Biography

Here's what you need to know about me:

I was born Jennifer Hemphill and raised in that part of Illinois known to outsiders as "not Chicago," the land of church potlucks and after-school 4-H meetings. The Midwest is a fundamental part of my identity. Secretly, I still believe it to be a universal truth that all the best recipes contain cream of mushroom soup. I also have an unnatural liking for sweet corn and I pronounce my short as with a nasal twang.

Late last year, I moved to the Seattle area after more than ten years in northern Colorado. I had thought Colorado would be my home forever and it was difficult crossing those fantastic mountains to take up residence on the west coast.

I have never not wanted to be a writer. My dad was a journalist when I was small and he once took me to the newspaper offices, showing me the printing presses behind a large, plate-glass window. I could smell the ink, still wet on the paper, and I knew I wanted them to be my words being printed. I still do. I'm in love with every aspect of the word business. I have a bachelor's degree in English with a focus on creative writing. I've worked binding reports in a print shop and marking up manuscripts at a book publisher.

Even though words flow through my veins, I am catholic in my hobbies. I know how to belly dance well enough to be paid to do it. I've collected biographical postage stamps since the fourth grade. Every other Saturday, I play Dungeons & Dragons with my friends and I attend gaming conventions without shame. I make collages from torn paper, bits of cheesecloth, oil paint, and sealing wax.

I really like the color orange and my favorite number is 11.

I adore Elvis Presley.

And Johnny Depp.

I like my eggs over easy, my steak rare, and my coffee black with Splenda. Unless it's a weekend. Then, I'd like a triple grande, nonfat, no whip, honey latté. Please.

Press

"Jennifer's work looks well-worn, but it seems like she planned it that way." Not-Paper

"I miss long, sunny days, but right now I'm wearing an orange velvet jacket and plaid flannel mary janes, and that just about makes up for it." Know the Art Scene

"I really believe that every single moment holds a story." MuseCraft Newsletter