I first met Jessie Rosen when she emcee’d a storytelling event in downtown Los Angeles in which I was one of the storytellers. She was funny, smart, connected with the crowd, and at least on the outside, cool as a cucumber. Between each storyteller she had a great story or anecdote that connected with both the previous story and the audience. The event’s theme was “debauchery” so there were a few awkward stories told (mine included) but she handled it like a pro.

I saw her again when she held the same honor for the Writing Pad’s Christmas event and she did another stellar job. It was then I learned she’d been blogging on her own blog for seven years. Seven years! Who can blog for SEVEN YEARS?! (Now that number has reached eight!) and while it leans toward the feminine side of life her blog is smart, funny, and a great read.

When I thought about starting a blog I knew I had to take her blogging class and I didn’t regret it. It was fun and incredibly informative. Usually when I get in trouble/behind on this blog it’s because I haven’t stuck to the principles I learned in her class.

Now she’s gone and written a YA novel, Dead Ringer. While I’m not sure why Yaks Anonymous has anything to do with book genres, (I kid, it’s Young Adult, but with how fast kids are growing up these days I’m sure us adults will find it more PG-13 than G), I’m glad she’s taken her enormous talent to a field I enjoy; fiction.

That’s only part of the story. Is she a very talented person? Yes. Does she do great work? Absolutely . But more importantly she’s as genuine as a person I’ve met in the performing/writing arena (I’ve met some doozies, it is LA after all) and I hope this project sends her career through the roof. Couldn’t happen to a better person. So if you are looking for a book or blog to read, or a podcast to listen to, give her a shot.

Congrats Jessie.

If you’d like to buy her book or check out reviews go here

If you’d like to check out her blog 20-nothings go here

And ladies, if you’re looking for a podcast that’s definitely not YA, check out Jessie’s podcast here

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