From Childhood Scribbles to a Family of Creators
If you had asked eight-year-old me what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer would have been simple:
A writer. An artist. Maybe both, if the universe was feeling generous.
I used to spend hours drawing characters and writing stories no one asked for—but I loved every second of it. Creativity was my way of escaping into worlds that made sense, even if real life didn’t always cooperate.
But like many dreamers, I grew up.
I married young.
And slowly, the spark that once lit up every notebook and scrap of paper I owned dimmed under the weight of responsibility.
People told me the “responsible” thing to do was work a steady job, keep a perfect home, and leave the wild dreams to kids.
So that’s what I did… kind of.
I never really stopped.
I still wrote.
I still drew.
I still tucked away stories and sketches whenever I could steal a moment.
And somewhere along the way, my children picked up pencils and brushes, too—turning those tiny stolen moments into a legacy.
False Starts, Fresh Starts, and the Novel That Wouldn’t Let Go
In 2009, something in me said, “Enough waiting. Just write the book.”
So I did. I poured myself into my first novel and had a very proud, very rushed first draft by 2010.
I self-published too fast (twice!), took the book down (twice!), and eventually started over with a clearer head and a wiser heart. That’s how Far from Oz and Falling from Neverland came to life—slowly, thoughtfully, and with a lot of coffee.
Along the way, I was encouraged to try ChatGPT.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. I didn’t want anything—or anyone—to change my voice or my story.
But instead, it helped me guide and refine the words I already had.
It helped me grow into the writer I wanted to be.
With that little nudge, I finally finished Falling from NeverLand.
Now I’m 14,000 words into Free from the Looking Glass. I’m letting it breathe until the next chapter feels right. This story is special, and I refuse to rush it.
A Family of Artists
Somewhere between all the drafts and doubt, something amazing happened:
my girls started finding their own artistic paths.
- My oldest illustrated my first children’s book.
- My middle daughter is starting her own animation studio.
- My youngest wants to help me publish a magazine someday.
It’s like all that creative energy I tried to hide for so many years found a home in them, too. And now we’re cheering each other on, building something together—each in our own way.
A Rough Year, A New Chapter
Last year was hard.
After 30 years of marriage, my husband and I chose to divorce.
It wasn’t a decision made lightly, and it wasn’t without pain. My girls were hurt, but they understood that our chapter had come to an end.
Things are still strange, but my daughters are strong. They are looking forward, not back. And so am I.
This season of rebuilding has pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. I’m learning how to be consistent on social media (thank you, discipline… kind of!). My oldest daughter even helped me start a YouTube channel for my promo trailers. We’ve decided to divide and conquer the media world together.
Some old friends and family have reached out, and it’s been surprisingly comforting. It feels like doors I never noticed before are finally opening.
Where I’m Going Next
Honestly? I’m not entirely sure where this journey leads.
But for the first time in a long time, I’m excited to find out.
I have my art.
I have my writing.
I have my girls beside me, each chasing their own dreams while cheering on mine.
And together, I think we’re going to do something beautiful.
A small gallery for your enjoyment
Jennifer Lee (Author) 
Leave a comment