Ep 42: Interview with Jill Krzyzanowicz (aka Margo Reilly)

Jill Krzyzanowicz writes under the pen name Margo Reilly, which I found fascinating since her first book, When the Apple Falls Far from the Tree, is memoir.

Many people wonder whether they can (or should) write memoir under a pen name, and in all cases (up until speaking with Jill), I advised against it for a variety of reasons that Jill and I spoke about.

But Jill's rationale made perfect sense, and it provides a great additional perspective for anyone considering the same approach.

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Jill and I had a wonderful time chatting about the book writing, publishing, and marketing processes, as well as her plans for a second book.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Why pseudonyms (pen names) can be a real problem when you’re writing memoir, and why Jill chose to use one (plus, her publisher’s surprising direction on her choice of a pen name)
The conversation with her friend, whose words, “This conversation will help so many more people than it will hurt” moved her to action
How she (successfully) promotes a book that’s written under a pseudonym
Jill's fears about whether anyone would be angry after reading her book (and whether anyone did get mad angry)
How Jill started writing (even though she fell into the “I’m not a writer” club), and why she encourages everyone to write through their journey—even if they aren't writing a book
How to get out of the “I’m writing a book” mindset to get into the greatest, juiciest details and epiphanies

ABOUT JILL KRZYZANOWICZ (MARGO REILLY)

After 20+ years in public education, Jill has decided to use her masters degree and teaching experience to become a personal empowerment mentor. Her newly published book entitled, When the Apple Fall Far from the Tree, outlines a lifetime of adversity and the tools she used to make it to the other side.

From growing up chaotic in a house of violence, to cancer recovery, multiple weight loss surgeries, and a newly sober lifestyle, Jill feels compelled to share the “gifts” she has discovered along her path of personal growth.

She is the creator of the blog site justbeingjill.com and also writes under the pen name Margo Reilly. Jill has recently completed a life coach course and soon hopes to be assisting others with their own transformational journeys. She is currently working on her second memoir, When You Shake the Family Tree, a DNA discovery story.