20 Questions is a Q&A interview series with authors, musicians, and everyone in between, celebrating experiences both shared and individual in the messy game of being human.
“Life’s too short to spend it following other people’s dreams for your life.” Jaime Townzen is a Southern California-based writer and professional artist whose watercolor paintings have earned international recognition. Her essays and micro-fiction have been published in Light magazine and Fairfield Scribes. Jaime’s debut novel Absorbed came out earlier this year, and she joins me on 20 Questions to chat all about it as well as her creative process, making time to create as a multi-talented artist, and what she’s been reading lately.
What time of day are you most inspired?
The morning. If I’ve had coffee, read the headlines and done my puzzles, then start a project, I could work on that project for six hours without stopping. Unfortunately, I have a husband, two kids, and five pets, so I am often interrupted.
In addition to being a writer, you’ve also enjoyed success as an artist of watercolor paintings. Would you say there’s a specific link between writing and painting?
I love finding ways to capture the beautiful and nuanced in the world, whether with words or watercolor.
If you could pick one author that’s inspired you the most, who would it be and why?
Just one?! Gosh. Okay. Today I’ll say Kristin Hannah. I love historical fiction, and she is particularly adept at capturing emotional intensity in complicated relationships.
Favorite book of all-time?
Jeez! It changes all the time. Big Little Lies, I guess, because I was a kindergarten and second grade mom when I read it, and I loved that it showed the nastiness among elitest PTA parents.
What’s the most challenging part of writing for you?
That I have so many OTHER demands on my time constantly.
If you could have one writer, dead or alive, to compose your obituary, who would it be and why?
David Sedaris, because his family is as screwed up as mine, and he could make people laugh instead of cry.
Your debut novel Absorbed has been described as a relevant page-turner whether you’re a teenager or an adult. Which genres would you say the book falls into?
I think it’s primarily women’s fiction, because every woman has had to contend with the kinds of experiences Stacey goes through. It’s also older YA, or new adult, depending on who you talk to. And since it’s set nearly thirty years ago, some even call it historical fiction also.
The best book you’ve read in the last year?
It’s so hard to pick the “best” among so many excellent books. I really enjoyed Sarah Goodman Confino’s Behind Every Good Man, as it’s sort of a Marvellous Mrs. Maisel meets 1960s politics. I also loved Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts.
Favorite song to get your blood moving?
“American Idiot” by Green Day.
As a writer and artist, what would you say is the best way to rest or decompress?
On a daily basis, I NEED to take walks, breathe in fresh air and take pictures of nature. On vacation, I love to be in a place where I can safely walk and explore, but also relax on a beach or poolside with a cool drink, an audiobook, and my plein air paint set. I can spend ALL day painting by the water listening to a book and be fully refreshed.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
Life’s too short to spend it following other people’s dreams for your life.
Favorite social media app?
I don’t love social media in general, but I do LOVE the “memories” on Facebook, when I get to reminisce my girls as babies and toddlers and our daily adventures to the zoo or the beach or Disneyland. A whole week of daily memories reminding me of a trip to the Christmas Markets in Austria, or a week in Sorrento, Positano and Rome, a trip to Jamaica, a weekend in the snow… I love that my Facebook memories are like brief little scrapbook escapes into some of my favorite experiences in life.
What’s your current read?
I often read books my daughter is reading for Honors English that somehow I missed, so right now it’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.
One movie that will always make you cry?
A Dog’s Purpose,The Fox and the Hound, Marley & Me… animal movies basically get me every time.
You’re stuck on a long flight. Which world-famous musician would you want sitting next to you and why?
I feel like Taylor Swift is the most logical answer, because she is such a talented and brilliant businesswoman. I love that my girls have her to look up to as a tall, blonde woman who didn’t depend on others or let anyone tell her what she could or could not achieve, and she doesn’t seem to take herself too seriously.
But I’d also love to sit by someone like Steven Tyler, Van Morrison, or Bruce Springsteen, because I think he’d have some incredible stories to tell about so many decades spent going hard in the music industry.
The most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I studied abroad in Salzburg, Austria the fall semester of my junior year of college, and visited something like 13 countries that semester.
Hardcover or paperback?
Paperback. And always pass it along to whoever I know will enjoy it next.
The most expensive thing you’ve ever shamelessly splurged on?
Artwork. When there have been releases of works by artists I admire, and one moves me, I will sometimes just go for it. And vacations. I will always splurge to go to a nice place I’ve never been before, for sure.
What’s one vice you wish you could give up?
Drinking. I come from a long line of alcoholics, and alcoholism destroyed my mom’s life in particular. I’m not an alcoholic, but I’m always afraid of what it could do if I suddenly didn’t keep it in check.
What can we expect to see next from you?
I’m working on a book about a romance scammer. Like Absorbed, readers can expect that it will reflect the very nuanced situations people find themselves in, where it’s hard to point fingers and assign exclusive blame.
Follow Jaime Townzen on Instagram and buy her debut novel Absorbed wherever books are sold.
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