Remember the name Jeyn Roberts

Remember the name Jeyn Roberts as her debut novel 'The Dark Inside' will be hitting shelves in Fall (U.S.) 2011 and with mass interest from publishers you can be assured it will be a hit. Some lucky people got a sneak peak at the story on HarperCollins Young Adult writer's community Inkpop and where impressed.  Here is her first interview.

So Jeyn, all of Inkpop is abuzz with the fact that a book posted on the site is being published and Inkies would love to pick your brain on your writing life. Tell us, how did your love of writing start?


I’ve always had an intense love for the written word. I remember writing my first book when I was eleven. It was about a runaway named Ricky and it was pretty much a rip off of everything I'd seen on television that season.

The Dark Inside, aka Baggers, was climbing the Inkpop charts before you had to take it down when you were signed by an agent. For the Inkies and non-Inkies who didn’t get to read it while it was posted, tell us what it is about?

Freaky eyes US Cover!

The story concept came to me from a series of dreams I had as a teenager. It’s about the end of the world. Four strangers will journey across North America where they will band together in a final attempt to save both humanity and themselves.

In the moments before a worldwide disaster—the Baggers are awakened.


On the first day Mason’s mother dies. Then the earthquakes shatter the West Coast. The Baggers stir and the killings begin. In just three weeks, mankind is on the edge of extinction and the last remaining survivors are still being hunted.


Mason learns quickly there are no friends in this new world. In an attempt to escape his guilt, he travels across the country where he meets Aries, Clementine, and Michael. He knows he shouldn’t trust them but he’s drawn into their circle. Together in an abandoned tenement they will do whatever it takes to stay alive. But someone will betray them, a friend who doesn’t want to kill but can’t ignore the darkness inside.

Now you are trained creative writing, what are some of the most important things you learnt about writing and yourself through your studies?
Be open to criticism. Don’t take things personally. We’re all human and we all make mistakes. To be able to look at your work with a critical eye is very important. We don’t always catch our own mistakes because we’re too invested in our own characters.

Having an agent is such a vital step on the way to being published. What tips would you like to share with aspiring authors on finding the perfect agent for them?
Patience! This is not something that will happen overnight. It can take years to find a good agent. Don’t take it personally when you get turned down because you will get turned down. It happens to all writers. There can be a thousand reasons why an agent might turn you down and it’s not just about your writing. Remember, all it takes is one yes.

People often think authors are an overnight success, but that isn’t always the case. Tell us about your journey to being published?
It’s mostly a waiting game. Just because your book is sent off to publishers doesn’t mean they’re going to read it right away. I found the hardest part was just waiting.

You have signed a two book deal with Macmillian in the UK and with Simon and Schuster in the US What are you plans for the second book?
I’ll be starting the next book in the next few months. I’m very excited about it. The new ideas have been gnawing away inside my brain for a while now. Can’t wait to get it down on paper!

Rocking UK Cover!

What final words of wisdom would you like to share with people wanting to make it in publishing?
Be patient! There’s a reason why we’re called ‘starving’ artists. It’s a long journey to get there but it’s worth the ride! Love every moment of it! And remember, there’s always a first time for every author.

Thanks so much for your time Jeyn.  Looking forward to being one of the first to purchase 'The Dark Inside' when it hits the shelves in late 2011 (UK release) and 2012 (US release).

Want to know some more:
Jeyn's Profile