Jen Nails — Writer

I've bungee jumped. I've gone on an African safari and watched lions and hippos up close. I once rode this roller coaster on top of the tallest building in Las Vegas, the Stratosphere (once was enough).

I am figuring out that doing things that make me nervous can be really rewarding. Is it just because of the adrenaline rush? Well, maybe that's some of it! But it's also because I find out that I can do something that I thought I couldn't. And I think that is the best feeling in the world.

The idea of writing a book made me nervous. Don't you have to be really smart to write a book? I'd never considered myself a writer writer. Just someone who always loved to keep diaries and record memories and feelings and secrets.

But once I decided to do it, I had to keep on going, even when I had to take a break and say "Why the heck am I writing this?" I realized that writing wasn't so random for me. I'd always had on-and-off writing jobs. I've worked for many magazines and television including SELF Magazine, the Oxygen Network and Nickelodeon. In 2009 I got my Masters degree in Creative Writing from the New School University. 

Right now I write articles and book reviews for Time Out New York Kids, and am hard at work on a new novel. 

Next to Mexico is my first book. It's a funny middle grade novel about two sixth grade girls in Arizona who break major rules at their school, and get away with it. I am very anxious to hear what you think about it. Email me at jen@jennails.com and let me know!