It actually stemmed from an experience I had in middle school. We were assigned by our English teacher to write a story associated with a picture we had drawn. I drew a monster that was hidden beneath the bleachers.
Jessica Marie – 6 August 2025
The Back Flap
When Lucy can’t find her green tutu or her cash register or…anything, really, she blames the Mess Monster for her messy room. But when Mom says she can’t play soccer anymore if she doesn’t find her cleats, it’s time for drastic action: cleaning up the mess to drive the Mess Monster away.
About the book
What is the book about?
When Lucy can’t find her green tutu or her cash register or…anything, really, she blames the Mess Monster for her messy room. But when Mom says she can’t play soccer anymore if she doesn’t find her cleats, it’s time for drastic action: cleaning up the mess to drive the Mess Monster away.
When did you start writing the book?
In November of 2022
How long did it take to write?
The story was formulated enough within 6 months. I got sick of waiting for a publisher or agent to respond, so I took matters into my own hands and self-published my manuscript.
Where did you get the idea from?
It actually stemmed from an experience I had in middle school. We were assigned by our English teacher to write a story associated with a picture we had drawn. I drew a monster that was hidden beneath the bleachers. The story was more of a horror story, but the monster shined through in this book. I also am always motivated by my very active and messy daughter, who gets the messiness from her mom. However, the story of the Mess Monster was inspired by my daughter losing her soccer cleats.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The illustrator was tricky. I was at the end of my rope and stumbled upon the website Reedsy. There you can view illustrations and illustrators and choose one. I was connected to an illustrator who illustrated my books Finding my ROAR! and The Mess Monster. I found a new illustrator, whom I also found on Reedsy, who has worked on The Mess Monster in Love, The Mess MOMster and The Mess Monster Christmas.
What came easily?
The entire writing process came easily to me. I found a wonderful freelance editor, Kathy Macmillan, and our weekly chats really helped me to formulate ideas and ultimately write the series.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
My characters are fictitious but are based off of real people. Lucy is based off of my now 10 year-old daughter. She often has a messy room and has misplaced some item of importance. Max is based off of all 3 of my dogs whom i love and consider part of the family. Max is a Newfoundland. Based off of my own newfoundland, Bear, who lives with my other 2 dogs Rex and Rosie. Lucy’s mom is based off of me. You can see her as a more prominent character in a future book Mess Momster.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors thathave influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I’ve always enjoyed reading aloud picture books to my daughter and am drawn to bright colors and creative illustrations. Authors like Mo Willems have always inspired me to enjoy writing more to have fun with it!
Do you have a target reader?
My books are geared towards 3-7 year olds, However other manuscripts I have written focus on different age groups.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I am most creative in the mornings, so my writing will be some time each day between the hours of 9-11. I always wear readers and have a drink near me. I have my own office where I get my work done and aside from music, I like to be relatively quiet when I write.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
No. However, I have done book dummys. This is a mock book so i will know how the page spread will look.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit as I go but do so with a freelance editor I hired. We meet frequently during the creative writing process to develop my book.
Did you hire a professional editor? (May skip if being published by a small press rather than self-publishing)
Yes. I have hired a freelance editor, Kathy Macmillan. She walked me through the publishing process and art of book creation. I found her through SCBWI. I am so grateful for this connection. I watched some of her presentations and reached out to her. I now work with her on a weekly basis with all of my manuscripts. It’s been a real blessing.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Yes, really anything will work for me,
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I have submitted my books to several agents but still no bites!
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher?
When i began writing, 3 years ago. I was always open to the idea of indie or the traditional publishing route. However, I was tired of waiting so decided to publish myself. I began to use KDP (Amazon based publishing) but found more success on Ingram Sparks so have stuck with them.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I used an illustrator to design my book cover and the pages. I found him on the website, Reedsy.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Thanks to BooksForward, I work closely with a team to advance the knowledge of and sales of my books.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbes considering becoming Indie authors?
Enjoy the ride and stick with it!
About You
Where did you grow up?
St Louis, MO
Where do you live now?
Kansas City, Kansas
What would you like readers to know about you?
I began my career in teaching Early Childhood Special Education so I carry a lot of knowledge about Early Childhood Development.
What are you working on now?
I am finishing up a manuscript about two animals becoming friends. I am also going to begin my next Mess Monster about a summer vacation.
End of Interview:
For more from Jessica Marie visit her website and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
Get your copy of The Mess Monster from Amazon US or Amazon UK.