This week on the blog, I (virtually) interviewed author and professor Jennifer Dowling. I met Professor Dowling this semester as I am taking her Design for Integrated Media class. Professor Dowling individually introduced herself to each student as they walked in and took genuine interest in each one. As she introduced herself to the class as a whole, she mentioned that she authored a book, Multimedia Demystified. As a reader, I follow many authors on social media and have learned the process of writing a book is a huge undertaking. Knowing that Professor Dowling is a mother and a professor, I wondered how the writing process was for her. Initially, we planned to meet in person, but were unable to due to COVID-19. I am so thankful to Professor Dowling for completing the interview virtually during this tumultuous time.
Introduction from Jennifer Dowling:
“I have always liked to write. Part of the reason I am proficient at it is because my mother was an English teacher, so she would correct both my writing and diction as I was growing up. That made me more conscientious, which influenced me and my writing into my adulthood. I still like to write poetry and prose, mainly as a creative expression and a fulfilling outlet. A few years ago, I had a poem selected for the Poetry Garden contest in my town, which was displayed in the actual garden along Lake Cochituate. I have done a lot of writing in my profession, mainly for teaching my courses, grant applications, educational assessment, and also artist statements and art reviews. These experiences have improved my writing and continue to provide enough variety to maintain my interest.”
Q: What inspired you to write Multimedia Demystified? Who was your target audience?
A: “For my Master’s degree, I focused on digital media and interactive design. With this background, I know a lot and had been sharing it mostly through teaching and with my colleagues. I had often thought about ways to share this knowledge and expand what I had to offer beyond the confines of the college campus. I have written articles and applied for grants, which have had a strong technical and pedagogical focus. McGraw-Hill Publishers approached me in 2010 with an offer to write a book for their Demystified series. Having been handed such a prime opportunity, I knew I had to pursue it.
Before they presented me with an official contract, I was asked to provide an abstract for the book, including a complete proposal, which was followed by a tentative Table of Contents. The publishers then had to determine if this initial plan and the terms I stipulated were something they wanted to commit to. It was ultimately approved and then I was paid an advance, which helped financially while I was writing the book. At the time that I began writing it, I was also teaching full-time, with a family and two young children, so it was a challenge to find time to get it all done within the allotted timeframe. I essentially didn’t sleep much! I wrote and illustrated the book in 6 months (200+ pages and numerous original illustrations, photos, and charts). Then the editing process started with many editors getting involved. This took another 5-6 months until it was completed with a finished proof before going to press.
The book is geared toward college students and professionals wanting to learn fundamentals about digital media, the history behind it, and corresponding technologies. It is considered a “trade” publication and not an academic one per se, meaning it is not an educational publication for textbook adoption. The appeal is wider and therefore reaches more audiences. Demystified titles are also part of series, similar to Dummies books.”
Q: What is one thing you learned through the process of writing or publishing Multimedia Demystified? (In regards to yourself, the writing process, or publishing industry.)
A: “The onus and primary responsibility is on the writer to initiate and produce the book, keep writing, be organized and self-disciplined, and meet all required deadlines. Working with editors was a bigger part of it than I realized it would be, but extremely helpful in the end. I worked primarily with the managing editor initially, then had to select a technical editor while I was writing the chapters. He was tremendously influential in certain aspects of the book that needed to be specific and accurate. The way the technical facts are worded, organized, and presented is essential to the success of such a book. Also, the education I received in writing, illustrating, and publishing a book of my own was enlightening in all aspects. This was the equivalent of a semester-long college course with the benefit of working with a professional group of experienced editors and publishers!”
Q: What was/ is your favorite moment of feedback in regards to the book? (ie: a written review or in person feedback)
A: “I presented my book at Barnes and Noble, which was accompanied by a book signing. I was proud to have achieved my goal of writing a book with a major publishing company, and delighted to share it with family, friends, and the public at large. I still receive royalty checks and got my largest one recently, nine years after writing it! That means people are still buying it and getting something out of it. This is ongoing feedback that I relish.”
Q: What are you reading now during this tumultuous time that is interesting, informative, or relaxing to you? (it could be a book, website, blog etc.)
A: “Honestly, it has been hard to focus on reading books lately, so I follow news (mostly NPR), blogs that chronicle events as they unfold (medical professionals and academics), and social media posts regarding the virus (data mostly, to stay in formed), helping people in need, and vaccine developments, etc. However, in the past week or so I have been trying to move away from all the depressing news and reading art books and articles on creativity. These are about techniques and artistic approaches, mainly for insight and inspiration. Since I have an undergraduate degree in the fine arts and have always liked to draw and paint, I still engage in those things when I have time as well as create mixed media pieces and mosaics. I have participated in several book groups over the years where we have read mostly fiction. I am not in such a group right now because I have eclectic interests and would rather select my own. I prefer non-fiction, biographies, autobiographies/memoirs, and practical how-to books. I also enjoy reading poetry and cookbooks to calm my mind and feed my body and soul!”
I want to thank Professor Dowling again for such an informative and interesting interview; I could have asked her so many more questions! As someone who enjoys writing of all kinds, I am inspired by the fact that Professor Dowling does not limit herself to one kind of writing. She has written a trade publication, poetry, and art reviews. I admire that she wrote a book to teach people new skills, but through the process of writing learned lessons herself from editors. Lastly, I love learning that several years later people are actively purchasing her book! That proves the timelessness of the content. Jennifer Dowling’s book, Multimedia Demystified, is linked here. If you have any comments or questions please leave them in the comments section. Happy reading!
Emily's Bookshelf 