Jen Gibbs
Jen's rather broad reading habits are reflected in her equally broad writing repertoire.
Jen's first book was published in 2016 - a Christian non-fiction work, SHE: A Journey of Faith, Hope and Love with Women of the Bible. SHE was awarded Best Non-Fiction at Australasia's CALEB awards.
Jen went on to write a series of three children's picture books named after their endearing hero, Whimsy Primsy (2017). The collection was endorsed by Joy Cowley and shortlisted for Best Children's Literature at Australasia's CALEB awards.
She then produced a book for her local school, Baboons On Balloons (2018).
Jen has had two short stories published in Australian anthologies (2019 and 2020). And her short story, "Life - A Duology" was shortlisted for the NZSA Heritage Award in 2021.
Falling out of this journey into the wonderful world of words, Jen has been asked to speak at several events, services and conferences both in NZ and Australia and has been a judge for two Austalasian non-fiction awards.
Jen studied English literature at Massey University graduating with honours and as a Massey Scholar (awarded to the top 5% of all graduates). It was here she fell under the spell of Middle English greats under the wing of Robert Neale MNZM (a student of C.S. Lewis).
Somehow Jen fell into managing projects while living abroad, the most significant of which was managing a £300m transformation programme for Westminster City Council where she became a project ninja. She employs all these powers of roll-out and critical path and low-hanging fruit and deadline and (the ever-important) attention to detail in her writing projects. She treats writing as her daily job and as such she is often sculpting words for the corporate world - copy for websites, product design, awards, blogs, emails - anything to express the true essence and character of a business.
Jen lives in Auckland with her three darling but chaotic children where she writes with a view of the sea.
Genre:
- Adult Non-Fiction
- Business Writing
- Children's Fiction
- Mind Body Spirit
- Short Stories
- Text Books
- Technical
- Web Writing
Skills:
- Academic Writing
- Corporate Writing
- Freelance Writing
- Public Speaking
- Readings
- Research
- Short Story Writing
- Technical Writing
- Textbook Writing
- Website Content
Branch:
Auckland
Location:
Auckland
Publications:
SHE: A Journey of Faith, Hope and Love with Women of the Bible
WINNER: Best Non-Fiction at Australasia's CALEB Awards. This book discusses God’s heart for women through the themes of Faith, Hope and Love by considering examples of women from the Bible: it considers their place and time and what it can impart to us here and now. It poses questions like how we reconcile our faith with our suffering, why hope is even included in the “top three countdown”, and what extravagant love really looks like. Jen also shares her own journey with these women, through these themes and points her readers to their true value and worth in God.
Whimsy Primsy Runs Her Race
Shortlisted: Best Children's Literature at Australasia's CALEB Awards. Join Whimsy Primsy as she runs her race. But will she ever find her lane? Kiwi author, Jen Gibbs introduces us to Primsy, a whimsical girl who begins to run her race but takes a few detours. This is a book that inspires readers to be themselves, not looking to the right or left. Endorsed by Joy Cowley, "Whimsy Primsy is every child who needs a little reassurance. These delightful books are real and empowering."
Whimsy Primsy: Sad To Glad
Shortlisted: Best Children's Literature at Australasia's CALEB Awards. Whimsy Primsy is a little sad. How will she get through it? As Whimsy Primsy’s friends join her one by one Primsy is encouraged that things will get better. This is a book that gently instills hope and shows the power of friendship. Another gorgeous Primsy story from Kiwi author, Jen Gibbs. Endorsed by Joy Cowley, "Whimsy Primsy is every child who needs a little reassurance. These delightful books are real and empowering."
Whimsy Primsy: Love You More
Shortlisted: Best Children's Literature at Australasia's CALEB Awards. Whimsy Primsy goes head to head with her dad. Who loves whom the most? A conversation between Primsy and her dad reveals, in ways that are both funny and profound, the depth of their love for each other. A heart warming story that adults and children alike will love to read and re-read by Kiwi author Jen Gibbs. Endorsed by Joy Cowley, "Whimsy Primsy is every child who needs a little reassurance. These delightful books are real and empowering."
The Whimsy Primsy Collection
A boxed set of all three Whimsy Primsy books. Shortlisted: Best Children's Literature at Australasia's CALEB Awards. Endorsed by Joy Cowley, "Whimsy Primsy is every child who needs a little reassurance. These delightful books are real and empowering."
Baboons On Balloons
Illustrated by the students of Point Chevalier School, written by Elodie Gibbs (8) and edited by Jen Gibbs. Produced for Point Chevalier School. A story of resilience, this wildly heartwarming story is about a bunny who is stung by a bee. It gently encourages the reader to turn from troubles to see the wonders around them. Fun in tone with vibrant collage illustrations, rhythm and rhyme. What will that bunny do in response to the bumble bee’s teasing?