Meet Jenna, she is the blogger behind Parchment and Quill

1. Hello Jenna, please introduce yourself and tell us about your blog?

Hi Lara. I’m a freelance writer from the south of England and I blog about the books I love and my journey to becoming a full-time writer. While I work on my blog and debut novel I also work for my local council.

2. What was the deciding factor that made you go “Yes I am doing this, I’m starting my own blog!” ? Are you passionate about what you post on your blog?

I’ve wanted to start a blog for some time, I just wasn’t sure what to blog about. I tried when I was a teenager to start a blog about the different TV shows and films I was interested in, but it didn’t quite stick. So last year I thought “I am finally going to do this. I love to read and write so that’s what I will blog about.” For the first couple of months I didn’t really have an aim for the blog, I was rambling through my writing process as I tried to plan a novel for NaNoWriMo. In January it all came together and I started book reviews alongside blog posts about editing my debut novel. Since then my blog has grown alongside my passion for it. I love what I write about and have no plans for changing it any time soon.

3. How would you describe your blogging style and persona? How meticulous are you, when it comes to the conceptualization up to the execution of your ideas?

I’m fairly open to changing my style with what I write about, I don’t sit down with a template in mind. I write what I think, although it is edited somewhat to make sure it makes sense! I’m more of a go-with-the-flow type of blogger.

4. What do you want and hope your readers to take from the content you share?   

With my writing posts I hope my readers learn from my mistakes whilst writing their own projects, whatever they may be. And with my book reviews I hope people discover a new favourite book. If anyone were to contact me about these posts to tell me how they could have helped them that is the ultimate dream. I want to make a positive impact, however I can.  

5. What is your blogging mojo? How do you stay inspired and motivated to continue running your blog?

I see the successes the online blogging community, particularly on Twitter, and it pushes me further. I want to be able to blog full-time without having to worry about my day job. The thought that my blog, alongside my freelance writing, might one day support me enough to focus solely on my passions is intoxicating. It’s what drives me everyday.

6. What is your long-term goal/plan for your blog?

To be able to take it full-time, to be able to blog about getting my debut novel (and hopefully subsequent novels) published and out in the world.

7. Who is your favourite marginalized main character? It doesn’t have to be from a book, it could also be from a movie, tv series, games, comics etc. Why is this character your favourite? Marginalization is the process whereby something or someone is pushed to the edge of a group and accorded lesser importance. This is predominantly a social phenomenon by which a minority or sub-group is excluded, and their needs or desires ignored. A marginalized person can be people of colour, the disabled, mentally ill, the lgbt+ community etc.

That would have to be Zelie in Children of Blood and Bone. Although she is from a differently marginalized group from myself I think she shows strength against oppression that everyone should emulate. The way Tomi Adeyemi writes the struggles of Zelie’s people is beautiful and has found its way stuck to my soul. I honestly believe that everyone in the position to help those being marginalized but aren’t should read this book, if it doesn’t change their minds then I don’t know what will.

8. It is important that marginalized people are given platforms to shine and bring awareness to their movements and plights. If you believe so, why is it important to you?

I think it should be important to everyone with a heart, whether they are a part of those communities or not. Equal rights are human rights, and they shouldn’t be debated. The fact that some people are put down because of factors outside of their control is baffling to me. I thought this before my own experience with being looked down upon because of my medical condition, being told I am a drug addict simply because I live with chronic pain. That experience has only cemented the belief in me even deeper than before.

9. It is crucial that in whatever we do, we should always strive for both equity & equality, what advice can you part with, when it comes to using our platforms to give a voice to the marginalized?

Never back down. If people won’t listen to you then convince them with your actions instead of your words. If you live a happy, peaceful life then you will show the naysayers that their words won’t affect you. Ignore the trolls on social media, they will eventually give up, just show the world who you are and why you are equal, despite what they may say.

10. Last but not the least, what’s your take on the blogging communities? What has been your experience within the community?

My experience with the blogging community has been nothing but positive. I have made friends since starting my blog, which I found (and still find) kind of difficult in real life. The online community have supported me through some tough periods with my blog and I have only come out stronger for it.

Here are some of Jenna’s favourite blog posts.

UNBOXING – Book Blogger Candle by Lacuna Candle Co.

When I saw this candle on Twitter (I follow the seller) I just had to get it. It is designed for book bloggers, advertised to smell like iced coffee, book pages and blueberry muff…

My Writing Life: Planning and Plotting

Having read the book, I can see why it was banned. Mainly because of the racism and sexual content in the book that one might not want being read by school kids….

Book Tour Review: The Old You by Louise Voss

Personally speaking, I am not a fan of spoilers. And anyone who intentionally spoils stuff is automatically blacklisted for me. What’s even more annoying is that so…

You can find Jenna on the Social Media sites, listed below, clicking on the various names, will lead you to her account.

Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Instagram

You also can be featured, so everyone can also see your thoughts, I’m too lazy to change the questions right now, but I just might in future, but I’m still taking on people who want to be featured. This series I hope can go on until December. Here’s the link to all the information you need to know —> PSA: Sign Up for my Guest Feature Post

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