Member Spotlight: Natalie Anna Jacobsen

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Writing has been important to me since before I could walk and talk. My mom read to me all throughout childhood; when I was just a couple of years old, I folded paper into a book-form, and scribbled shapes inside to then give it to my grandma. It’s been my primary and preferred way of communication for as long as I can remember. I’d always prefer to write a letter or an email than pick up the phone, or write an article than do a TikTok or broadcast video. Writing is how we have recorded history; writing is how we know anything about our ancestors, wars, evolution of mankind. It’s how we negotiate diplomacy, secure human rights, share love thousands of miles away. Without ways to write and record communications, the progress of humanity would’ve been far slower, and the disagreements or confusion between cultures would’ve been staggering. Writing is how I’ve been able to convey to friends and families what I’m experiencing, seeing, and feeling in another country that photos I take cannot. My words share information and help others learn and make decisions important for their families, explore feelings they haven’t felt, or gain perspective of someone they’ve never met. Writing is the heart of what connections humankind — and it’s such a privilege to be a writer and have people curious and supportive of my storytelling.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? Taking a break. Each writer has their own method to overcome those pauses or blocks, but mine is to give in my body and mind’s way of telling me to step away. I personally can’t force the words or the story; and I focus on entirely other hobbies, projects or work, knowing that my mind will continue to have its wheels turning, solving the plot hole or figuring out how to remove the block. I am neurodivergent, so I am also cognizant of how I may operate differently from another writers, which is why a lot of advice I hear may not always work for me, nor will mine work for others. Taking a break doesn’t mean I’m patient — trust me, I wish I could crank out my stories in a week flat! But it’s not how my brain functions, and I’ve learned the best way to cure writer’s block is to give in to it, until my imagination resurfaces with ideas that I must get down on paper right away.

What is your favorite time to write? Nighttime. Not 5am, not on my lunch break, but nighttime. Yes, it can be inconvenient! I’m a very picky writer: I need it to be quiet, I need it to be dark, and I need to be left alone in order to hear my thoughts and speak to my characters. It takes a lot to get me “in the zone” — and though I’ve tried writing on trains, planes, and everything in between, it’s just never worked out. I wind up deleting or heavily editing anything I write outside of nighttime. I am generally a night owl (and suffer from insomnia), so I have just learned this is who I am, and I work with it.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? “Give yourself grace.” It can really apply to anything in life, but I love reminding myself of this and ascribing it to each part of the writing and publishing stages. There are many times I have been disappointed for stepping away from a story, or letting life “get in the way” of my writing. I’ve been insecure over the edits and feedback I receive, or whether the hook or cover are good enough to attract readers. But when I take a step back and give myself grace, I remind myself it’s okay to: 1) go at my pace 2) take breaks 3) have a cover that looks different from others 4) get feedback that strengthens a story 5) experience difficult days – we all do 6) allow yourself to be excited over a win All of us writers are going to be experiencing the same things, but at different times. We can’t compare ourselves to each other, though it may feel like a natural inclination. So my mantra is “give yourself grace” when I start to hear or feel those insecurities creep in, to remind myself that my journey is working out just how it was meant to.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? Being able to instantly connect with writers, authors, editors, and creatives around the world is such an exciting aspect in today’s age. I love that we can share works in progress and get feedback or exchange ideas, commiserate over the publishing process, and celebrate each other’s wins. So much of writing is an isolating process as we slog through edits, struggle with outlines and plot holes, and face imposter syndrome. But being able to relate and connect to others who are in similar places (perhaps not geographically!) and know we aren’t so along, after all.

Natalie Anna Jacobsen’s Ghost Train is out today with SelectBooks.