Jennifer Archer

By Zoree Alexis

In our very first Fangirl Files exclusive, I had the chance to interview Jennifer Archer—award-winning screenwriter and author of Into the Deep Blue, a book that’s being turned into a feature film. We talked about writing from emotion, adapting for the screen, and what it really means to create characters who are a little messy but real.

This story is full of grief, friendship, and those little moments that bring hope when everything feels heavy. Here’s a closer look at what Jennifer shared.

⸻

The Inspiration Behind the Story

Jennifer told me that her stories usually come to her in pieces an image, a scene, something she can’t stop thinking about. Into the Deep Blue started after she read an article about how teens cope with traumatic loss. From there, the characters slowly started forming.

One spot that stuck with her while writing was a local waterfall called Hilton Falls, which inspired a moment in the story where Fiona finds Nick at a waterfall. It’s not just a background—nature plays a big emotional role in her writing.

⸻

Writing Fiona: The Hardest Voice to Pin Down

When I asked which character was hardest to write, Jennifer said without hesitation Fiona. She described Fiona as guarded, not just with others but with herself. Getting her voice right was a balancing act, trying not to make her too self-aware but still allowing her feelings to come through.

Jennifer said she shares some traits with both characters: Fiona’s hesitance to open up and Nick’s love of words and sarcasm.

⸻

Friendship, Hope, and Finding Light Again

One of the strongest themes in the book is friendship and how it can carry us through the worst of grief. Jennifer said she wanted the story to show that even in pain, there’s a path forward. The characters lean on each other in small but powerful ways.

“No matter how deep the pain, there is always a pathway through friendship and understanding,” she told me.

That line really stuck with me.

⸻

The Adaptation Process: Keeping the Heart Intact

Turning a book into a film is no small thing, and Jennifer talked about how the biggest challenge was cutting things while keeping the core message. She described adaptation as finding the “heart” of the story focusing on what matters most.

One scene she hopes survives the cut is a moment between Nick and a little boy by a swimming pool. It might be trimmed, but it holds a lot of meaning for her.

⸻

Writing Habits and Nighttime Drafting

Jennifer’s writing rituals are simple but powerful: headphones, music, and late night quiet. That’s when she feels closest to her characters and free from distraction. She drafts with music on, letting her mind fully enter the world of her story.

⸻

Advice for Young Writers (Like Me!)

This was my favorite part of the interview.

Jennifer told me:

“Try to enjoy the process. Keep your eyes on your own lane. Comparison truly is the thief of joy.”

She also said to fall in love with your characters, reread your favorite lines, and don’t be afraid to shelve a project if it’s not clicking because you can always come back to it later.

⸻

Messy Characters and Hopeless Romantics

As someone who loves messy, emotional stories, I asked Jennifer if she’d write a spinoff with another messy character. She told me she’s always imagined May, Fiona’s friend, getting her own book. May is bold, chaotic, and embraces her imperfections. And honestly? I’d read that.

⸻

What’s Next for Jennifer Archer

She told me she’s excited about what’s ahead. More stories. More love. More healing. And when the film is further along, she’s open to chatting again—hopefully over Zoom next time!

⸻

Final Thoughts

This interview meant a lot to me—not just because it was my first official one, but because Jennifer reminded me that writing doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real.

Her story, Into the Deep Blue, is about loss, friendship, and trying to find light when things feel dark. I can’t wait to see how it looks on screen—but honestly, it already left its mark on the page.

Stay tuned for more exclusives soon.

– Zoree Alexis