
Ideas, Plot Twists, and Writing Secrets: Interview with Jennifer Nielsen
From Bookwards by Dana & Sam
April 28, 2026 · 18 min · Episode 19
About this episode
Sam and Dana interview bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen about her writing process and storytelling insights.
On this episode of Bookwards, Sam and Dana sit down with bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen to talk about her incredible books, including The False Prince and The Free State of Jax . They dive into how she comes up with ideas, her writing process, and why first drafts are meant to be messy. Jennifer shares fun behind-the-scenes stories about creating her characters (including some surprising real-life inspiration), what makes a great villain, and how she builds heroes readers love. It’s a fun and insightful conversation filled with writing tips, storytelling secrets, and inspiration for readers and aspiring writers alike.
People in this episode
Hosts: Sam, Dana
Guest: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Topics covered
- writing process
- storytelling
- character development
- villains
- heroes
- inspiration
Keywords
- writing tips
- plot twists
- character creation
- first drafts
- bestselling author
- storytelling secrets
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: The False Prince, The Free State of Jax
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