Lois Young asked N.K. Jemisin:

I understand that you were a teacher before you were published. How did you manage to balance work and writing before your first publishing deal? And, do you have any advice for those of us who are in the same position as balancing work and writing?

N.K. Jemisin Not a teacher, a counselor -- altho I did teach some university classes in developmental areas (FYE, career development, etc). And the way I balanced work and writing before and after my first publishing deal (I didn't quit my day job 'til 2016) is that I wrote on the weekends, had a boss who allowed me to create a flex time schedule so I could do writer business 1 day a week... and I didn't sleep much and let my health deteriorate. Two careers are doable for a while, but they take a toll. I can't advise other people; everybody's just got to figure out the work/life balance thing for themselves, sadly.

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I know you have short stories that take place in real world locations, but how did you approach building your world based in a city as iconic as New York?

Kevin Ramirez asked N.K. Jemisin:

Hi there! I’m a huge fan of your short stories, and I was wondering if there are any short story collections that have left you with a strong, emotional impact?

Jeff Heller asked N.K. Jemisin:

When you wrote the first book(s) in any of your series, did you know they were going to be series rather than standalone novels? Do you have any advice on structuring plot and balancing it with setting and character? Thank you for your wonderful writing!

All answers from N.K. Jemisin…

N.K. Jemisin

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I understand that you were a teacher before you were published. How did you manage to balance work and writing before your first publishing deal? And, do you have any advice for those of us who are in the same position as balancing work and writing?

More Answered Questions

I know you have short stories that take place in real world locations, but how did you approach building your world based in a city as iconic as New York?

Hi there! I’m a huge fan of your short stories, and I was wondering if there are any short story collections that have left you with a strong, emotional impact?

When you wrote the first book(s) in any of your series, did you know they were going to be series rather than standalone novels? Do you have any advice on structuring plot and balancing it with setting and character? Thank you for your wonderful writing!

About Goodreads Q&A