Meet Jenny Tacken: An Insightful Voice in Memoir Writing

Name: Jenny Tacken (Pseudonym JM Kadane)

Book Titles: Earliest—The Empty Nest: A Mother’s Hidden Grief; Latest—Crossroads

Genre: Memoir

About Jenny Tacken

Jenny Tacken, a spirited 71-year-old grandmother from Melbourne, Australia, embodies a passion for storytelling deeply intertwined with her life experiences. Living with her partner of 18 years, she draws inspiration from her vibrant life, which includes her playful grandchildren aged 9 and 7. A self-proclaimed gym enthusiast, she finds joy in maintaining her physical strength as much as her creative one.

Jenny’s writing journey began early in her life, with poetry occupying her thoughts since school days. Over the years, she used her blog, Ramblingsfromamum, to share her reflections on everything from family to life's ups and downs, though she has struggled to create fiction, often feeling stifled by self-doubt.

Writing Background and Career

While Jenny has undertaken various roles—from administrative positions to running her own small business—her heart lies in her current work as a Civil Celebrant. This role allows her to blend her love of writing with the emotional narrative of celebrating lives during funerals. Her experience in this field significantly enhances her writing, as she crafts heartfelt tributes that resonate with those she serves.

Although Jenny’s writing is not full-time, she dedicates approximately two to four hours daily to her craft, especially when creating her latest memoir, Crossroads. This book chronicles her experiences caring for her parents, who faced the challenges of multiple system atrophy (MSA) and dementia, respectively. The journey of documenting their struggles and joys aimed to offer solace to others in similar situations.

Writing Process and Style

Describing herself as both a planner and a “pantser,” Jenny approaches her writing with a methodical mindset while allowing spontaneity to guide her poetry. Her process includes diligent note-taking, often sparked by life lessons or emotional stimuli, where moments of reflection lead to profound artistic expression. For instance, her poetry flows naturally from her subconscious, often evoked by music or nature.

Despite the emotional weight of her subject matter, Jenny has found satisfaction in her editing journey. Initially, she relied on self-editing but later recognized the value of professional assistance, hiring an editor to refine her work. This choice has proven advantageous in presenting a polished final product.

Promotional Strategies and Challenges

As an indie author, Jenny approaches promotion with a fair degree of simplicity. Utilizing social media platforms and her Celebrant Facebook page, she has sought to share her narrative with a wider audience. However, she acknowledges that her niche genre may limit her reach. Her focus, much more than becoming a bestseller, is on providing insight and connecting with readers who may share or relate to her experiences.

While Jenny is passionate about the impact of her work, she expresses challenges when it comes to building an online presence. Despite the modern need for a dedicated website, she remains relatively low-key in her marketing efforts.

Inspirations Behind Her Work

Life events have shaped Jenny’s artistic voice, particularly her familial experiences. The emotions that arise from everyday moments, laced with laughter and sorrow, drive her creativity. The writing of Crossroads stemmed from her desire to share a raw and relatable account of navigating care for aging parents with severe illnesses. She bravely portrays the complexities involved in their care, hoping to foster a connection with those facing similar challenges.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers

For budding authors, Jenny shares valuable advice: "Keep at it, enjoy it, even when it gets tough." She emphasizes the importance of developing a unique writing style and embracing feedback, regardless of its nature. Beyond skills and craft, she encourages new writers to cultivate a genuine love for words and the writing process.

Jenny also delves into the evolving landscape of publishing, noting the necessity of perseverance in the face of potential rejection from traditional publishers. The quest to carve out a place in the literary world can be daunting, yet she remains hopeful that aspiring writers will persist, as the rewards of expression and connection are profound.

Current Reading and Personal Preferences

When it comes to her own reading habits, Jenny gravitates towards psychological thrillers, often enjoying them on her Kindle for nighttime reading. A longtime fan of tactile books, she appreciates the convenience of modern reading technology. Currently, she’s engaged with Don’t Let Her In by J. M. O’Rourke, a gripping thriller that has captured her attention.

Among her creative rituals, Jenny admits that a glass of wine can often assist in loosening her thoughts, while coffee remains her beverage of choice during the writing process.

Final Thoughts

Jenny Tacken’s journey as an indie author highlights the nuances of memoir writing—an endeavor that blends creativity with deeply personal experiences. Her story is one of resilience, authentic expression, and the hope to connect with readers navigating similar life paths. As she continues to share her insights through her writing, she inspires others to embrace their own stories amidst life’s challenges.

For more insights, you can visit Jenny’s blog at http://ramblingsfromamum.wordpress.com.