Author Interview with Jessica Messina

Jessica Messina is a YA author based in NYC. She earned a BA in Communication from

the University of Southern California. Between drafting new projects, you can typically

find her at a concert or exploring new restaurants around the city.

a. How did you become a writer?

I have been a storyteller for as long as I can remember, blessed with an active imagination.

The first story I recall writing was at age ten, then I got my start by dabbling in the

fanfiction space before crossing over into creating original works. Once I started, I never

stopped!

b. What inspires you to write?

I revel in the feeling of being completely consumed by a story, whether it is a book, TV

show, or movie. Through writing, I’m able to chase that feeling from the other side. I am

inspired to instill that same feeling in my readers, creating a safe space for them to enjoy it

even after the story ends.c. How do you develop your plot and characters?

I often begin my novels with a specific scene idea and build the world around it. I’d

consider myself somewhere in the middle of a pantser and plotter, creating a

chapter-by-chapter outline, but still allowing myself wiggle room to explore the characters

within each scene. Through each new draft of a novel, I learn more about the characters

and how they interact with their environment.

d. Could you share some of your challenges as a writer?

Like many writers, I often experience “shiny thing syndrome,” and have the piercing desire

to abandon my current project for a new one. I’ve learned that these ‘new’ ideas are often

the result of short-lived hyperfixations, and I opt to outline them fully before pivoting. This

allows me to return to the concepts after I’ve finished my current work in progress and

evaluate their viability with a clear mind.

e. Tell me about your protagonist. What's your favorite trait and/or weakness?

The protagonist of WHERE THE WATER HUNTS experiences a familiar YA

coming-of-age arc. Though, her experience is unique in that she searches for identity

amidst the threat of becoming gossip fodder in a town fueled by social capital, and as the

recipient of a heart transplant from the mayor’s murdered daughter, she lives beneath the

shadow of her town’s darkest day. My favorite trait of hers is her resilience. Despite her

lived experience, she continuously shows up for the people she cares about.

f. How does your antagonist create conflict?

The antagonist of WHERE THE WATER HUNTS fosters conflict through turning

townspeople against one another, utilizing gossip and reputation as weapons to muddle the

truth, hence isolating individuals from one another.

g. What are your current/future projects?

My current projects dabble in the Adult speculative thriller space. As a writer, I’m always

looking to expand upon my skills and use new projects as a testing ground for honing my

craft.

h. Do you have a routine you follow when writing?I am someone who thrives under structure. While drafting, I typically evaluate how quickly

I want to complete a project and establish a daily word count goal to meet this deadline. I

also find that listening to a specific song or two on repeat while writing creates a propulsive

environment for me to do my best work.

i. If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

I would remind myself that writing is re-writing. Embracing the editorial process as a key

part of crafting a novel has done wonders for my ability to finish a timely first draft and

kill my darlings when necessary.

j. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

My greatest piece of advice is to practice perseverance. I once heard that the only writer

who fails is the one who stops writing, and it has stuck with me through every step of the

path to publication.