Meet Sara Jade Alan | Author & Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Jade Alan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara Jade, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?

I think the first step is to figure out if it’s ego or spirit driving the decision. Sometimes the ego wants to give up out of fear, sometimes it wants to keep going out of pride. Sometimes the spirit whispers this is merely a bump in the road, sometimes it whispers it’s time to let go.

One time when I faced this debate was after nine years of trying to get my first novel published, and I didn’t know if I should keep rewriting and submitting or accept this was just my practice novel and move on. I decided to submit the manuscript to three contests and then put it aside and focus on finishing the next book. It was a difficult choice at the time, but it worked out well in the end. Ten months later, an editor who had chosen my entry as a winner in one of those three contests called to offer me a publishing contract for what is now my debut novel. And by then, I had my second manuscript finished, too.

At this stage of my creative career, I’ve completed many projects in several disciplines, so I’ve continually grappled with the choice to keep going or give up. Somehow, it hasn’t gotten any easier to decide. Which is unfortunate because again I find myself at a crossroads, and it would be nice if for once(!) the answer would effortlessly reveal itself. But I’m practicing sitting with the question with curiosity and compassion in my heart. Maybe I’ll hear a gentle whisper soon. If you’re seeking an answer, I hope you hear one, too.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Before I started writing novels, I performed improv, standup, and sketch comedy. One thing I’m proud of is how I’ve combined the art forms I love most. My friend Susan Knudten and I created an ever-changing comedy show called The Novelistas, all about the ups and downs of the writing life. We’ve performed it at writing conferences over the years, along with teaching improv workshops for writers, and it’s a fun and rewarding way to connect with the community.

I’m also proud of my first novel, A Messy, Beautiful Life. When I was in my twenties, I was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer in my femur and underwent major surgery. As part of my recovery, I had to be on crutches for a year. So I took a break from improv and wrote a novel about a teen improviser with cancer. One of the messages of the book is to find humor and beauty in even our darkest times. It took ten years to publish, and I’m glad I persisted because the notes I’ve received from readers telling me that the story helped them through a difficult time is a gift I never expected and will always be grateful for.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A walk through the Denver Botanic Gardens. Dinner at Sushi Den one night. Karaoke at Punch Bowl Social. A visit to the Denver Art Museum or the Clyfford Still Museum. Dinner at Root Down another night. Maybe we’d catch a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. We’d have to get out of the city, too, and hike either Mount Falcon in Indian Hills or the Raccoon Trail Loop in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my sister and bestselling author, Theresa Alan, who has given me endless guidance and support over the years. And shoutout to Lighthouse Writers Workshop, which helped me hone my craft and provided the best possible writing community.

Website: www.sarajadealan.com

Instagram: @sarajadealan

Twitter: @sarajadealan

Facebook: @sarajadealan