Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jean Burgess.
Hi Jean, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Truthfully, I’ve had a nonlinear career that has included professional acting, college teaching, a stint in marketing, and now a published author. Every stage of my professional life has built a foundation for the next – teaching me important skills and building a new layer of confidence that I continue to draw upon.
It constantly amazes me how my acting skills come into play as I present author talks to promote my latest book, “That Summer She Found Her Voice: A Retro Novel.”
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
A divorcee with a three-year-old child. Seven years as a single mom. Deciding that would be a good time to pursue a doctorate! Yes…There were several struggles along my path, but who doesn’t have struggles? That’s how we grow and get strong. I look back with gratitude. I look forward and see…a loving, wonderful, supportive second husband; an exciting writing career; and much more to learn!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a writer, playwright, editor, and workshop presenter. As a former professional stage actor and director, much of my written work relates to performing arts, including my debut fiction, Summer She Found Her Voice: A Retro Novel, published in April 2024 by Apprentice House Press.
I am very proud of this book because it is set in 1978 and tackles important retro themes such as emerging feminism and social injustice (still relevant today). The story tells of a young woman’s journey of self-discovery while touring the country as a singer with King Vido’s Swing Band. It’s filled with iconic Baltimore landmarks and music venues from the 1970s, backed by historical research on my part.
I believe what sets me apart is my writer’s mission. All writers have (or should have) a unique writer’s mission that guides whatever they write. Mine is to help others and to start conversations.
My greatest hope for “That Summer She Found Her Voice” is that it will start conversations.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Tough questions because I’m an avid reader. I love both fiction and nonfiction. I’m currently reading Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo, which is an amazing creative nonfiction. I learned much about Afghanistan by reading Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. Finally, I try to support my fellow local authors whenever I can by purchasing their works.
As a member of several professional writers’ organizations, including The Authors Guild, the Maryland Writers’ Association, and the Eastern Shore Writers’ Association, I have access to many wonderful resources.
Pricing:
- $19.99 Amazon
- $19.99 Barnes & Noble
- $18.59 Bookshop.org
Contact Info:
- Website: jeanburgessauthor.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmburgess
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanmburgess/
