Interview With Self-Help Author Jen Martin

 

 

 

1. What inspired you to write this book? I first thought of writing a book when I was in my mid-20s. I was going through a big career and life transition, but I didn't have the tools to understand what was happening or to navigate it well. However, I didn't write the book fast enough, and another very similar book was published. So, I stopped writing. In my early 40s, I started writing a new variation of the book, but then I talked myself out of it again. I eventually realized that there are lots of books out there on the topic of change and transitions, but no one would write it from my unique perspective. I decided to finally commit to finishing the book, because I knew that if I didn't, it would be a big regret at the end of my life.   

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for? My book is about how to be creative, instead of reactive, when going through change and transitions. When we are reactive, our instinct is to protect ourselves. We focus on threats instead of possibilities, hanging on tight to the comfort of what we've known instead of being open to what's next. This book summarizes seven practices and related tools to help anyone creatively navigate constant change in work and life. 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? First, I hope that readers feel like they are not alone. We all navigate uncertainty, unplanned detours, and challenges throughout our lives, and my hope is that readers feel like I'm alongside them on the journey. Second, I hope that readers gain confidence in moving forward into the unknown and keep referrig to this guide as they go through different transitions. 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? Finalizing the title took a long time. It seemed like everything I wanted as my book title had already been used before. I wanted a title that said what the book was about but also created a little intrigue. One morning, I woke up with the book title in my head and thought "that's it!" We did consider other titles during the publishing process, but I felt like The Creative Way Forward was the right one for this book. The cover is an actual photo taken by Jessica Cherry while flying her plane over the Tanana Flats in Alaska. The cover is perfectly suited for the book given it's about navigating change and includes a river metaphor throughout it. 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!? Writing a book is definitely not for the faint of heart. I would say don't write a book because you want to make money. Write a book because you're passionate about the topic and really want to share what you've learned with your readers. That passion and dedication will come through in the final product. 

6. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?  I draw on my experiences growing up in Alaska and traveling on the Tanana River, which is a metaphor that weaves throughout the book. And my personal experiences with transitions, as well as coaching my clients through change, have deeply influenced the book. 

7. How would you describe your writing style?  I would say my writing style is engaging, concise, and informative. I know everyone's attention span is narrowing, so I tried to write a book that was easy to read and not too long (but I included a very robust notes section for those who want to dig deeper into the various topics and research).  

8. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? Doubt was the biggest challenge for me. I wasn't sure if I could write a book that would be useful and interesting to readers. My other big challenge was losing all my computer files, including 18 months of research and writing (you'll have to read the book to find out what happened!). Needless to say, I was devastated and had to decide whether I would start again or give up. Ultimately, I decided to start again and believe it's a better book as a result. 

9. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? The uncertainty we are all navigating right now is incredibly high. However, given the pace of change and the complexity of the world, I think we'll only face more uncertainty in the future. We absolutely need to build our capacity to navigate this constant change in adept and creative ways. My book provides practices and tools to help you do that. 

About The Author:  Jen Martin is a coach and consultant working with leaders and teams to navigate change creatively. For more than a decade, she has coached and trained thousands of people across industries and sectors, including Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, nonprofits, and government agencies. For more information, please see: www.thecreativewayforward.com 

  

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum