Author
I’m honest to a fault, and I make things up. Stories set in small towns. Stories about teens and first love. Stories about messy lives and complicated relationships. Cruise ships. The paranormal. Marriage and mid-life crises. Coming-of-age.
Editor
I’m comfortable with middle grade, young adult, and adult novels, from fantasy to contemporary and almost everything in between. I have a hard time falling for zombies, so unless you’re looking to win over doubters, I may not be the editor for you. Historical fiction can be a hard sell for me also, and no erotica or non-fiction please.
Speaker
Interviews and book signings, Making of the Book presentations, plot and character workshops, as well as plotting made easy for new writers or students.
“…Mercer’s prose is lucid and her themes of redemption and reinvention are resonant…”
Kirkus Reviews
The depth of characterization, flavors of romance, adult confidences, and alternating viewpoints keep this story lively and involving for all ages.”
Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan, senior reviewer
“Characters are intricately woven, unique, and relatable.”
The Booklife Prize
“The authentic characters, snappy writing style, and compelling plots make it an ideal selection for any high schooler.”
Manhattan Book Review
About
J Mercer grew up in Wisconsin where she walked home from school with her head in a book, filled notebooks with stories in junior high, then went to college for accounting and psychology. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, wishes she were an expert linguist, and enjoys exploring with her husband and daughters. Perfect days include cancelled plans, rain, and endless hours to do with what she pleases.
Favorite Things
In no particular order: rain, sun, trees, spring, fall, coffee, lemon drops, real food, quiet, tattoos, great stories in whatever form, language and words, dragonflies and hummingbirds, jeans, gray t-shirts, cozy sweaters, lakes, beaches, great restaurants in whatever form, watching my girls dance, or ski, or tube, or conquer life in general, kickboxing, NYC, Chicago, home improvements, live music in small venues, and books, of course!
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In order to contact me directly, for bookings and questions, please email jmercerbooks@gmail.com.
Please note that I do not always catch DMs on Facebook and Instagram!
