Meet Jay Bird
 

 

Who I am: Kareana Jensen (Jay Bird is my pseudonym), author of easy-to-read teen fiction.

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Why I write: I want to bring back books for all teen readers - with a special focus upon meeting the needs of struggling and/or reluctant readers. 

 

What I write about: Teenagers (boys and girls) aged 14-16 and their families and friends. My characters deal with fantastical abilities or situations of mild horror. My books are a reflection of the vast landscape of my imagination & are written to entertain the teen readers I encounter every day in my job as a Secondary English Teacher.

 

Where I'm from: Moranbah, Queensland, Australia (born and raised).  At the moment, I'm living in Hervey Bay, Queensland but have lived in: Brisbane: Queensland; Middlemount: Queensland; Tumbler Ridge: British Columbia and Biloela: Queensland. 

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When I started writing:  My entire life in one way or another, but seriously since 2019 (I'm a late bloomer). The easy-to-read teen fiction books was a project that began in 2023 and is, I believe, my calling.

 

How I write: Most days - morning (before work) and evenings. I am constantly frustrated that I have to have a job and interrupt my flow, however I get to spend lots of time with my target audience (and they are awesome and inspiring). A game changer was dropping to a 4-day-week and having one day as my creative day.

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MY WRITER'S MANIFESTO

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1. I believe that you only live once, so you have to go for it!

2. I believe that stories are powerful and grow our minds in incredible ways.

3. I believe that writing is a type of magic

4. I believe that every young person enjoys stories and most enjoy reading when they have the skills

5. I believe that one day I will make money from my work and forge a new career as an author/educator

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