Meet Jackie Anders | Author & Inspirational Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie Anders and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
I am a flawed parent like everyone else, but I don’t hide it from my kids. I’m honest with them when I fail or can’t handle something. I’ll tell them, “I’m sorry” or “I don’t have the answer yet, but I’ll get it for you. We’ll figure this out together”. That is the trick. Therefore, my kids really seemed inspired when I stayed transparent with them as I worked hard to follow my dream to become an award-winning author. My kids knew that achievement did not come easy for me. I think that was the best thing I could have shown them. I’ve told them many times that I struggle with social anxiety and was even a ‘speech’ student back when I was young. Both impairments don’t ever fully go away. So for me to be able to network with other authors and publishers, do speaking engagements, and co-host a podcast took a lot of work for me. But I did it. In doing that, I’ve shown my kids that nothing great in life comes easy for anyone. We all have something that tries to hold us back. The ones that make it are the ones that rise up through any adversity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My books are a reflection of everything I’ve seen in life, the people I’ve met, their struggles, and the people I will meet. I write what flows from me. However, one core theme in all my books is “Hope”. Even though my first trilogy, PHOENIX, is a time travel adventure with a little romance and a special ops team trying to save the world, it’s still a book of a hope. Without hope, what do we have? I will continue writing science fiction, adventure, fantasy, and even mysteries as long as my true message is reaching people. And that is that no matter how tough things seem right now, a better day is coming. Fight for that better day, no matter how long it takes.

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.
The funny thing is that most everyone I know from around the nation is not just coming to visit the Houston area, they’re moving here. Houston speaks for itself; the culture, the food, lower housing prices, friendly people. Everyone is flocking here. But the first place I take them when they do get here, is to Rice Village. There is a little Italian diner there called, D’amico’s Italian Market. The waitstaff actually remembers you when you come back and they serve the best food with a unique and cozy atmosphere. Ask for Isaac! Another great place is Discovery Green. It’s a beautiful park that always has fun activities. In fact, when I wrote my trilogy, ARION RISING, many scenes take place at or around that park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My ideas for my books and my strength to persevere comes from God. He is never failing. But He has also put some great people in my life to help me. My fiance, Robert “Johnny” Hovorka, is my rock. This man has served in two wars as a Marine, had seen the worst in humanity, and has come back as the most positive and Godly person I’ve ever met. You know the saying, “Surround yourself with positive people”? Well, God definitely came through for me with Johnny and with my best friend, Amber LeBlanc, who I call my sister. She was there with me through some tough times. And like Johnny, she is my biggest fan!

Website: jandersbooks.com

Instagram: jandersbooks

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