As we approach summer, many of us are seeking a distraction from the chaos of 2020. Look no further than “Fractured Truths,” a gripping novel that allows you to dive into someone else’s turmoil for a while. The narrative follows Lila, a con artist yearning for one final score to escape her tumultuous life. Enter affluent social media figure Rebecca — the ideal target. However, Rebecca also shares a complicated history with Lila, complicating the scheme far beyond Lila’s expectations.
Jenna Harper shared insights about her captivating story and offered valuable tips for budding authors.
The dual perspectives in your book were intriguing. Did you favor one character while writing?
It’s interesting — I initially felt a stronger connection to Lila, the grifter. As the underdog, she naturally draws empathy, and I enjoyed the challenge of portraying a flawed yet relatable character. However, as I explored Rebecca’s world — an heiress battling emotional instability and family issues — I found myself resonating with her struggles too.
As a writer, it’s crucial for me to relate to all my main characters to bring them to life. I wanted the audience’s feelings to shift between Lila and Rebecca, so I allowed myself to appreciate both characters as I wrote.
You mentioned on your blog that you stopped following influencers you had previously researched for the book. What led to that decision?
I had been following fashion and lifestyle influencers for research, but it began to negatively impact my self-esteem. Comparing my life to their perfectly curated images of luxury and beauty is not sustainable. Even when I tried to view their lives critically, it became clear that I was judging people I didn’t know, which wasn’t helpful.
When the pandemic began, many influencers seemed increasingly disconnected from reality. Seeing posts about lavish vacations while the world faced significant challenges felt inappropriate. However, I still enjoy following my favorite literary accounts!
Is authenticity achievable on platforms that primarily showcase curated highlights?
I believe it’s quite challenging to be fully authentic while curating your life for an audience, even a small one. Personally, I don’t have a massive following, but I still feel the need to present myself thoughtfully. While I strive to share genuine moments, I selectively showcase only a few snippets of my day, inevitably focusing on the positive and flattering aspects. No one sees the unkempt hair or chaotic household moments!
That said, glimpses of authenticity can be found on social media, but they often lack context. Even the candid posts tend to be curated to convey a certain relatability, which complicates the notion of true authenticity.
What advice would you give to emerging writers?
I always recommend two key steps: First, connect with a community of fellow writers. Engage in workshops or classes to find peers who share your goals. Sharing work and receiving feedback can provide motivation and support.
Secondly, focus on writing without overthinking its quality. Your primary task is to get words on the page; you can refine later. Setting a word count goal helps maintain momentum, so resist the urge to second-guess yourself!
What three books would you suggest for those seeking good reads during quarantine?
“Miracle Creek” by Angie Kim is a gripping courtroom drama filled with emotional depth; it’s both suspenseful and poignant.
I recently enjoyed “The Knockout Queen” by Rufi Thorpe, a touching coming-of-age tale about a gay teenager and his eccentric best friend. The humor combined with heartfelt moments makes it a memorable read.
Finally, “Take Me Apart” by Sara Sligar is a beautifully crafted suspense narrative about a young curator who begins to suspect foul play in an artist’s death.
This article was originally published on May 21, 2020.
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In summary, Jenna Harper’s exploration of authenticity in her writing offers valuable insights for aspiring authors. She emphasizes the importance of community and the freedom to write without fear of judgment.