Meet Elle Jauffret

We were lucky to catch up with Elle Jauffret recently and have shared our conversation below.

Elle, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

First, I acknowledged my strengths and weaknesses so I could improve myself and my craft (I was very good at narration and description but needed to improve my dialogue—especially colloquialisms). I developed my skills by attending writers’ conferences and webinars on the craft of writing. Being a writer means being a constant learner.

Second, I set achievable goals (writing for 15 minutes every day at first, then increasing to an hour, and later aiming for a minimum word count).

Third, I listen to Stephen King’s On Writing (the audiobook) for motivation whenever I doubt myself.

Fourth, I regularly step out of my comfort zone. Trying something new, whether I succeed or fail, is great practice for developing grit and discovering that I’m capable of more than I initially thought. Failing is essential to becoming impervious to the fear of failure or judgment.

Fifth, I found a writing community (shout-out to The Writers Coffeehouse led by Jonathan Maberry, and the online community of Sisters in Crime). Having a positive, supportive community and role models to emulate is essential for fighting self-doubt.

Finally, I focus on improvement, not perfection. I have embraced setbacks as part of the process and work toward my goals with patience. As my grandmother always said: hard work always pays off.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I write cinematic, character-driven mysteries that blend suspense and social themes. My debut novel, Threads of Deception, is coming out in November, and it marks the beginning of my Suddenly French mystery series. What excites me most about this work is how it challenges assumptions about identity, particularly around speech variations like accents or speech disorders. My main character, Claire Fontaine, a criminal attorney turned private chef, suffers from French Foreign Accent Syndrome after a traumatic event. Her unique voice and struggles mirror my own experiences, and through her, I aim to dismantle stereotypes about intelligence, competence, and literacy that often come with having an accent.
I think what’s special about my work is the way it integrates themes of justice, language, and belonging, all set against the backdrop of a thrilling mystery. Readers won’t just experience a murder investigation; they’ll also confront questions of identity, resilience, and self-acceptance.
As for what’s new, the release of Threads of Deception on November 12 is my most exciting news right now! I’m also working on the next book in the series, which will dive into the world of competitive surfing and cosplay.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as an author are grit, discipline, and a willingness to learn.

Grit: Writing a novel—and especially bringing it to publication—requires the ability to push through obstacles and keep going despite self-doubt and rejection. For those just starting out, my advice is to embrace the challenges and setbacks as part of the process. Grit isn’t about never failing, it’s about how you get back up each time. Every ‘no’ is just a step closer to refining your craft and eventually reaching a ‘yes.’

Discipline: Writing is not just about inspiration; it’s about showing up consistently, even on days when the words don’t come easily. Having discipline has allowed me to meet deadlines, stay on track, and keep progressing, no matter what. I recommend setting up a regular writing routine, no matter how small. Consistency builds momentum, and over time, it compounds into big results.

Willingness to Learn: In my journey, I’ve had to be open to feedback, new ideas, and constant growth. Whether it’s improving my craft or exploring new subjects for my books, being a lifelong learner keeps the work fresh and engaging. For those early in their journey, I’d suggest being curious and open to critique. Always be a student of the world. Read widely, ask questions, let your curiosity lead you to unexpected places, and be open to critique. Every piece of feedback or new insight can help you grow and improve your writing.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The book that has played the most important role in my development as a writer is On Writing by Stephen King. His story of grit—rising from humble beginnings and overcoming personal and professional struggles to achieve the success he enjoys today—is inspiring. I own two copies of his book: a physical copy and an audiobook (which he narrates). Whenever I question my path as a writer, I listen to him, much like athletes would listen to their coach before a big game. It empowers me to work harder and push forward.

His practical advice, particularly the emphasis on the writer’s toolbox, with grammar as a foundational tool, is really comforting. As someone who has mastered grammar through my background in law, this validated the importance of having a strong technical foundation. King explains that you can’t build a house without basic tools, and I’ve taken that to heart in my own work.
On Writing isn’t just a book about how to write—it’s filled with wisdom about resilience and the discipline required to see your vision through. King’s words and voice have helped me find the mindset to approach my writing career with confidence.

The most valuable nuggets of wisdom:
“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.”
“Fiction is the truth inside the lie.”
“Write what you like, then imbue it with life and make it unique by blending in your own personal knowledge of life, friendships, relationships, sex, and work. Especially work. People love to read about work. God knows why, but they do.”

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