Have you ever wondered what editors are thinking or what leads somebody to become an editor? Join me on this Q & A, as I ask our editor, Jessica, what inspires her work, her favorite parts of the process, and who she is beyond the pen.
Q: What first inspired/sparked your love for writing and storytelling and led you into editing? Was there a moment or influence that made you realize, 'This is what I'm meant to do'?
From a young age, I was drawn to print. I devoured books like The Diary of Anne Frank, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, and The Yearling. My childhood was steeped in stories—passed around the dinner table, shared among family, and tied into the fabric of everyday life. Those early experiences made me see life as a story waiting to be written.
Q: What types of stories, projects, or topics make you feel most alive, the ones you can't wait to dive into and lose track of time?
I love to learn. With every story, I walk away feeling like a more expansive, more curious version of myself. The people who inspire me most are those who never stop asking questions, aren’t afraid to fail, and feel a deep responsibility to give back. During my years as a television anchor, nothing matched the energy of election nights—the anticipation, the urgency, and the collective sense that people were making impactful decisions. Those are the moments that remind me why storytelling is so powerful.
Q: How would you describe your editing style or philosophy? What do you hope others take away from working with you?
In journalism school, I learned to always aim for the heart. This advice has shaped my entire approach. I believe the most compelling stories are the ones that make us feel something. Deep emption is what inspires action. When people work with me, I hope they feel heard, supported, and confident that their story matters.
Q: What's your favorite part of the creative process, that one moment where everything clicks?
Listening. Really hearing someone’s story and finding the most important insight. That’s where everything clicks.
Q: Editors wear so many hats of writer, visionary, mom, wife, daughter, sometimes even therapist! What roles do you find yourself stepping into most, and which one feels most natural or rewarding to you?
I wear many hats, but the one I step into most naturally is that of a connector, whether I’m editing a story, raising my kids, supporting my husband, or collaborating with contributors. I love helping people feel seen and understood. There’s something incredibly rewarding about drawing out someone’s voice or vision and watching it take shape. The roles of mom and editor often overlap more than you’d think. Both require patience, curiosity, and a belief in someone’s potential. These are the moments that stay with me.
The most impactful stories are the ones that make us feel something, because emotion is what inspires action and connection.