We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jackie Sonnenberg. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jackie , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
The costumes that go with my books! I create my characters as well as the monsters and the creatures in the stories. I will tease and share progress update from time to time, but I always save the grand reveal for when they are finished and ready to wear at conventions and shows.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jackie Sonnenberg and I bring my characters to life on paper, and in person. I am an author and costumer and I utilize this other part of me to turn my career into something that is truly mine.
I have a background in the haunted house industry so character development has always been easy for me, and now I can focus on my books and the people and creatures in them.
I am known for going to events in costume, whether I am a free-roaming character or at a guest table and representing my work there.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
In the early years of learning to read, I was always drawn into stories and knowing the power of imagination was limitless. It was imagination that I started to work the gears in my own mine to go beyond what it meant to tell a story and I started to form some of my own. I remember thinking that if a grown up could do this: think of stories, write them down, and turn them into books so people could enjoy the stories, I could too. I felt that within my self that came from somewhere very deep and I felt like I was this bottomless abyss. Again, that goes back to feeling Limitless, because that is what the imagination is.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would give little me some kudos and congrats for knowing who I was and always sticking to who I was. I grasped this identity early on and kept it, never letting it go.
I always knew my whole life I would be an author, but there were so many things that make me who I am that I didn’t discover until I got older. Adulthood, even!
I would tell myself to turn to the shadows to see what’s hiding there, and make the discoveries that would only add to everything I am doing.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Definitely. I am my brand, and I market my work. Brands are more than just work, they are a reflection of the person. I do public shows and conventions for a reason, and that is to show the artist behind the art and engage with the audience.
if something isn’t genuine it will instantly be noticed.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If immortality were real, what would you build?
My own book theme park(s)! 😆
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jackiesonnenberg.com
- Instagram: Instagram/sonnenbooks
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/authorjackiesonnenberg
