Demons, Snackies, and a Journey of Self-Discovery

1)     What is your Author name; use your Pen name if you have one.

Jen Xant

2)     What inspired you to become a writer?

At the beginning of 2025, I wanted to explore new hobbies, so I started a TikTok account and began to talk about sewing (I’d just gotten a sewing machine and was learning) and my adventure rediscovering a love for reading that had been left behind for many years. I met G.M. Parrillo, an indie author, became curious about what an indie author was, and an idea for a story began to brew in my mind. I’d never written a full fiction story before, and wanted to see if I had the chops to do it.

3)     Which character of yours is your favorite and why?

I’ll have to select two because they work hand-in-hand. Mawg, who is the FMC of The Adventures of Peri and Mawg, and Peri, the snarky demon that lives in her toe and sounds like Joe Pesci. They fight back and forth all day long.

4)     What is the best time of day for you to write?

Usually evenings, post dinner time when I can finally drop the other life stresses and relax enough to create.

5)     What is the one thing you wish you knew at the beginning of your writing journey?

There is no one right way to write. If it works for you, and you’re able to get the completed story on paper, then that was the right way.

6)     What is your favorite way to connect with readers? (Social media, newsletters or something else)

I’m on TikTok A LOT.  That’s usually the best way to connect with me.

7)     If you had to write in any other genre, what would that be and why?

Oooooh, great question. I have a love of cheesy B-level horror movies, and I think my love of raw, visceral words would translate well into a comedy/horror story.

8)     Who did you dedicate your first book to and why?

There are a few, but my very first dedication in the book goes out to middle-aged women:  “To every middle-aged woman whose hormones are wildly out of control, whose chin is now sprouting a beard, and who pees just a little bit every time you laugh…This story is for you. Never forget how f**king glorious you are.”

9)     Name one of your favorite authors.

There are so many, but Christopher Moore’s appreciation for irreverent comedy puts his books at the top of my list.

10)  What is one book that is currently on your To-Be-Read list?

I’m currently reading seven books and my TBR is neverending, but Dark Sci-Fi Horror Fantasy Comedy Smut and the Kitchen Sink by David Corbin is at the top of my list!

11)  Do you own any interesting ‘bookish’ memorabilia or clothes? If so, what?

I’m very lucky that my boyfriend likes to make things, and he recreated my book cover on black slate. I will forever cherish that.

12)  What is your favorite book that you have read this year?

Ooooh…I have three. The Witch Queen by Alexandria Arden, Scars of the Fawn by NJ Colle, and Court Ordered by C. Jacoby.

13)  How do you arrange your bookshelves? (Color, alphabetical or another method)

My bookshelves are as chaotic as I am. There is no rhyme nor reason!

14)  What is the name of your book/series? Tell me a little bit about them.

My debut novel that came out January 9th is The Adventures of Peri and Mawg. It’s my love letter to middle-aged women. Mawg’s life is as beige as her wardrobe until her forty-fifth birthday, when Peri the demon arrives to wreak havoc in her hum-drum world. When Peri makes a decision that costs Mawg her job, he takes her on an adventure that lands them at a sex club. As Mawg navigates her preconceived notions about erotica and the paranormal, she must also battle low self-esteem when she encounters a dark-haired Irish stranger whose sexy voice can bring on a hot flash. Just as life begins to look up, Mawg stumbles across a secret that could tear her newfound world apart. She’ll need luck, the help of some new friends, and her snackie-addicted demon to come out on top.

15)  Do you have a website? If so, what is it?

This will be changing eventually but for now:  https://jen-xant-shop.fourthwall.com

16)  Where can we find and follow you? (Name your social media platforms.)

TikTok: yourgenxaunt2

Instagram: yourgenxaunt

YouTube: yourgenxaunt

17)  If there anything important that you would want my readers to know about you?

I love writing for women who feel forgotten, overlooked, and inadequate. I want my writing to be a reminder to women that it’s okay to be messy, lost, and fumbling. Your beauty is not defined by the elasticity of your skin, nor the features you cannot control. It lives within you. To quote Peri, “Meatsuits don’t matter.”