Ive never written something so long, she tells Bustle over Zoom from her sunny Los Angeles home.
Im normally writing three-minute songs.
During the drafting process, JoJo wrote close to 200,000 words, and did it all without a co-writer.
Its raw, but so am I, so Im glad that its in my voice, she says.
I wanted to give a shot to remember my stories before I forget them.
Twenty years in now, I actually have a lot of insight that I think would be valuable.
When did you decided to write this memoir, and why?
And Im such an avid reader.
Ive leaned toward memoirs in the past few years, so Ive been really enjoying reading other peoples stories.
What memoirs were you were inspired by when you began this journey?
He did such a good job of infusing his voice into it.
I read books where I wasnt even thinking I would connect with the artist.
Jessica Simpsons book surprised me.
I really liked Matthew McConaugheys book and Mariah Careys.
She really started conversations.
And now theres also theQuiet on Setdocu-series.
I really like all the conversations, particularly in film and television.
I have yet to hear a music industry angle, so I think its time.
For fans who know many parts of your story already, what will this book reveal?
I think some peoplethinkthey know, or think that what afflicted me most was a dispute with a label.
And thats just such a small part of my experience in my life and in the music industry.
What was your writing process like?
I would bring my computer everywhere with me, to the park or a coffee shop.
My uncle, Scott Blagden, is actually a published author and one of my favorite writers.
What was the most rewarding part of this journey?
The opportunity to connect with people and open up more conversations about things I like to talk about.
I felt very alone coming up in this industry and had no guidance.
If I can make it a little easier on a younger person, that would make me really happy.
Tell me about the title,Over the Influence.
And realizing that my mindset has a lot to do with my experience.
What was the toughest thing to write about?
I really care about people, and I never want to hurt anybody with saying the truth.
Are you at all concerned about the reactions of those people?
I prepared for it, but Im human, and Im very sensitive.
Im coming from a compassionate standpoint even when Im talking about things that are f*cked up.
Has revisiting your life in this way inspired any new music or other projects?
Thats what the new music will be, and thats what everything that follows will be.
Over the Influence,available for pre-order here, is out Sept. 17.
