About

Jen B. Larson

Author, educator, musician

Adaptable writer with over 15 years of experience in journalism and creative fields.

I have a BA in English literature and creative writing from Loyola University of Chicago. I authored the book Hit Girls, Women of Punk in the USA, 1975-1983 (Feral House), which was named to NPR’s “Books We Love” list and won the Richard Frisbie Award for Adult Nonfiction from the Society of Midland Authors in 2023. Although writing has never been my full-time profession, I have perfected my craft as a hobby and passion. In recent years, I’ve contributed music writing to Bandcamp, Please Kill Me, Victim of Time, and more.

Proficient in shaping polished copy.

I was the chief copy editor of the Loyola Phoenix, my college newspaper. After graduation, I worked at a rock shop (a geological store that sold fossils, minerals, and gemstones) and wrote columns for AOL WalletPop, Radio Free Chicago, and WebVet. I also crafted marketing copy for various Chicago-based businesses, including Groupon, Info.com, and Rosseto Serving Solutions. But I disliked the hustle and wanted to work with humans, so I became a public school teacher.

Expert in adapting K-12 curricula, lesson plans, and activities for diverse environments.

I am a licensed educator with an MEd in special education, an LBS I, and two LBS IIs in multiple disabilities and assistive technology. With 12 years of experience as a special education teacher in Chicago Public Schools, I have taught and developed lesson plans for students with disabilities, including those with emotional, cognitive, and physical needs across grade levels in different settings, from self-contained kindergarten to advanced placement high school curricula.

Skilled songwriter and creative writer.

In addition to writing nonfiction, I write and record music, as well as author fiction and poetry, in my spare time. I have self-published several chapbooks and zines. I created Pulp Oddyssey (a newspaper from outer space), and Douchebag CEO (a card game that celebrates the working class), and I am working on multiple fiction stories as well as a follow-up to my first book. Over the last two decades, I have written and recorded over 100 songs and released 10 albums with my bands.

I love to work on creative projects. If you’d like to work with me or think I’d be a good fit for your team, submit your request on the contact page.