Author Spotlight: Jennie Wexler

 Aug. 11, 2021

We are excited to feature author Jennie Wexler and her debut young adult novel, WHERE IT ALL LANDS (Wednesday Books (July 6, 2021) Enter to win a copy!

Welcome, Jennie!

Tell us about yourself and how you came to write for teens.

I began my career producing television shows and events. I have written for fun my entire life, but in 2015 I started writing scenes that would eventually morph into Where It All Lands. The story had been in my head since high school and the characters were teenagers, so it naturally fit into the young adult genre. 

Congrats on your debut novel, Where it All Lands! Tell us about the book and what inspired you.

Where It All Lands is a Sliding Doors-esque story about first love, loss, and all the what-ifs in life. The story follows three musically gifted teens named Stevie, Drew, and Shane. On the first day of band practice best friends Drew and Shane meet the new girl, Stevie, and are instantly drawn to her. Instead of fighting over her, they flip a coin to decide who gets to ask her out. The story is told in parts – heads and tails. Where It All Lands is a heartbreaking and hopeful novel about missed opportunities, second chances, and all the paths that lead us to where we are.

Was your road to publication long and winding, short and sweet, or something in between?

I started writing Where It All Lands in 2015 and signed with my agent in 2019. I was very lucky that my agent sold my manuscript quickly. But I spent four years revising my manuscript and learning along the way. 

Did you have a playlist or song while writing this novel? If so, please feel free to share.

There are a ton of songs and bands mentioned in Where It All Lands. I can’t write to music with lyrics, but I did listen to some of the songs mentioned in the book on repeat prior to writing. Music is so important to me and the characters in the book. Listening to the songs that held meaning for the characters really helped me get into their headspace.

What projects are you working on now?

I am working on a couple different young adult projects at the moment. I love them both!

What advice would you give to your younger self? Is this the same you'd give to aspiring authors?

I would tell my younger self that each creative set back is an opportunity to learn. I am not a person who gives up easily and I am a relentless reviser. But rejections definitely hurt. When I began viewing rejections as a way to grow as a writer, I started using the feedback as a way to improve my craft. 

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

I don’t know how to swim.

Where can people find you online?

I am most active on Instagram @jenniewexler but I am also on Twitter @jenwex.

Jennie Wexler spent the first part of her career producing and writing scripts for television shows appearing on VH1, Bravo, and The Travel Channel. Jennie’s debut novel, WHERE IT ALL LANDS was released from Wednesday Books on July 6th, 2021. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, son, and Havanese puppy. You can follow her on twitter @jenwex or on IG @jenniewexler.

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