Dawson’s shorter fiction can be found in places such as F&SF, Lightspeed, The Year’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy, DSF, and more. She’s worked in theatre education most of her life. In 2021, she collaborated with Institute of Holocaust Education and Circle Theatre to write “When We Go Away,” a TYA play about survivors in the Midwest. Her debut novel, THE FIRST BRIGHT THING, will be released by Tor in Summer 2023.
FAQ
I thought for us to get to know each other, I should let you know what's up with me and what's up with this blog. You know, so we all can be friends and not feel weird about taking advice from a complete stranger.
Who are you?
Well. I'm a writer. I've been writing for a pretty long time, although I started using my pen name in June 2013. Jennifer R. Dawson, or J.R. Dawson.
Why are you using a pen name?
Well, there are lots of reasons why people use pen names. My own personal reason is that I wanted to have a disconnect between my actual personal life and the even more personal life of writing. Mostly, I'm a teacher by day and my kids were starting to Google me.
What do you write?
I write uncool girls doing cool things.
What is your blog about?
The blog is left over from before Patreon. For the new and improved blog, check out Patreon!
Who do you like to read?
I'm a big fan of Ray Bradbury, and I also really adore KA Applegate. And then I could list off a lot of really important, awesome to-do's, but I also really love Allie Brosh. And lately I've realized just how much Daniel O'Brien affected me. And Stephen Chbosky. But let's be honest ... Gonzo as Charles Dickens.
What is your deepest, darkest secret?
Oh, come on now, random questioner. What is your issue? We just met. ... Okay, fine. I actually enjoyed the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Where can I read some of your work?
Check out my Stories page! I also am working on updating the site to list all appearances and interview. I was also an original contributor for the MFA blog, The MFA Years.
So you went to an MFA Program?
I did! Stonecoast. It's pretty much the best thing in the world. I documented it on The MFA Years.
What do you like to write about?
I like to write about queer women and other outcasts who are unlikely heroes.
What's your favorite color?
Weird question. But blurple. Or known to others as "indigo." That's right, that reject color of the rainbow you always forget existed!
What are other fun facts about you?
I am double-jointed. I survived a meteor when I was like four? Uh ... I got to see "About Schmidt" filmed when I was a kid? I wanted to be a cartoon voice actor when I grew up ...
Are you represented?
Yes. I am represented by Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency.
Who are you?
Well. I'm a writer. I've been writing for a pretty long time, although I started using my pen name in June 2013. Jennifer R. Dawson, or J.R. Dawson.
Why are you using a pen name?
Well, there are lots of reasons why people use pen names. My own personal reason is that I wanted to have a disconnect between my actual personal life and the even more personal life of writing. Mostly, I'm a teacher by day and my kids were starting to Google me.
What do you write?
I write uncool girls doing cool things.
What is your blog about?
The blog is left over from before Patreon. For the new and improved blog, check out Patreon!
Who do you like to read?
I'm a big fan of Ray Bradbury, and I also really adore KA Applegate. And then I could list off a lot of really important, awesome to-do's, but I also really love Allie Brosh. And lately I've realized just how much Daniel O'Brien affected me. And Stephen Chbosky. But let's be honest ... Gonzo as Charles Dickens.
What is your deepest, darkest secret?
Oh, come on now, random questioner. What is your issue? We just met. ... Okay, fine. I actually enjoyed the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Where can I read some of your work?
Check out my Stories page! I also am working on updating the site to list all appearances and interview. I was also an original contributor for the MFA blog, The MFA Years.
So you went to an MFA Program?
I did! Stonecoast. It's pretty much the best thing in the world. I documented it on The MFA Years.
What do you like to write about?
I like to write about queer women and other outcasts who are unlikely heroes.
What's your favorite color?
Weird question. But blurple. Or known to others as "indigo." That's right, that reject color of the rainbow you always forget existed!
What are other fun facts about you?
I am double-jointed. I survived a meteor when I was like four? Uh ... I got to see "About Schmidt" filmed when I was a kid? I wanted to be a cartoon voice actor when I grew up ...
Are you represented?
Yes. I am represented by Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency.