West Virginia poet Jennifer Jones to release new book

By Lauren Rodgers, RealWV

LEWISBURG W.Va — Jennifer Jones is a West Virginian poet and author based in Greenbrier County. In October, her new book of poetry, Jagged Edges, is expected to hit the shelves. The book, a collection of poetry spanning 37 years of Jones’ life, is a vulnerable look into many of her most pivotal life experiences.

 Within Jagged Edges, Jones reflects on her experiences with loss, grief, death, and heartbreak. Her poems not only reveal her experiences, but also draw lessons from them. 

“Jagged Edges is the book I was afraid to compile,”  Jones said. “I chose to put it out because others can benefit from it and know they’re not alone.” 

Raised in Mercer County, Jones has been writing poetry for her entire life. She even wrote some of the poems in Jagged Edges when she was a teenager. 

“Poetry is the best therapist I’ve ever had,” she said. “And the poems in this book come from every iteration of my life.” 

The publishing of Jagged Edges marks yet another iteration of Jones’ life —  she chose to create a new book when she turned 50, the year she promised would be her “year of no fear.”

Being fearless is a fitting theme for Jagged Edges, as Jones unravels the innermost parts of herself in this poetry collection.

Having self-published four other books, Jones initially thought Jagged Edges would follow the same path as the others. Then, she  learned about Heathen Editions, a publishing company based in Point Pleasant.

“I found out about this cool publisher in West Virginia, and I’m all about West Virginians for West Virginians,” she said. 

After meeting with Sheridan Cleland, the founder and head designer of Heathen Editions, Jones knew she had to publish with him. 

“Sheridan puts so much heart and effort into his books. It’s amazing that our state has an indie publisher like this,” Jones said.

Jennifer and Cleland amplify one another’s art — their mutual respect for the other’s work shines through in Jagged Edges, which is the first book under Heathen Editions’ new imprint, Heathen Poetica.

 “Sheridan and I work together like Wonder Twins,” Jones said. 

When Jones  isn’t writing poetry, she fabulously runs Flavormutt bakery with her husband, Chad Jones. Though readers will have to wait until October 26th for the release of Jagged Edges, Jennifer’s new book is now available for preorder on the Heathen Editions website. 

Many thanks to Jennifer Jones and Sheridan Cleland for sharing their talents with us, and we look forward to a new read this fall.