book inc is excited to announce that Jennifer Gaites and Jen Shields will be the Peer Artist Leaders for the 2026 Book Revision Lab, our six-month program for creative writers ready to revise their completed memoirs or novels. 

What do we mean when we say “Peer Artist Leader”?

Peer Artist Leaders or PALs are experienced writers who co-facilitate book inc’s programs. They work on their own book projects alongside participants to create a supportive, non-hierarchical environment where writers at all stages of their journey can thrive. 

As applications are rolling in for our 2026 programs, we sat with both Jens to learn more about their experience revising memoirs and novels, and what they hope to bring to this latest cohort of book writers.

book inc: How did each of your journeys into writing begin, and where have they taken you today?

Gaites: I had not done much writing for myself before my first Project Write Now class, about 9 years ago. My youngest was 3 or 4 at the time, and I was happy to get out of the house once a week and talk to people about something other than kids. Honestly, I didn’t really think it would go anywhere. But I loved reading short memoir pieces, discussing craft, and the encouraging environment. Over time, I wrote more and established a writing practice. I started teaching adult classes, working with high school students again, and, because of this writing community, I’ve slowly expanded my goals — from submitting essays to writing a draft of a full-length memoir to writing two drafts of a novel. I’ve had so much fun and learned so much. 

Shields: I met the founder of Project Write Now, Jennifer Chauhan, at an author talk 11 years ago. We became fast friends, and I jumped into her memoir class. Writing was brand new to me, and I had many doubts about my ability. The support and friendships gave me the courage I needed to write past the fears. I taught a Girls Write Now class during the summer months and a women’s journaling class with Lunch Break, Red Bank’s food bank. For the past two years, I have been a Peer Artist Leader with Jen G. in the novel and revision programs. 

book inc: What’s your relationship with revision? What feels tough, and what comes more naturally?

Gaites: Can I call resistance a relationship? Like a lot of people, I find the new idea more fun and exciting to pursue than the thing I’ve been sitting with seemingly forever. But I like the puzzle aspect of revision… seeing what can be changed, sensing something’s not quite fitting, then playing with the text or a story until it feels like things click into place. It’s a love/hate relationship, but I see some exciting possibilities in the novel draft I have, and I am excited to get into it.

Shields: I find revision daunting, and if not for the support and structure of class, my messy first draft would be just that, a mess, and banished to the back of beyond to lie for all eternity. Once I push past the resistance and force myself to stop doom scrolling and settle in, I can get lost in the words and lose track of time. It just takes me many stops and starts to get in that zone. 

book inc: While you’re in revision mode, what do you find yourself drawn to reading, watching, or listening to — and what do you steer clear of?

Gaites: Not really. My “to be read” pile remains pretty consistently a stack of whatever I’m drawn to at the moment. I love a good mentor text, so I find it helpful to read in the genre I’m writing in. When I’m reading something really good, I let myself be drawn into the story. After I finish, I’ll sometimes go back to consider how the author handled certain aspects of the writing. And if I’m not loving what I’m reading, that informs what decisions to make in my own work. 

Shields: Revision is a lot like tennis for me; I need to play with the good players if I’m going to make any improvements. Reading is an essential part of my writing practice. I love getting book recommendations from the authors I love. I watch YouTube author interviews, paying close attention to how they go about their own revisions and what inspires them, what keeps them going on a project even when they’re frustrated and self-doubting. I try to stay clear of Instagram. It’s a time-waster.

book inc: Everyone has their tricks: when you hit a wall in revision, what’s your go-to move for getting unstuck?

Gaites: I reach out to Jen Shields and complain. I’m kidding, kinda. But I do think having a community of writers can help not just with commiserating but with suggesting what’s worked for them, or for giving feedback on a particular writing problem, or offering a mentor text to consider. 

Shields: HA! Jen, you stole my answer! I call her and complain about my writer’s imposter syndrome. Community–that’s my answer for everything these days. Stay connected and energized by others. Of course, most writing is done in isolation, but when I’m stuck and in the doldrums, I call a friend and talk through possible solutions or just complain about my ever-present procrastination fueled by hateful perfectionism. Jen’s a saint. I can be a bit much. Also, always, always, take a walk in nature. No phone. 

book inc: This isn’t your first time leading the Book Revision Lab together. What has surprised you most about the co-teaching experience?

Gaites: Jen Shields has such an intuitive and self-aware way into the writing process. She’s great at sensing where people are feeling resistant or scared or tentative. I like talking through lesson ideas with Jen because she always opens my mind to new ways of thinking… co-teaching is just another example of the importance of community!

Shields: We complement one another well. I’m pretty much her sounding board to bounce ideas off of. Jen G. runs the show. I’m like the Late Night sidekick, Jimmy Kimmel’s Guillermo-Rodriguez. Our chemistry is great, which provides a trusting and fruitful environment for the students.

book inc: What’s something about the Book Revision Lab you wish every writer knew before they joined?

Gaites: The book isn’t going to revise itself, and there’s no one way to approach revision. This isn’t a step-by-step process because every writer is different. We can offer ways into the revision process, and we can offer accountability, but ultimatel,y the writer has to decide where to start, how to proceed, and then do the work. 

Shields: That this is the first of many revisions. If your goal is to get published, you have to come to terms with how much work it is and how important it is to have a community to bolster you while you travel the peaks and valleys of the writing process. Knowing there are a dozen other people struggling alongside you is not only inspirational, it also holds you accountable. Keeps you in the game for fear of letting others down.

book inc: And finally, what’s one thing you’re especially excited to bring to the 2026 cohort?

Gaites: I’m most excited to work with writers who are excited about their draft and are curious about where they can take it…I think if we can help keep that excitement and energy up, and keep them going back to the page, then that is amazing.

Shields: People coming together with their deeply personal creative process, their vulnerability and hope–that’s worth showing up for, again and again.

Thank you, Jens, for talking with us! We can’t wait to read your books after you’ve revised them in the 2026 Book Revision Lab. 

Are you ready revise your manuscript? With a focus on community, our revision program provides writers with feedback, support, accountability, and guidance so they can explore and realize the artistic and commercial potential of their books. APPLY NOW!