I’m Jen Braaksma, a writer, teacher and book coach in Ottawa, Canada. My debut YA fantasy novel Evangeline’s Heaven was published in 2022, and my YA dystopian novel Amaranth was published in May 2024.
I have the word “passion” tattooed on my wrist—literally!
It’s my philosophy: to live my passion.
No surprise, then, that my passion is writing and reading and teaching.
I’ve always loved reading, but when I wrote my first story at age 8, I was blown away by my sense of excitement over what I had created.
Over time, I learned how to hone that creativity and then teach others to do the same. I’ve been writing, coaching and teaching for more than two decades, and what I love most about it is the incredible creativity I get to see with every new writer. I love helping them shape their stories into something they’re proud of. I’ve had the privilege of working with more than 100 clients from countries all over the world on their own labours of love. Writing is work, but it’s also incredibly exhilarating. I get to share all of that with you.
I’m also a high school English teacher, so I’ve had plenty of experience working with students of all levels and learning styles.
When I wrote my own books I was filled with self-doubt. And I struggled to balance my day job, my roles as wife and mother of two daughters and my writing life—until I worked with my own book coach, Jennie Nash, founder of Author Accelerator. She taught me how to get the job done and believe in my own work. I am living proof that hiring a book coach makes all the difference in the world. Now I’m pleased to work with Jennie as a Certified Author Accelerator Book Coach.
Testimonials
“Working with Jen created a tipping point that I believe took my writing to a new level. We worked together for about six months, and I was able to finish a children’s novel that I had started and re-started (and re-started!) many times. Jen helped me make my scenes deeper and more meaningful; she taught me how to ensure each chapter drove the plot forward; she re-directed me when I wrote myself into a corner; and most importantly, she encouraged me in those moments when I began to doubt my abilities. She is fast, funny, professional, smart, and insightful. Thank you, Jen. I can’t wait to tackle my next novel with you.”
—Cathey Nickell, Author, Arthur Zarr’s Amazing Art Car and Yazzy’s Amazing Yarn
catheynickell.com
“In a far shorter time than I thought was possible, I just finished a first draft of my second novel with Jen. What began as an outline is now a solid story with all the moving parts in place. After struggling alone for years on my first book, going through this process with Jen has wildly exceeded my expectations. Because of her keen sense of story, her precise actionable notes, and her passion for writers and writing, I now understand what real collaboration feels like.”
—Susan Setteducato, Author, Luminous
susansetteducato.com
“Working with Jen Braaksma has helped my writing immensely. I love her supportive style, clear feedback, and quick turnaround of edits. She effortlessly teaches the art of storytelling. Her process has me on track to finish my novel in under 9 months. I highly recommend her.” –Shannon Connery, Writer
“Jen’s direction and encouragement as a book coach were invaluable. With all the conferences and training sessions I’ve attended, I’ve never come across a process like hers. Somehow it’s both manageable and at the same time incredibly profound. She helped me dig deep into the heart of my character in ways I hadn’t managed before. Thank you, Jen.”
—Sarah Sambles, Writer and Communications Coach
sarahsambles.com
“Before I met Jen, I spent two years trying to write a rough draft for my memoir, but I kept getting stuck. Since I started working with Jen I have been able to finally complete my first draft and create a structure for my second draft while working at a pace that is convenient for me. Jen’s easy demeanour and helpful feedback have made working with her a joy. She has helped me to go deeper into my writing with a confidence and excitement that I didn’t have when I tried to do it on my own.” –Wendy B., Writer
“Jen possesses an exceptional storytelling instinct, offering invaluable perspective where writers, often too immersed in their own work, might falter. Her skilled eyes have helped me refine and elevate my novel, ensuring its fullest potential. Her guidance has been indispensable in helping me to see and correct the flaws in my work.” –Aaron Isaacson, Writer
“Jen is an insightful, perceptive and responsive coach. She is consistently positive, supportive and honest in her feedback. I trust her judgment and recommend her highly. Jen reviewed my outlines for a middle-grade novel, asking succinct questions diplomatically to help the story within me emerge. She set clear deadlines, provided thoughtful feedback quickly and applied her knowledge of literature to suggest genres that would be most likely to suit the themes I want to address. She also has a good sense of humor and her comments about my work open up new dimensions for me to consider. She is a great coach.”
—Margaret M., Writer