Patricia Jackson
Patricia A. Jackson is a 29-year veteran in education. She spent the first half of her career as an administrator and teacher in the School District of the City of York. The latter half has been teaching World Literature and Creative Writing at Central York High School. A fierce LGBTQIA+ advocate, Ms. Jackson facilitates The Beautiful People, a student-run club that creates safe spaces for teens within the school community. When the school board voted to ban hundreds of books based on race and sexual orientation, she joined the Panther Anti-Racist Union as co-advisor to assist the successful fight to overturn that ruling. Her fantasy novel Forging a Nightmare debuted in November, 2021 from Angry Robot Books, UK.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
The Moonspinners by Mary Stewart
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“What is a master? I would say that he is not someone who teaches something, but someone who inspires the student to do his best to discover a knowledge he already has in his soul.” From The Way of the Bow by Paulo Coelho
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Robin McKinley, Nancy Springer, Michael Stackpole
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I wanted to share stories from my imagination, particularly in a galaxy far, far away.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Never grow up! Get in touch with your inner eight-year old and make a play date on the sacred playground of creativity. Invite all of your imaginary friends and write the book from your heart!