Are you published?
indie press publisher
What inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve always been fascinated by the power of stories to connect us—to each other, to ourselves, and to the world around us. Growing up, I felt like stories were a window into lives and experiences that were different from my own, and they helped me make sense of the complexities of being human. As an adoptee, storytelling became an especially important way for me to explore identity, belonging, and the intersections of different cultures.
Starting The Anna Jinja Show felt like a natural extension of that. The show is about bringing people together through creativity, vulnerability, and shared experiences. Writing has always been my way of reflecting and making meaning, so incorporating that into the show—whether through scripts, interviews, or creative prompts—allows me to bring these values to life.
More than anything, I hope my writing and the show inspire others to tell their own stories, to embrace the messy and beautiful parts of their lives, and to connect in ways that feel genuine and transformative.
What author do you admire and how have they inspired your writing?
I deeply admire Madeleine L’Engle. Her ability to blend profound philosophical and spiritual questions with richly imaginative storytelling has always resonated with me. In works like A Wrinkle in Time, she explores the vastness of the universe and the intricacies of human relationships, all while emphasizing the power of love, curiosity, and courage.
Her work inspires me to embrace complexity in my writing, to lean into the questions that don’t have easy answers, and to believe in the transformative power of creativity. Like L’Engle, I want my writing to invite readers to look beyond the surface, to explore the connections between the seen and unseen, and to find beauty in both the light and the dark.
Name three of your favorite books and their authors
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
The Chosen by Chaim Potok
What’s one thing readers should know about you?
I believe I have a good sense of humor, and it’s one of the most important tools we have to navigate life’s ups and downs. Humor breaks the ice, eases tension, and helps us see the light even in the most challenging situations. While writing Adopting Grace, I made sure to weave bits of humor into the story. Though I explore meaningful and often complex topics, humor keeps Grace’s journey relatable and human. It ties everything together, reminding us that joy and laughter are just as essential.
What one piece of advice would you give a budding writer?
Ignore anyone who doesn’t support your creative journey. Early in my writing journey, someone told me that writing was a self-indulgent waste of time if it didn’t generate income—and that I wasn’t good enough for it to make a difference anyway. Those words stung, but they taught me something valuable: the importance of believing in yourself, even when others don’t.
Writing isn’t just about making money; it’s about expression, exploration, and growth. The stories you tell have value.
Author bio
Anna Jinja Mather was adopted from Seoul, Korea, and grew up in Iowa. Her heart is filled with love for people and their stories. By sharing her adoption story and all that she is learning to help her navigate through personal and professional challenges, she hopes that this will lead us to believe, accept, and value the inherent worthiness of all people. She has dedicated her life to a number of nonprofit organizations and causes as a volunteer or employee, which has led to a myriad of unexpected opportunities and adventures – including stepping into the role of a radio producer and host at KHOI 89.1 FM. Anna lives happily with her husband, Pete, and their dog, Floyd, in the little blue house of happiness. Adopting Grace is her debut novel.
