Jyl Barlow
Author Interview - Jyl Barlow
Author of What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting
The truth is, nobody ever dreams of marrying a man with an ex-wife and pre-made children. The reality is, it happens anyway. What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting hilariously documents the hidden twists and turns experienced by a woman thrown into the (unwelcoming) world of step-mothering. Admittedly, Jyl Barlow’s dreams certainly did not include being inserted into a family that was still emerging from the emotional wood-chipper of a divorce. Barlow bravely shares her monumental failures and well-earned successes, all told with a conversational tone that will leave the reader feeling like they’ve found a new friend.
Author Interview - Jyl Barlow
Author I draw inspiration from: Oh gosh, this is hard! Erma Bombeck was the first read that made me think, "this is my writing style!"
Author Interview - Jyl Barlow | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: On a beach but most typically in bed.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Laura Ingalls Wilder: Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Author Interview - Jyl Barlow | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I was 11 years old and I'd just watched our church's Christmas Pageant, which I'd re-written from a female angel's (Gabrielle) perspective. It didn't hit me until much later what a big deal it was for my church to let me do this.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: eBook first, winners are purchased and added to our library
The last book I read: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone; Lori Gottlieb
Author Interview - Jyl Barlow | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: Computer, phone, voice recording (for all those great ideas that come while driving)
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Jenny Lawson: Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
Author Interview - Jyl Barlow | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: Challenge to live with! Writing is an outlet for me!
Favorite decade in fashion history: The one where we got leggings ... I have no fashion.
Place I’d most like to travel: I've been fortunate to travel to many places already! Maybe New Zealand?
My signature drink: Soda water or Malbec
Favorite artist: GooGoo Dolls (this whole interview is definitely showing my age)
Number one on my bucket list: Oh gosh, I haven't updated it. It was "publish a book" and I haven't really thought about what's next.
Anything else you'd like to add: We live in a country where the majority of marriages involve some sort of blending of families, yet with very little realistic support on how to navigate them. This was the case when I became a stepmom a decade ago when I scoured the library for advice. I've always known I'd write a book someday but wasn't sure about what. After working through endless trials and tribulations as a stepmom, I realized that my book was right here in my own home.
Find more from the author:
Website: jylbarlow.com
Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: @jylbarlow
Author Bio: Jyl Barlow is a Southern Belle with a saucy mouth navigating life as a (step)mom and a (second)wife. She is a master of hindsight with a dusty degree in communications/journalism who picked up her notepad again to keep lists of things that would make her smile (or burst out with inappropriate laughter) during times of total frustration. Jyl lives outside of Richmond, VA, home of the original “bless your heart,” with her husband, two (step)children, two dogs, three cats, and three beehives.
