Behind the Pen – Author Interview: Jennifer M.D. Cox

Welcome to Behind the Pen where Maya’s Bookshelves dives deeper into the writer behind the story. For this interview, we have Jennifer M.D. Cox, who I am so excited to conduct this interview with!

Your Journey to Becoming an Author

1. Can you introduce yourself to our readers? 

Greetings and salutations! I’m Jennifer MD Cox, and I like to go by Jen. My pronouns are she/they. I identify as pansexual and genderflux. I’m a licensed therapist, a parent and spouse, and now a debut author!

2. What first drew you to writing as a craft?

I’ve been telling stories since before I could read! As a small child I would make them up based on the pictures in books to tell them to my little sister. And as soon as I learned how to write in kindergarten, I started writing my own fairytale. I don’t know a time where I haven’t been creating in some way, from typing stories on my parent’s old Gateway computer to D&D. Storytelling is one of our most powerful methods of self-creation and healing and it’s as much a part of me as breathing.

3. How did your author journey begin? 

I decided to seriously look into publishing after I completed my first decent full novel in 2021. But the world of author-ship and publishing is so much more diverse than I was prepared for! I tried self-publishing – and I’m glad I did, I learned so much. But with my other obligations, I couldn’t turn it into the fulltime job self-publishing really is. I realized I would benefit from collaborating with a more experienced team. I re-edited my debut and began submitting to indie publishers for LGBT+ stories. Thankfully I was accepted by NineStar Press, and their remarkable team has been phenomenal to work with.

4. Are there any authors or books that inspired you or significantly influenced the way you write? 

This is a tricky question for me! My writing journey has obviously shifted quite a bit from childhood to now, so influential voices have shifted as well. These have included Brian Jacques, the author of “Redwall,” Mercedes Lackey and her Elemental Masters series, Gerald Morris, Tamora Pierce… a lot of fantasy authors! Fantasy was always my escape in childhood.

That said, I’ve found myself drawn to writing less fantasy as I’ve gotten older. And I think that’s less because of influential books and authors, and more because of influential people. My professors at Alfred University, my family and friends, the clients I’m honored to work with… I’ll always love fantasy, but I’ve found the adventures of the world around me are far more engaging now.

5. What was the most surprising part of your publishing experience? 

The internet has completely changed the landscape for authors since I was a child. I did not expect to be a content creator – and I have no talent for aesthetic videos! But at the same time, it’s also given me access to a wonderful author and publishing community I wouldn’t give up for anything.

6. Where do you find is the best place for you to brainstorm your writing? Do you have a specific area in your house or a favorite cafe where you always end up writing the best? 

My best brainstorming happens in the shower and driving to work, and I do my writing in whichever part of the house is the cleanest. Hey, when you’re a parent, you take what time you can get!

Let’s Talk Recent Releases

1. Tell me about your most recent release. What drew you into the story? 

“Getting to Know You” was inspired in three parts. Back in 2010, when I was in my highschool creative writing club, a friend asked me to write a lesbian love story “where no one dies at the end.” Which might sound strange, but representation has made HUGE strides in the past decade. I gave my best try, but realized as a teenager I really didn’t know anything about writing a love story, and shelved the project. The second inspiration is my own lived experiences – coming out as pansexual in college, my own first relationship, and healing from that relationship. And the final ingredient – spite. In 2019, after having my baby, I went down the rabbit hole of discourse about books like “Fifty Shades” and “After” romanticizing DV in relationships. I decided, “If books like this can get published, what’s stopping me?” It was quite motivating!

“Getting to Know You” stars Maggie Fromm, a nineteen-year-old in Los Angeles trying to make her dream of acting come true. After her high school sweetheart breaks her heart and leaves her alone in the big city, a chance encounter and new roommate introduce Maggie to a job opportunity. Gwen Knowles is directing an independent play, and she wants Maggie in the spotlight! But the more they work together, the closer the shadows from their pasts converge.

2. Who is your favorite character in this story, why? 

You can’t ask me to pick a favorite! None of them are as powerful of characters without each other! But I will say Coral, Maggie’s roommate, is the most fun to play with. She’s goofy, hardworking, and the biggest cheerleader a friend could ask for. Her lines give me the biggest laugh.

What’s Next for You?

1. Do you have any upcoming books or novellas in the works? 

I am in the middle of my first book in a five-book series! This series features a family of witchcraft practitioners, starting with Morgan Beckett, sea witch of a small island town. The books explore themes of self-empowerment, attachment, and personal fulfillment. Particularly with this first book I’m channeling heavy “Kiki’s Delivery Service” vibes, but with a young adult protagonist.

2. Where did you gain the inspiration for these next projects?

Life! Every year my mother’s side of the family reunites at the same beach, which has become as close to a sense of “home” and belonging as I have ever had. This first book of the series explores the importance of that connection to me, as well as the feelings of “otherness” I wrestled with the other 51 weeks out of the year as a child.

More About You 

1. If you could describe your writing in three words, what would they be? 

Bold, intentional, and emotional

2. Where can readers find more information about you? Leave your links below! 

Check me out as @jenivere_the_wit on Threads, IG, TikTok (if that still exists), and check out my work on ninestarpress.com!

Final Remarks

I want to give a huge thank you to Jennifer for joining me for this interview. It’s always so much fun getting to know new authors and spreading the word about their works of art!