrow Trend Line into a Scatter Plot of … Continue reading →

Posted in Creativity, Engineering, Family, Jennifer, MFA, Nature, RVC, SCBWI, Teaching, VCFA MFA WCYA, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Talking Slower and Thinking Deeper

Posted on September 5, 2017 by Jennifer Kay

My twelfth packet of MFA homework was due earlier this week. For once it was submitted without any all-nighters, drama, or emotional meltdowns. I had plenty of time to do the quantity and quality of work I knew I had in … Continue reading →

Posted in Creativity, Jennifer, MFA, Poetry, VCFA MFA WCYA, Writing, Writing Excercise | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Talking Slower and Thinking Deeper

Cleaning Up The Trailer Trash Stereotype

Posted on July 6, 2017 by Jennifer Kay

Tomorrow I depart for my third residency at Vermont College of Fine Arts WCYA. The dreaded critical thesis semester is about to consume my life – except I’m not really dreading it. I’m a structural engineer. Critical analysis and technical … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Jennifer, VCFA MFA WCYA, Writing | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Subtext: Two Plus Two Equals A Reader Connection

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Jennifer Kay

Eons ago, at my first SCBWI Prairie Writer’s Day Conference, I heard the popular writing tip “show, don’t tell.” That catch phrase should be writing advice to live by, except this wide-eyed newbie didn’t understand how to “show.” I jumped … Continue reading →

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Can Kids Relate to Structural Engineering?

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Jennifer Kay

I never thought my day job as a structural engineer designing bridges would ever intersect with my dream job writing for children. Right-brain pursuits never cross paths with left-brain projects. Yet somehow they have, with a little help from my … Continue reading →

Posted in Engineering, Jennifer, MFA, Picture Books, VCFA MFA WCYA, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

VCFA WCYA Residency: My Trip to Hogwarts

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Jennifer Kay

Vermont College of Fine Arts. A.K.A. Brigadoon This place bears an uncanny resemblance to Hogwarts. The staircases don’t move, but the buildings seep tradition and history. There’s an eerie fog. A forest off in the distance. Even a bathroom stall … Continue reading →

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Sample Illustrations

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Jennifer Kay

Where has Jennifer been for the past two months? Attached to my new digital drawing pad. It’s become a third limb. After only three hours of online webinars on how to use Manga Studio 5, I’ve reached below average functionality … Continue reading →

Posted in Creativity, Graphic Novels, Jennifer, Middle Grade Books, Nicole, Publishing, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Sample Illustrations

Starting the New Year with New Art Forms

Posted on January 22, 2016 by Jennifer Kay

It’s no secret I’m a creature of habit. If my online calendar crashed, my life would fall into utter chaos. I make lists. Even lists of my lists. There’s only one way to juggle so many balls for myself, my … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Creativity, Graphic Novels, Jennifer, Nicole, Parenting, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Starting the New Year with New Art Forms

Ornaments are Memories

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Jennifer Kay

I love Christmas. Few things make me happier than seeing the lights and decorations go up, hearing holiday songs start playing, and watching the joy and wonder on children’s faces when they open gifts from Santa. That said, it’s a … Continue reading →

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