Conversations with Jennifer Kurani

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Kurani.

Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
As a child, I spent most of my time curled up with a good book. My love for reading became a passion that continued to grow and eventually lead to creating my own stories that I could share with others. It was only after I left my job at Scholastic that I began to actually write. I choose kids as my readers because I believe children’s fiction is one of the most important forms of writing. It helps provide emotional intelligence and creativity and teaches them about the world around them while introducing them to new ideas. Each story I write takes the reader on a journey of self-realization that can hopefully help a child believe in themself or overcome obstacles they may face or simply choose to be kind.

Once all three books were published, I turned them into short, animated 3D films. My book Feeling Special has been submitted for multiple film festivals and has won a few awards. The goal is to eventually sell these movies to a streaming service for viewers to enjoy and to continue to create more.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has not been smooth but I have embraced the challenges I have faced. Having my first manuscript, A Big Birthday Hug, rejected by multiple publishing houses just made me try even harder to be recognized and accepted as a published author. It taught me to continue to believe in myself and my work. Along the way, I learned how to have a great deal of patience while facing these struggles.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an award-winning children’s book author. As an adult, I first started working at Scholastic in children’s publishing, edited creative writing essays, and developed web content for parents and students. After leaving that position, I started to write my own books which have won awards and have recently been turned into short, animated films. One of which has also won multiple awards.

I am most proud of my efforts in trying to promote the culture of character through the joy of reading.

In my opinion, what sets me apart from others is my ability to continue to move forward despite any obstacle I face. Our lives are a journey and no matter what our jouney is, we have to face it and continue to live it.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I believe success comes when you can truly laugh at yourself during good times as well as bad times. Understanding that this laughter is truly a realization that life does not always go according to plan, we are not perfect beings, that we are still growing and evolving, and we are capable of making mistakes allows me to be kind to myself. I believe and feel by accepting myself,  I will continue to grow and succeed no matter what life throws at me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jenniferkurani.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferkurani/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.kurani.9/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kurani-090670ba/