Jackie ONeal

Jackie O’Neal holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the renowned Sarah Lawrence College Graduate Writing program. O’Neal is the author of two books WOMAN PRIEST and BORN IN THE LAND OF THE TANGO.  Over the years as a journalist her commentary has been seen and heard on The Huffington Post, USA Today, NPR- 51% The Women’s Perspective, NPR Blog among others. Her professional life includes teaching English composition at the college level. She was nominated for an Excellence in Teaching Award 2007 at Atlantic Cape Community College.  She lives in NJ with her husband, Mason, a retired NYC child abuse investiagator. The couple have four sons.

Interview

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

 

I hold an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the renowned Sarah Lawrence College Graduate Writing program. i'm alsothe author of WOMAN PRIEST which is a collection of spiritual reflections and commentary.
Over the years as a journalist my commentary has been seen and heard on The Huffington Post, USA Today, NPR-51% The Women's Perspective, NPR Blog among others.My professional life includes teaching English composition at the college level for which  was nominated for an Excellence in Teaching Award 2007 at Atlantic Cape Community College.
I live in NJ with my husband, Mason, a retired NYC child abuse investiagator and we have four sons.

 

Describe your book ‘Born in The Land of the Tango: A Memoir about Identity, Family, and Healing’ in 30 words or less.

 

It's a memoir and an exploration of my cultural roots in light of identity politics that teaches readers to appreciate their multi- cultural past.

 

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

 

Weaving a cohesive narrative together is always challenging, but for me selecting the episodes from my life that would best shed the most light on the theme of identity politics took time and many false starts.

Developing a conclusion and wrapping up the narrative was tough as well for me as I don't like to say good-bye and put the manuscript "to bed" so to speak.

 

What books have had the greatest influence on you?

 

All of the books by Marguerite Duras and Virginia Woolf have been influential for their creativity and evocative language.

 

Briefly share with us what you do to market your book?

 

I work on getting third party credibility by doing  and pursuing radio and print interviews.

 

How do you spend your time when you are not writing?

 

I enjoy spending time with my family.

 

What are you working on next?

 

I'm writing a book on past life regression.

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