Writer’s Profile
The Journey and the Three P's 

By Lisa Lodholm Gilman

It’s been a little more than a year since we first met Jené Jackson Hanna, a writer with hands in many projects; different outlets for her various passions and energies. We’ve chatted with her several times, learning about her progress since she first embarked on her journey to become a published writer for children. We meet with her again to find out just where she’s at in her journey. Here we sum up her journey with three “Ps”: Persistence, Productivity and Passion.

Persistence

When we first met with her, Jené had not yet submitted a manuscript for children’s book publishing. Her goal was to get an agent; at the same time she submitted several manuscripts to various publishers. Ethan Ellenberg Agency politely declined, as did the publishers. But hey, it’s all part of the process and she continues with enthusiasm. Her heart is in the work, and a few rejections certainly aren’t going to shut her down.

 Productivity

Shortly before she launched into children’s writing, Jené joined a writers’ critique group. They meet regularly to review each other's work and hold their fellow writers accountable. The support and contributions of her critique group are significant: Jené frequently touts the benefits of being involved in one. Each member sets a yearly goal. This year, among Jené’s goals are to write 15 pages and submit two manuscripts a month.

 Since we last chatted with her, our profiled writer also attended her first SCBWI conference! She went to the Fall Conference and was blown away. There she learned about the Highlights Foundation scholarship for a one-week, summer writer’s retreat. As of the “printing” of this article, she hadn’t heard the results of her application.

 Passion

Another goal Jené has set is a less tangible one: She is resolved to write from her heart, to write things that matter. This, coming from a self-proclaimed non-mushy person, is more than idealism. She’s come to realize it’s important to her to write things that are meaningful and convey her values that she can proudly pass on to her children. “I want my daughter and son to know what real beauty is,” she explains. “I want to write what I’m supposed to be writing.”

 The Future

One golden nugget in this journey is the relationship Jené has developed with Harcourt editor, Samantha McFerrin. Though she hasn’t yet accepted a manuscript, McFerrin has shown interest in Jené’s stories and writing. Our hopes are with Jené as she continues to pursue this lead. Later this year, we’ll see how this piece of her journey is going and if she won the Highlights scholarship, as well as how she’s doing in meeting her goals. We wish her the very best in this. Thanks for sharing the journey!