If you been to the Writers Festival, StoryBall, Pub Crawl, or any of a number of other StoryStudio events, you’ve likely met Jen Coffeen…and been positively influenced by her huge enthusiasm. Jen, one of the longest tenured StoryStudio staffers, is the engine (along with Events Manager Angie Raney) that makes our events go. She is master of organization and a wizard of details. Get to know Jen in this quick Q&A.
What is your role at StoryStudio Chicago? How has this evolved over the years?
I started out as the Festival Director, but as our events grew, so did my position! We added on the StoryBall Fundraiser, Pub Crawl: An Online Publishing Intensive, The Chirby Awards, and about 5000 small events (just kidding!). I’m now the Events Director and work with our amazing Events Manager, Angie Raney.
You’ve taught a Youth Summer Camp, a Write Club, and a romance-writing class – that’s some range! What do you enjoy most about teaching writing?
I love helping people get to the next level with their writing projects. StoryStudio gave me confidence, goals, and structure when I started taking classes here. I want to pass that on.
When you’re not planning hugely successful, inspiring, and fun events, what do you like to do?
Go to inspiring and fun events! I moved back to Chicago a few years ago so I want to do all the things: plays, Live Lit, readings, museums, bookstores. I spend a lot of my free time wandering around different neighborhoods in the city.
What are you working on these days, writing-wise?
I have a novel I’ve been working on for awhile – it’s in draft 27, I think? I also love writing flash fiction, I have many pieces all in a middle draft stage. I need to take one of my own goal setting classes.
Tell us about your Creepy History podcast! What draws to you stories about real life zombies, haunted dolls, and unexplained spontaneous combustion?
Strange, creepy stories are my favorite thing. I would check out all the books in the school library with names like Phone Call from a Ghost and Strange Tales. The podcast is myself and my husband (Fraser Coffeen) telling each other the creepiest stories we can think of. It started out as a fun pandemic hobby, but we have a definite following now! I PROMISE Season 4 is coming out soon