We were lucky to catch up with Jacqueline Kopito recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jacqueline, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
When my publisher, who happened to be based in India, informed me that I would need to take charge of promoting Twintastic in the United States, I was faced with a huge challenge. The prospect of my book being available on Amazon was exciting, but the question remained: How would potential readers ever discover it unless I took matters into my own hands?
I quickly realized I had to step out of my comfort zone. With determination, I embarked on a journey to promote my work. I enthusiastically sought out every available podcast, leveraged the power of various social media platforms, and collaborated with magazines for interviews and features.
Surprisingly, as I ventured beyond my comfort zone, I discovered a sense of fulfillment that I had never experienced before. The process of self-promotion, initially a daunting prospect, turned into a rewarding adventure. It became a journey of personal growth, and the joy of connecting with readers who resonated with my story.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My writing journey began with a desire to share my experiences, particularly about being a twin. This led me to contribute to TWIN Magazine, where I connected with a community that shared my experiences.
As my love for writing grew, I ventured into different storytelling avenues, such as the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. This heartwarming collection of stories offered the perfect platform to share my personal tales, anecdotes, and life lessons. Recently, one of my stories was published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Time for Christmas.”
My passion for writing extended to various magazines and newspapers, but my favorite topic remained being a twin. This passion inspired my first book, “Twintastic.”
As I continued to write and engage with readers, I’ve noticed a common thread in the questions and curiosity that emerged from my twin-focused writings. Many people, both twins and parents of twins, would approach me with questions about the twin experiences. A common question would be, “Should twins attend the same college?” It was during these interactions that I began to embrace the title of a “twin expert.” I take great pride in this role which allows me to assist twins and their parents with a wide array of twin-related questions and concerns.
Through my writing, my book, and my role as a twin expert, I hope to continue celebrating the joys and complexities of being a twin while providing guidance and support to those who seek it.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The journey toward becoming a writer was influenced by three qualities: Persistence, creativity, and curiosity. Writing, I’ve discovered, is a craft that requires dedication and persistence. The ability to persist despite facing rejection, evidenced by numerous query letters sent out in hopes of publishing my book, has been crucial. Pushing forward and refusing to give in to setbacks are key.
Also, writing lies in creativity. It’s important for a writer to develop unique ideas, think outside the box, and create content that stands out. Lastly, a curious mind is an asset for any writer. Curiosity drives the exploration of diverse topics and gain insights.
These qualities have been significant on my journey as a writer and contributed to my growth of writing.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Promoting a book poses constant challenges. It’s very demanding and requires consistent dedication. Building a platform, engaging with readers, and creating a brand is an ongoing commitment. I’m constantly employing various strategies, from social media to book signings, seeking reviews, and participating in literary events. Despite the challenges, my passion for writing and engaging in these endeavors remains unwavering.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jacquelinekopito.com
- Instagram: @jacquelinetwin
- Facebook: @Jacqueline Davidson Kopito Author
- Linkedin: @Jacqueline Davidson Kopito
- Youtube: @jacquelinekopitowriterandt6091
