Meet Jen Handoko | self-published author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Handoko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
If I’m not mistaken I think it was Andy Warhol who said, “Sometimes people let the same problem make them miserable for years when they could just say, So what. That’s one of my favorite things to say. So what.” I guess it does sound pretty passive, but it’s true nonetheless: You really have to decide what is worth giving your energy and reaction to. Not everything needs to be fixated on. I’ve survived every heartbreak and trauma in my life so far. Just say “yikes” and move on.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m inspired by this wave of female authors, essayists and poets who write so beautifully about their lives. Sometimes I get really scared and hesitant about what I choose to let my readers know, but I find that honesty – no matter how uncomfortable it is – has always allowed me to really connect with people. I wrote “Girl Almighty” (a book of essays) as a coming-of-age story of an immigrant girl raised in the South. I felt like my background, my family, my friends, and my story all have a place in creative writing. It’s a stark contrast from the quintessential “quirky, moody white girl moving to a new school in the suburbs” story. I wanted to contribute to the representation of women who look like me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m super pregnant and have been laying low since Covid-19 so I actually forget what’s fun anymore. I’m going to sound so basic, but there’s nothing that beats absorbing the sun’s power by laying out on the grass and enjoying Piedmont Park with some friends. I went on the rooftop at Clermont Lounge with some girl friends for my bachelorette party while my husband went to Follies. We have excellent strip clubs here. Lots of places in Atlanta where you can get rowdy. But for more wholesome activities, my husband and I can never figure out what we want to eat, so we drive down Buford Highway and just pick something. You can never go wrong with a bowl of Pho or tacos. I love Atlanta because there’s so many gems in every neighborhood and the people are just…truly the best.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m going to be a mother this summer. As ready as I am, motherhood is still something that intimidates me. The moment the thin blue lines show up, you’re stepping into this new chapter in womanhood and leaving the rest behind. My mother is Indonesian and she’s what we’d call a “Tiger Mom”. In parenting, she led with practicality instead of with emotions. There were times in my childhood when I needed to be coddled with affection, but she always taught me to think about things in a logical way. As an adult, this has taught me to make decisions without emotions.

Website: www.Amazon.com/author/jenhandoko

Instagram: Instagram.com/jen.handoko

Image Credits
hanae clark instagram: @moonlightshoots