Jennifer’s sister told her about Visit Orlando’s Most Magical Gathering Contest and encouraged her to enter. Inspired by her sister’s support and spirit of happenstance, Jennifer submitted a group photo and an essay that answered the question “Why do you and your family need a Magical Gathering?” The contest generated 52,000 entries, strong national publicity and over 1 billion impressions. To her great delight, Jennifer’s essay entitled “Magic in Everyday Moments” was selected and she became the Grand Prize Winner! While her family could not believe their incredibly good fortune, whenever someone would say, “You’re so lucky that you won,” her sister would proudly proclaim, “It wasn’t good luck, it was good writing.”
Jennifer had the pleasure of meeting EV Starkey, children’s author and founder of the Bellport Children’s Festival. Working alongside Claire Gill of Storystock was a delight, and helping to set up and volunteer at a whimsical childhood literary experience on Isabella Rossellini’s Mama Farm was nothing short of incredible.
Graduating from the Children’s Literature Fellowship Program at Stony Brook Southampton was very rewarding for Jennifer. She continually collaborates with fellow writers and mentors in writing and critique groups and attends many webinars, workshops, and conferences; constantly cultivating the craft of writing is her lifelong goal.
“I always think, when I’m in motion, writing seems like the most natural thing.”
– Pam Houston
Jennifer Young 