Description
What happens when a story you started writing at 12 years old refuses to leave you alone for the next three decades?
In Episode 97 of Write Effing Now!, Hilary Jastram welcomes author Margie Jaynes, whose bestselling novel True Companion proves that some dreams are worth waiting for.
Margie shares how a childhood idea inspired by a Phil Collins music video became a published novel more than 30 years later. From handwritten drafts and unforgettable characters to balancing motherhood, teaching, and writing, Margie’s journey is a reminder that there’s no expiration date on your dreams.
And yes, there’s plenty of laughter, nostalgia, music, and a few unexpected celebrity impersonations along the way!
What You’ll Learn
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How Margie turned a childhood story into a bestselling novel.
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Why your writing journey doesn’t need to follow anyone else’s timeline.
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How real relationships inspire believable fictional characters.
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Why emotional conflict keeps readers turning pages.
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How to find writing time while balancing work and family.
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Why editors and beta readers are essential.
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How community support and social media help authors market their books.
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Why finishing your book matters more than finishing it quickly.
Margie Janes started writing True Companion as a young teenager, inspired by Phil Collins’ “Do You Remember?” Decades later, a friend’s sarcastic encouragement and a connection through fellow author Shirley Gundling helped her finally bring the manuscript to publication.
Margie and Hilary explore character development, writing realistic dialogue, maintaining continuity, and creating emotional stakes that make readers care. Margie also explains how becoming a mother changed her understanding of the characters she created years earlier.
The conversation moves from handwritten notebooks and NaNoWriMo to book signings, Instagram, supportive family members, and the joy of finally holding a finished book. Margie even previews her second novel, which will explore Suzanne’s backstory and offer a different perspective on familiar characters.
Add in Harry Potter, Tom Petty, 10,000 Maniacs, and some hilarious impressions, and you’ve got a conversation about persistence, creativity, and chasing a dream no matter how long it takes.
Favorite Quote:
“Slow and steady wins the race.”
Other Topics Discussed
Writing Your First Novel • Character Development • Realistic Fiction • Emotional Storytelling • Editing • Beta Readers • NaNoWriMo • Book Marketing • Author Support Systems • Writing Routines • Music and Nostalgia
Connect With Margie
Discover Margie Janes’ bestselling novel, True Companion, available on Amazon.
Instagram: @margie.janes.author.reader
Learn more about publishing your book at www.bookmarkpub.com.
Connect With Hilary
Follow Hilary for weekly conversations designed to help you write with confidence, publish with purpose, and finally cross the finish line.
About
Write Effing Now! is the podcast for writers who are ready to transform ideas into finished books.
Hosted by editor, publisher, and author Hilary Jastram, each episode provides practical advice on writing, editing, publishing, storytelling, marketing, audiobooks, artificial intelligence, and everything authors need to successfully navigate today’s publishing world.
Whether you’re writing your first book or building your author career, you’ll find inspiration, education, and actionable strategies to help you write with confidence and publish with purpose.
Learn more at BookMarkPub