Let's Catch Up

Let's chat. Grab a cup of tea and join me. xx

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MY BOOKS:

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Things mentioned:



Bookmarks

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WHO I AM

Hello, I'm Jen Campbell. I'm an award-winning poet and bestselling author of twelve books, spanning short stories, poetry, picture books, and nonfiction.

My books for adults include The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night, The Girl Aquarium, The Bookshop Book, and The Sunday Times bestselling Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops series. My picture book trilogy Franklin and Luna, and my middle-grade book The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers, are published by Thames & Hudson.

I've won both an Eric Gregory Award and the Jane Martin Poetry Prize, my books have been translated into twenty languages, and I have two new titles forthcoming in 2023 — more details on those soon.

I've worked in the publishing industry for over fifteen years, initially as a bookseller, and now as a freelance editor, content creator and disability advocate. I review books online, in print and on the radio. I run a Youtube channel where I talk about books, the history of fairy tales, and the representation of disability and disfigurement. I also offer online writing workshops and editorial services, give talks at schools, publishing companies, universities and book festivals on a variety of topics, and I run a book club for TOAST clothing.

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Where to find me:

This video contains no sponsored content. Any books marked with * were sent to me for an honest review.

[baeticat]

Please take your time Jen! You're dealing with so much right now. I'm sending you strength and love. I hope you will get back on your feet soon so you can read, cook, and do the things you love. x oh and PS: this unedited video was more than fine! Actually kind of refreshing to see someone on Youtube just collecting their thoughts, messing bits up and it not being a big deal.

[Pottymoon]

Bob and Paul fishing is my FAVOURITE show. It has been balm for my mind since it started and just one half hour ep tops me up for days. Pure therapy. The music, the cinematography, the humour, and TED!!!! ❤️🐾❤️ The absolute best thing on TV for a country mile!

[monicaacheson]

This got me in the feels. This year has been rubbish for me to for load of reasons.

We’ve had a run of family bereavements expected and unexpected. Physical health issues due to disability which just keep bloody coming I’m in my 30’s and feel about 90 . This month I’ve hit a wall and just feel broken.

Without my dog I’d have gone insane he is my little ray of sunshine

[hollyexley]

That sounds so tough Jen, so sorry to hear about your pains. Rest well. And thanks for the free burp, I enjoyed.

[YourTrueShelf]

I'm pretty behind so I hope that now you are very much better arm/shoulder/back-wise.
Explaining how the book payment works - wow. It's incredible that you take the smallest cut as an author, when there would be no book without you!! Also makes me glad I don't buy from the cheaper sources you mentioned.
Finally, the poem you read resonated with me so much - it reached me, maybe because I worked in hospitals for many years. But thank you for sharing, I really loved it xx

[magicalvelcro]

As someone who’s also been through IVF it puts your body (and your emotions) through SO MUCH. I’m sending you a heap of love and strength, Jen. ❤

[suziechristman]

As all others have done-SENDING BIG LOVE ❤️ Sending healing thoughts.

[rosew.]

Thank you for reading your Spelt Poetry winner, "The Hospital Is Not My House." ♥♥

[Pottymoon]

I’m so glad you shared this video with us Jen. A) because it’s good to know how you are and
B) it really helps those of us who are similarly struggling.
Thank you x

[georginakey]

I suspected something was up as you hadn’t posted in awhile. Isn’t it funny how you can worry about someone you’ve never actually met? I’ve told certain people in my life about you, as if we’re friends. What an unusual and wonderful world we live in that we can form a certain type of bond in this way. Stay calm and don’t push yourself too much. Love, georgina

[gamewrit]

Thanks for sharing. Good to see you. ❤️🥄☕

[flaviaaalouise]

I am so sorry that life is throwing so much bad health your way lately. I wish you a speedy recovery. I really enjoyed this unedited video.

[rkb]

Dear Jen, your videos have been a comfort and joy to me for quite some time now and i just wanted to say thank you for checking in with us today. Wishing you all the best ❤️hope the pain gets better soon! ps you were asking how we were and today i have been doing ok -- i was "supposed" to be working but i decided to be sewing instead (i am a postdoctoral researcher), in general i am not looking forward to autumn and winter as much as you do, the tiredness and darkness really gets to me...

[CarinaZacharias]

I’m thinking of you, Jen. ❤ Thanks for keeping us updated although there is no need to do that, if you don’t feel like it. We‘ll be here and wishing you all the best. No rush 😌

[FranMeneses]

sending you all the love and hugs and tea from here Jen <3

[sandeesandwich]

When you didn't post your regular Monday video I had a sinking feeling and checked your Instagram (I am not on Insta much) and was sorry to see that you weren't feeling well, but glad to see you were at home and not in hospital. Sending you bookish love from across the pond. 💞💞💞

For food and books, here's a very old memory: As a kid, after reading Harriet the Spy, I started eating tomato sandwiches every day. That is the closest food-book connection I've had.

[Selina]

Hi Jen, so sorry to hear you’ve been dealing with these levels of pain. From past chronic illness I know how dealing with intense pain for prolonged periods is profoundly disturbing and can really effect mental health. I really hope you’re on the mend now. Sending lots of love! Xx

[nymeria]

Lots of love and good wishes for your continued rest and recovery ❤️

[LouiseReader]

Oh gosh, there's so much in this video, I'm sure all of us wish you well, please take your time to heal and recover. I had a frozen shoulder for two years. Shoulder pain is the worst. I hope you get some relief very soon, and that IVF brings you a happy outcome.

[curioushmm]

i absolutely love the lola chicken caper...good on for doing this jen..we do worry when we don't see you and appreciate that you know. hope your good days grow like compound interest!