Writing the Second Chapter

I’m Jacqueline Renée.

I write character-driven fiction with voice and attitude—stories that stay with you after the last page. My work is rooted in longing, shaped by place, and drawn to the emotional landscapes we inherit and sometimes dare to change.

After fifteen years in academia, I stepped away from the classroom to pursue the dream I’d carried since childhood: to write fiction full-time. My newsletter is my companion along the way—a place to share the process of writing my second novel, reflect on creative reinvention, and explore the layered histories that live within us all.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Reflections on writing, reinvention, and identity

  • Behind-the-scenes glimpses into my novel-in-progress

  • Path to publication journey insights

  • Craft insights for writers who care about emotion and legacy

Writing the Second Chapter is a love letter to second chances, strong women, and stories that ask: What do we carry? And what do we choose to leave behind?

A smiling blonde woman with wavy hair, wearing a floral blouse, crossed arms, and jewelry.