Jayne Roberts, Marketing Intern
Hometown: Oakland, CA
School and field of study: Emerson College, Creative Writing
How did your journey with writing start?
Before I loved to write, I loved to read. I loved how different words, and combinations of words evoked different emotions. Eventually, I wanted to see what kinds of emotions I could evoke with my own writing. I started by drawing up cards and stories for people on holidays. I’d write a poem for each of my friends on Valentine’s Day and gain confidence by how excited they were. Now, I’m horrified when I look back on how badly they were written. I mean, seriously, who rhymes “donkey” with “baby?” Still, it’s those first attempts that got me to where I am today, so I’m pretty grateful for elementary-age me.
What other things are you balancing with this internship?
At the moment, I’ve got a full-time job working at a bookstore, I’m working on my graduate degree in creative writing, and I’m finishing my first novel...plus a screenplay, book of poetry, and collection of essays. I think it’s safe to say I have focus issues.
What advice would you give to people thinking about this internship?
Always challenge yourself, but remember to relax. Everyone who works here remembers what it’s like to be just starting out, and they actually want you to succeed. Don’t be afraid to fail. You’ll learn more from trying out new things, even when they don’t work out, than you will by playing it safe.
What do you like most about creating art?
I love the almost out-of-body experience that occurs when something you’ve created finds its way from your brain out into the real world. You’ve tied together little pieces of yourself with pieces of the outside world and let them grow together. It’s a pretty cathartic experience.
