Creative Coffee Chats: Meet Indie Author Jessica Roman

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Welcome to the first installment of Creative Coffee Chats–a series of Q&A-style interviews with creators of all kinds, where we discuss their craft and creative processes.

I am so excited that this first interview is with Jessica Roman, author of Scorpion Grasses, a coming-of-age paranormal romance exploring LGBTQIA+ identity, abuse, and acceptance. Jessica began writing this book in 2012, and I’ve had the privilege of reading multiple versions of this story. So, when I say this girl has put the work in, you better believe it!

Let’s talk about Jessica’s publishing process, her hopes for the book, and what’s next in her journey!

It's been amazing to see you grow as a writer over the years! What would you say is one of the most important things you've learned through this indie publishing process?

Thank you so much! It's been an amazing journey and definitely would not have happened without the incredible support I’ve been fortunate to have over this last decade! 

The most important thing I learned over the process is self-worth. Thousands of talented writers create amazing stories each day and it can be devastating for the work you put your whole heart, time, energy, and tears into to go unnoticed. 

I am still working on recognizing my own self-worth, but I think its important for anyone who is setting out on this journey to know that everyone stumbles along the way and its not a reflection of your worth or the product you've created. You have done incredible things that are inherently valuable and should be proud of everything you accomplished. Indie publishing—heck, the whole writing process—is a journey. Enjoy it and don’t let others determine your worth. 

How many drafts did it take to bring your book to completion?

Oh. My. God. If I had 30 more arms, I might be able to count that high. 

The process of writing Scorpion Grasses began in 2012 and each version of the characters have drastically changed. Colby went from being a punk kid who took out his frustration on anyone and anything his fists could touch to more of an introspective and closed-off guy. Daye used to be a bit more ditzy and optimistic, but in the final version, he had to come to terms with his reality. And Christian went from a scene kid who hated the world to a more outgoing hipster who, well, still hates the world. 

Throughout the decade, I also changed the story from one strictly from Colby's POV to one that includes Daye and Christian's personal experiences. I expanded the world to include Daye's fate, Christian's pain, and Colby's redemption. I also took out some scenes that, while they gave the readers more time with the characters, didn’t add directly to the story (although I’ve been trying with the idea of an extended version!).

Do you have a favorite character? Why?

Oof, I feel bad playing favorites with all my kids. I love Sawyer and Christian with all my heart; they remind me of sister and how outgoing and driven she was. I love how they push Colby to go outside of his comfort zone and represent what I’ve always sought in my life.

Colby's growth over the course of the narrative always leaves me feeling giddy, reminding me of the patients I see daily as a therapist and have the privilege to watch grow. Nathaniel and I share therapeutic background and, with him being the surprise most-loved character, I have fallen in love with his hot-and-cold fatherly approach. 

But! I have to say that Daye is, and will always be, my favorite. I have no actual reason except that I tend to love the tragic character with a dark history and severe mental health issues. I feel like maybe it’s because, with me still struggling with my own self-image and dark thoughts, having someone else going through it (even though I created him) makes me feel less alone. 

Did you always intend to hand-draw your cover art?

I did! I have this unhealthy obsession with wanting to take full credit for the product I put out and drawing the cover came with it, much to my spouse's dismay. Many months and versions went into its current design and I am so proud of it, although I am actively working on a bookstore-exclusive version with a totally different cover that I have been dreaming up since before even publishing the current version. 

Your book touches on a lot of heavy themes. What's the message you want your readers to take away from this book? 

The main message I want every reader to take from this story is the power of community–that no matter how alone you feel, there is someone on your side. That sometimes they come from the most unlikely of places or that, sometimes, we might not even see them. That together, we can heal and find strength to push ourselves further than we thought was possible. And that we are all worthy of love and support, no matter how damaged we feel. 

What's next for you? Are you working on a new project? 

I am! Im currently working on three projects. The first is the bookstore-exclusive version of Scorpion Grasses (Ingram has proven to be a bit more challenging than I had anticipated) with maybe some bonus scenes. 

My current work-in-progress is a new fantasy that has lived in me for a long time (since its first draft in 2003!), and now it’s finally taking flight. At its core, it is a dark, epic fantasy trilogy about control, identity, rebellion, and love in a world where those things are currency.

My second WIP is a sequel following Christian on the cusp of his 30th birthday. The wild, broken, infuriating, magnetic force that he was in the original novel left more than just a bruise; he left a gaping hole. As loud and bold as he was, I can’t imagine a world where he’d ever be the same following the events of Scorpion Grasses and it left me wondering where he would end up going. What he’d end up doing. And especially, who he would end up doing. And, after some serious brainstorming, now it’s time to tell his story.

About the Book

Seventeen-year-old Colby faces the challenges of living with his abusive, alcoholic mother while concealing his true self from his homophobic classmates. His life takes an unexpected turn when flamboyant Christian moves to his high school. Colby quickly finds himself in a clandestine relationship where he learns three things: Christian believes his twin brother, Daye, is away in France studying art; Christian unknowingly suffers from dissociative identity disorder, taking on the personality of his twin; and the real Daye is dead.Colby becomes entangled in the family secret and promises to protect Christian as they work together to eradicate the imposter personality. However, as Colby spends more time with "Daye", he begins to understand the true nature of love and healing through "Daye's" support and compassion. Colby finds himself in a moral battle, torn between his heart's desire to keep "Daye" and the reality that Christian is the "real" twin all the while struggling to save himself. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the significance of the human connection.

Buy Scorpion Grasses on Amazon, or find the special Deluxe Edition at Blank Page Dreams.

About the Author

Jessica Roman is a fiction author who explores the rich tapestry of LGBTQIA+ identity, mental health, and resilience. Drawing on her life experiences and background as a licensed clinical social worker, Jessica weaves authentic narratives that resonate with young readers navigating their own journeys. A passionate advocate for inclusivity, she believes in the power of storytelling to foster empathy and connection.

When she’s not writing, you can find Jessica immersing herself in video games or anime, losing herself in a good book, or enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Washington with her wife and two children. With a love for both adventure and introspection, Jessica’s work invites readers to embrace their true selves and celebrate the diverse experiences that shape us all. 

Jessica is also one of the founding collaborators over at Blank Page Dreams (where you can find me, too!) Be sure to check it out! 

Read This Next: