WRITER · BOOK COACH · PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE WATCHER
You've always wanted to publish a book.
Let's stop pretending you haven't.
Traditional, indie, boutique, self-published... there have never been more ways to get your book into the world. Or more ways to feel completely lost about it. I'll help you find your path.
Hi, I'm Jenna.
I've been writing for more than 30 years, mostly for other people. Speeches for leaders. Curriculum for survivors of human trafficking and for law enforcement. Websites, grant proposals, courses, and one very ambitious immersive Christmas production. (Long story. Ask me sometime.) I've been traditionally published, I've self-published, and I've ghostwritten a stack of books I'm contractually forbidden to brag about. Trust me, they're good.
Now I'm writing for me. I've got a drawer full of story ideas, and I'm pulling on threads to figure out which one gets written first. Book? Maybe a movie script? We'll find out together.
Looking for coaching services? I still take on a select few coaching clients here and there. Mostly, I'd rather hang out and write together on Substack. I've stocked the First Draft Store with resources for when you're stuck, and every so often I host a real-life retreat where writers can gather, learn, and eat the good snacks. But this season? I'm mostly writing. If you're in desperate need of a coaching session, just send me a quick email at jenna@jennabenton.com and I'll work something out.
Yes, we're going to talk about AI.
HERE'S WHERE I LAND:
AI doesn't write my scenes. It doesn't come up with my ideas. Every word is mine.
But when I'm stuck, staring at a blinking cursor and packing a carry-on for a trip I haven't booked, AI helps me get unstuck. I'll show you exactly how I use it, where I draw the line, and how to do it honestly in a publishing world that's still figuring out its own rules.
It's not that scary.
This is the best time in history to write the book you've secretly wanted to write.
No matter where you're at in your writing journey, there is a path forward for you.
We both know why you're here
You've got an idea. Maybe twelve.
They live in a notes app, a journal, or the back of a receipt from 2019.
You don't know where to start. You're not sure you're good enough. And everyone online is either selling you a six-figure-author course or yelling that AI is ruining everything.
Deep
breath
Come along for the ride.
Every week I share what I'm learning: the writing, the tools, the publishing rabbit holes, and a mid-draft existential crisis or two. Expect laughs, the occasional ugly cry, and zero pretending I've got it all figured out.
Think less “newsletter,” more “friend who saved you a seat and brought snacks.”
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Pop back in whenever, I'll save you some snacks.