Today’s special author guest is Jennifer Lieberman. We’re chatting about her romantic comedy, Year of the What?
Bio:
Jennifer Lieberman is from Maple, Ontario, Canada and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from York University in Toronto. Jennifer has appeared in over thirty stage productions in Toronto, New York City, Los Angeles, Europe and Australia; including her Award-Winning Solo Show “Year of the Slut”, which her novel Year of the What? was adapted from. In addition to her performance career, she has penned a number of screen and stage plays, including the wacky web-series “Dumpwater Divas” and the short films “Leash” and “Details” which both screened at the Festival De Cannes’ Court Métrage among other international film festivals. “Year of the What?” is Lieberman’s first novel and is a #1 Amazon Best Seller. Other books by Jennifer include “Make Your Own Break: How To Master Your Virtual Meeting in Seven Simple Steps” and “Make Your Own Break: How To Record & Publish Your Audiobook In Seven Simple Steps.”
Welcome, Jennifer. Please tell us about your current release.
Six months after Dana’s first break-up she is single and heartbroken in New York City. At 25 she is a virgin once removed and navigating the Manhattan dating world is daunting. Having only been intimate with one man, Dana feels ashamed of her desires and keeps trying to squash them in order to be a ‘good girl’. With the help of Kelly, her unabashedly promiscuous roommate, Dana embarks on an outrageous adventure of sexual discovery while looking for love, ultimately finding her power and confidence.
This book is a female empowerment piece that explores the themes of feminism, sexual expression and coming-of-age (or coming into one’s own) in a world where women are constantly judged, for being too much or not enough of whatever we choose to be – especially by our own self critics. It is also a candid account of sexual discovery intended to help other women have the confidence to find themselves both in and out of the bedroom.
What inspired you to write this book?
Year of the What? was adapted from my award-winning solo show “Year of the Slut,” it’s a racy coming-of-age comedy. When I first moved to LA, a friend suggested I write a piece to let people know I exist and to showcase both my writing and acting abilities. Like in the movie “La La Land” no one really came, but I stuck with developing the show and went on to win an award for it in New York. I was then encouraged to adapt it into a book…and the book took on a life of its own.
What exciting story are you working on next?
I have a few projects currently on the go. I’m working on book #2 in the Year of the What? series, Year of the Bitch.
I’m also in the early production stages of my feature film “Longing” a dramatic romance about four couples in New York City.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I was about 8 when I knew I was a writer, but didn’t start talking about it until High School.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
As a creative I wear many hats, in addition to being an author, I also write theatrically, films and plays, I’m an actor as well as an independent film and theatre producer. As this book started off as a play, that play additionally gave me the confidence to produce more of my own work including a web series, several short films and now my upcoming feature with several other productions in various development stages.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I never force myself to write, if I’m not in the mood I don’t make myself sit-down just to get frustrated. This might sound weird to other writers, but this is what works for me. I count many other things “writing” even if I’m not sitting and ‘writing’.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to write and act in my own movies since I was quite young.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Thank you, readers, for taking the time to check me out…and my book Year of the What? I hope you enjoy us!
Links:
Website | Book | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon
Thanks for being here today, Jennifer!