Meet K.B. Jensen | Award-winning Author and Publishing Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with K.B. Jensen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi K.B., why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My dream of becoming a writer actually started in third grade. I told my dad, and he said I’d starve. (I haven’t starved yet.) I started out my career as a journalist and editor, before switching gears to book publishing ten years ago. I’ve written award-winning fiction books of my own, and I’ve helped countless other authors on their journeys, as a publishing consultant with My Word Publishing. My clients become my book friends over time, which is a joy. I’ve always loved writing and reading, as well as helping people, so it’s a good fit. Telling stories, letting people into your world and helping them see things in a different way-it is a form of art. You can tell strange truths in fiction that may be difficult in other mediums. My career, the creativity and the challenges have all been very rewarding. At the end of the day, why I got into it and why I continue is that I love the written word. Sometimes, I just have to write. It’s not always a choice. Sometimes, it’s just something you do, because you can’t help it and you love it. I love teaching writing classes for teens and adults, as well, because we share that passion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m proud of my books-my crime novel, Painting With Fire, my literary novel, A Storm of Stories, and my cross-genre short story collection, Love and Other Monsters in the Dark. They are like children to me, and I can’t choose between them. I take a lot of risks in my writing and I don’t hold back.

As far as My Word Publishing, I am very proud of all my clients and their amazing books, but my youngest ones are especially astonishing. I started a writing and publishing camp for tweens and teens during the pandemic in 2020 when all the summer camps were shutting down. I worked with the amazing team at My Word Publishing to create the camp for my daughter, who loves writing, as well as other kids who had nothing to do that summer. We’ve been doing it annually ever since and have published four anthologies of stories written by tweens and teens. They work with a fabulous professional editor and cover designer to bring their vision to life, and collaborate on theme and design.

As an author, you always hope people will remember you for your books, but I’d have to say, I want to be remembered one day for helping these young writers. Because, even after the pandemic, teens these days have so much to get through. If I can teach a young person to turn to their art, whether it’s writing or something, else, to get through hard times, well, that’s really something magical.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend was coming for a visit, depending on the season, I’d take them to see a concert or Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheater. That’s a no-brainer. I’d also take them to downtown Littleton for the best cup of tea at In-Tea, and hit the Chocolate Therapist afterward, for a sweet treat. We’d head into Denver for a flash fiction reading series called the F-bomb at Mercury Cafe. We’d also swing by several bookstores, including the Mutiny Info Cafe, because you can never have too many books. Then after they were used to the altitude, if it were still ski season, I’d steal them up to the mountains and we’d go downhill skiing. I’d take them to Loveland Ski Area where I taught skiing for six years. Yes, there may be flashier resorts, but the snow is typically great at Loveland, there are less crowds, it’s more affordable, and it’s got this lovely down-to-earth feel.
On the way back, we’d stop at 511 Rose, one of my favorite restaurants in Georgetown, that has live music and delicious food, and grab some beer at Guanella Pass Brewery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband has been wonderful in my journey as an author an entrepreneur. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive spouse.

I’d also love to thank Author Polly Letofsky, the founder of My Word Publishing for her mentorship over the years.

Website: www.kbjensenauthor.com

Instagram: instagram.com/kbjensen

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-srinivasan-a-k-a-k-b-jensen-065a089

Twitter: twitter.com/KB_jensen

Facebook: facebook.com/kbjensenauthor

Other: https://www.mywordpublishing.com/our-team/kirsten-kb-jensen/

Image Credits
Image Credit: Kelly Weaver Image Credit: Jonas Vandall