A book by Jean Burgess

Author bio

For many years, Jean Burgess has told stories on stage as a theater director and actor. Her debut fiction, That Summer She Found Her Voice: A Retro Novel, was published in April 2024 by Apprentice House Press. She presents writing and playwriting workshops, freelances as an editor, and is available as a speaker on a variety of topics. Jean holds a Masters in Theatre from Northwestern University and Ph.D. in Educational Theatre from New York University. Her professional memberships include The Authors Guild, Eastern Shore Writers’ Association, and Maryland Writers’ Association, for which she volunteers as a Teen Writing Club advisor.

About the book:

Set against a backdrop of the 1970s Baltimore music scene, this is the story of 23-year-old Margie Stevens as she pulls herself out of a spiraling, heartbreak-induced depression and begins a personal journey of discovery.

Clarifying her own views on emerging feminism, social injustice, and personal spirituality – all while touring across the country as a singer in King Vido’s Swing Band – Margie encounters sexist and moral challenges that cause her to question her future path.

In attempting to redefine her personal values in order to break away from uncomfortable ways of thinking, Margie must find the courage to conquer fears of intimidation from the band leader and others on the tour. Finally, Margie learns to speak up for herself, discovering her authentic voice.

What people say about the book:

“Jean Burgess creates a memorable saga of self-discovery, social transformation, and career-changing paradigms in That Summer She Found Her Voice. These explore more than one girl’s evolutionary process, but also the changes buffeting America.” – Midwest Book Review

Why did you want to write this book? 

Although That Summer She Found Her Voice: A Retro Novel is purely fictional, the story is loosely based on my own experiences as a singer and dancer with a touring show band in the late 1970s. Using that as a foundation, I was able to explore themes of emerging feminism, lingering racial injustice, and spiritual curiosity as seen through the eyes of protagonist – topics that interested me historically.

What do you hope other people will take away from reading your book? 

As in all my work, my greatest wish is that my writing will help others and will start conversations. If this book brings enlightenment about the themes I mentioned or the 1970s music scene – great! If readers reflect and discuss about the times they are able to speak up (or don’t), about whether they’ve found their own authentic voice, then that’s a beautiful thing. I’ve already seen these discussions happen during my Author Talks and I’m thrilled that my book has been a catalyst. 

What’s next for you? 

I’m glad you asked. Based on the feedback from my newsletter subscribers and Author Talk attendees, I’m currently working on a sequel to That Summer She Found Her Voice. Readers want to know what happens next for my protagonist. I don’t want to give away too much in the early stages, but I will say that Book Two is set in the early 1980s in New York City.

How can our readers get a copy of your book? 

That Summer She Found Her Voice is widely available at online outlets including Bookshop.org, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

*What is the best way for our readers to connect with you? (website url, social media links – we do not publish emails) 

My website is https://jeanburgessauthor.com and I’m active on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jeanmburgess