Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Cramer-Miller.
Hi Jennifer, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
If the definition of a writer is that writers write, then I’ve been a writer since I was a kid. Recently, a classmate pulled out our 4th-grade newsletter at a high school reunion where I’d written a far-fetched story about a ginormous fish. She teased, “We knew you when.” We laughed so hard, and I thought, I have always been a writer. Today, I’m delighted to have a career as an author, speaker, and joy seeker. But my writing path was a more complex one. In college, I studied business and psychology, got an M.B.A., and became the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for a family custom home-building business. After we sold the business, I funneled my focus into personal essays and memoirs.
I studied the craft, worked with coaches, took classes, and attended writing retreats. And I stuck to it. Because a story was bursting inside of me, a family love story—and a story of hope, that’s how my book, Incurable Optimist, Living with Illness and Chronic Hope, came to be. The memoir recounts how I’ve managed an incurable autoimmune kidney condition for decades and had four kidney transplants. If you’re thinking that four is a lot—I agree! But I kept this not-so-fun fact in the background because I didn’t want it to define me. I still don’t. Who wants to be determined by the most challenging thing they’ve faced?
But now, after many years, I’ve realized it can’t define me. I’ve done too many other things and have a lovely life. So, I summoned my courage and creativity, bared my soul, and wrote a book. I feel so lucky to use my author and speaker platform to encourage others with a story of hope. (If you had told me years ago that I’d enjoy speaking to crowds about my journey, I’d have never believed it!) Plus, I’m dedicated to giving back to the community, so I serve as the board chair of the Minnesota National Kidney Foundation and a Donate Life Ambassador. Everything in my life seems to have converged to lead me here. It’s been a remarkable journey so far. Incurable Optimist received a Publishers Weekly starred review, won an International Impact Book Award, and a Book of Excellence Award. But the best part? So many people have reached out to share their empowering stories with me. And of this, I’m sure. We’re all trying to manage uncertainty, hold on to hope, and find joy. We never know what’s ahead, but we’ll find it if we keep pursuing beauty.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Well, I should probably answer that question in two parts. Since my story is about enduring four kidney transplants, it has been the opposite of smooth. It’s been hard. But that’s the universal message within Incurable Optimist: we all face life challenges. In my case, I was twenty-two when an incurable diagnosis marked that moment before and after. Eventually, I had to figure out how to live my life with the circumstances I had. A famous Joseph Campbell quote resonated deeply, “we must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned to have the life that is waiting for us.” I set out to make my life matter. Life is a mix of beauty and bummers, but I’m so grateful for the gift of being alive. In part two, I’ll address the question related to my writing career. Writing is not for the faint-hearted, like managing uncertainty and chronic health issues. It flexes my resilient muscles. There’s a ton of rejection in the writing business, and you plow forward. Believe in yourself and keep going, keep going, keep going. Some of my essays have been rejected and reworked and rejected and reworked. And then boom, persistence pays off! That’s key in so many areas of our lives. Don’t give up!
Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
Creatively, I’m inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic. She encourages us to tackle our fears, tap our creativity, and go for it. It’s liberating to embrace your creative self, whether in a professional sense or as an outlet for your passions. Writing, painting, jewelry making—whatever makes you happy. My next book is fiction, so I’m excited about my next creative journey. After writing a memoir, it’s liberating to make things up! Professionally, I’m thrilled that I can connect to people through words. Be it writing or speaking to conferences, companies, or various groups, big or small (I’ve had so much fun with book club appearances!) I feel privileged to share the gift of being alive. I think we find ourselves in the stories of others. And we all have stories. My experiences, as arduous as they may seem, have convinced me that joy is always available to us no matter what our circumstances. I’m delighted to wake up every day and spread a message of hope.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Here’s a little-known secret in my household—I have a cooking show for a very select audience. My dog Penny. She sits by my feet as I lead her systematically through the steps of my recipes. She’s very engaged, but the truth is, she’s in it for the tidbits and treats.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jennifercramermiller.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifercramermiller/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifercramermillerauthor/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercramermiller/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenCramerMiller
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxlC_5mYajKU8Ct-LpKvwiw
Image Credits
Belu Photography
