Jenny Block: Be That Unicorn Author

Photo by: Aryka Randall

We are ELATED to bring you all this amazing interview in the midst of all your coronavirus woes. Last month we sat down with an amazing FAB FEMME by the name of Jenny Block who is not only a skilled author and creative, but a wonderful light in this world who believes in equality and beauty in the small things.

I had the privilege of chatting with Jenny about all things creative as well as her involvement in the LGBTQ community. We had an awesome time taking pictures at The Color Factory in Houston and discussing her creative endeavors for the year. Make sure you follow Jenny on all things social media! Enjoy our interview and share with a friend!

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WWW.BETHATUNICORN.NET

TFF MAG: Tell us about Jenny Block. Who is she? What makes Jenny Block Jenny Block?

Jenny: I suppose I’m a bit of a chameleon, in a good way. The truth is, I love so many things that I have learned to molt and change and adapt to any number of situations from a black tie affair with celebrities to climbing and camping in Joshua Tree, and from sleeping on a barn floor to dining with Ferrari execs at the Formula 1 races in Monza. I love all kinds of people and food and places, and I love to really immerse myself in a wealth of cultures and experiences. You can’t learn if you don’t dive in. And there is nothing I love better than learning, especially from people who are undeniably enthusiastic about who they are, what they do, and how they live.

TFF: How did you get your start in writing and creating content?

JB: I was a college writing professor for many years until one day someone asked, “Why don’t you write?” And I thought, “Why not indeed?” So I reached out to an editor at a very small publication – Virginia Horse Quarterly and made inquiries until I placed a piece with them. After that, I parlayed that assignment into another into another. The next thing I knew, I was full-time freelancing. It hasn’t been easy. But it has always been worth it. And it’s lead to adventures which I never would have gone on otherwise.

TFF: Let’s talk about your latest book Be That Unicorn! What inspired you to create the book and what’s the book about?

JB: People often tell me that they feel so good about themselves after they talk to me, that they feel empowered and motivated and inspired. They even say they wish they could just put me in their pocket and have me whispering, “You can do it! You’re the best! Trust your inner unicorn!” all day long in their ear. So, I thought, why not put that in a book so that anyone who wants that kind of support can have the little unicorn who could by their side all the time. Be That Unicorn is the anecdote to today’s “mean girl” culture. It’s all about kicking ass and taking names while being kind to others and true to you. BTU is me all wrapped up in a book!

TFF: What Makes Be That Unicorn different than the other books you’ve written?

JB: This book is my heart. I’ve written about relationships and sex in books before. I’ve gotten plenty personal. But this book is like a love letter to my inner unicorn and to all of those unicorns out there needing and wanting to be heard and to be part of the herd. My previous books were for some readers. BTU is for everyone. Everyone can be That Unicorn. Everyone has an inner unicorn. Everyone can be themselves and live out their authentic lives. Think of BTU as the key to unlocking the peace for which all of us long. The peace that come from living a life that is filled with magic and kindness and joy, and well, all things happy while still acknowledging that life is hard and That Unicorn can handle it even when she doesn’t think she can.

TFF: Name a few of the ways you hope Be That Unicorn will help its readers.

JB: I hope BTU helps people to find the best life partners and friends. I hope it helps people to enjoy the best possible relationships with their families. I hope it helps them excel in whatever work or schooling they choose. But more than anything, I hope that Be That Unicorn helps people to feel happy and safe and supported and loved. Life can be tough and no matter how easy anyone makes it look, it’s not easy for anyone. I hope BTU helps everyone to know they are not alone. You are never alone.

TFF: Can you tell us a little about what the road to entrepreneurship has been like for you?

JB: It’s had its bumps for sure! It’s tough to be out on your own. The business of writing – researching, pitching, following up, etc. – takes even more time and effort than the actual writing if you want to really get your work out there. But it’s all been so worth it. The reward is being able to share my art, my words, my story with so many people who, it turns out, really want – and even need – to hear it. I don’t write just because I want to. I write because I have to. It’s like a craving when it comes to making meaning of my world and my experiences through words.

TFF: Last question. What words of wisdom can you pass along to Fab Femmes who aspire to have their own business, or pursue creative endeavors? 

JB: Being scared is a good thing. It means you want it. It means it’s real. It means it’s big enough to bother with. If you have a fall back, you’ll fall. The only way forward is through. If the desire overtakes you, you have to take over and give in to that desire. You’ll die inside just a little day if you don’t follow what drives you, what brings you true joy. And they may not take you exactly where you planned at first. But it’s sure to take you somewhere interesting. Let your dreams lead you and you never know just what might follow.