Book: The [New] New Patriotism
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Absolutely-Hello! My name is Jennifer Blackburn. My husband and I have raised a blended family of six children. I am an information junkie and enjoy a very active lifestyle. I have had some incredible and diverse experiences that have informed my path in life. I am drawn to stories that explore humanity, whether fiction or non-fiction and am fascinated by what makes humans ‘tick.’
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The [New] New Patriotism’ book?
Great question. Once I had a clear outline for the book, I decided the 1st half would build (briefly) on America’s history and how patriotism evolved. The 2nd half would focus on recent history and present day. American’s have a unique history in many ways. Patriotism has an ebb and flow of strength as well as apathy. It became clearer as I wrote the book that the rote patriotic duty of our ancestors has had a very challenging history. Celebrating democracy and equality has lost its lustre for decades in a society that continues to struggle with inequities and injustices. I am not a politician, a historian or a sociologist—and that is exactly why I felt compelled to write this book from the perspective of an ‘every person.’ It was a tremendous amount of research (challenging) and then 2020 began to unfold (even more challenging) but the events of the new decade crystalized the tipping point we find ourselves in as Americans. American Democracy has been a benchmark for other countries. It is a pivotal time globally for Americans to get Democracy right—meaning all people treated equally and fairly. I’m not talking about socialism, there’s no reward for hard work in that model and socialism is a rerouted path to subjugation and government sovereignty. I’m talking about human rights, civil rights, and civil liberties.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I am influenced by authors who write with passion, honesty and create characters that truly explore the human condition-the human psyche. I just finished reading Glennon Doyle’s Untamed which blew me away with her commitment to authentic self and shattering the images that have defined women. Amor Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow was another beautifully written story of entitlement and life challenges that can bring a positive person to the brink of blinding despair, and the redirect that finds acceptance and happiness.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
This is a hard one! Virginia has been my home for many years. Virginia has a very natural beauty steeped in history. The mountains, streams and hiking trails are abundant. Virginia wine country has become a force in American winemaking amidst the green, rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont. Sarasota, Florida and the gulf coast! The Gulf of Mexico is a spectacular turquoise color, the sand is baby powder soft, and the marine life is amazing. We literally swim with dolphins and manatees. It is a very active lifestyle. I love our cities too. New York has amazing culture and looking down from the observation deck of the Empire State Building at NYC’s man-made ‘canyons’ is awe-inspiring. It never gets old. Utah’s natural canyons and National Parks are another favorite. Nature is very humbling.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
I’ve learned you have to develop a mindset and be all about that mindset. ‘The [New] New Patriotism’ is nonfiction and my next project will be fiction. Regardless of genre there must be some level of research to ensure credibility and veracity. An outline and a story arc are vital. These are the constants and the foundation work.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The [New] New Patriotism’ book?
It took me about 18 months to write the book.
Q7. On what platforms can readers find ‘The [New] New Patriotism’ book to buy?
The book is available now on eBook and releases in paperback on Jan. 6th. Pre-order for paperback is available now. All major online book retailers are carrying the book: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Books, Kobo etc.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The [New] New Patriotism’?
The cover and the title, interestingly enough, was something I plugged into almost immediately. The book opens with the evolution of American patriotism and the events that got us to the present day. It’s cause and effect—but more importantly, it’s the evolution of humanity. I feel like the new decade will not be the ‘Roaring Twenties’ that was oft the phrase on January 1st, 2020. In studying historical perspective along with current events, I see a more of a new ‘Enlightenment Era.’ So, with that—a new definition of patriotism within a democracy that struggles with systemic racism. The hope that a younger generation, famous for change-making and transparency will redirect bottom-up change to create real equality within a capitalistic democracy that speaks the truth of the intention of Democracy. Thus, the title—The [New] New Patriotism.
The cover art again, was something I has a vision for fairly quickly. I did not want an unfurling American flag. I felt flag covers were overdone, represent an obedient patriotism and did not speak to the spirit of my book. I did want to incorporate red, white and blue along with silhouettes of diverse people.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Perspective. I can find myself so entangled in what I am writing that if I go days on end rabidly writing (at some point) what seems brilliant the first several days … dissolves into babble. It loses focus and impact. I take breaks that could be the duration of a walk, a workout or a small tactile project—or breaks that last several days. I also try to read as much as I can. There is no question that reading the works of others makes you a better writer. Also—very important—we are not human in isolation. Writing is mostly solitary, so it is just as important to engage with others. Pay attention to relationships and personalities and all the subtleties that those interactions give to the richness of life. These diversions can alleviate writers block and infuse the kind of page turning reading every writer wants for their reader audience. That said, it is so important to have balance and a discipline that keeps a writer on course.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I think the biggest secret or surprise from the book is that it initially sets the stage for a rally around American patriotism—then it takes a sharp turn—with extensive research and ‘in your face’ realities related to the precipice American democracy is currently perched upon. Change in elected officials does not change dysfunctional culture. This applies to any country and any government system. In a democracy we continue to rely on elected officials who continue to forget the People’s business once elected. Democracy is ownership from the bottom up, not the other way around. I hope readers will be surprised (some have expressed astonishment) by the data and statistics found in the book in regard to racism, the environment, a communist superpower and the Millennial generation. The [New] New Patriotism is not just a wake up call for American democracy—it is relevant to global democracy and real unity.
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The [New] New Patriotism
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