Jenny Shaw Cronin author visit at Medfield Public Library

Author of "Under the Hidden Moon", Jenny Shaw Cronin at MPL

The Dailey Room at the Medfield Public Library was filled to the brim on Thursday evening as everyone listened to Medfield’s own, Jennifer Shaw Cronin, talk about her life experiences and how she came about becoming a published author.

Most locals know Jenny as Medfield’s Animal Control Officer, but she has many talents in addition to working in that capacity. Cronin has been ACO in Medfield for 37 years, and loves animals of all kinds...except mice! She told what she describes as her "funniest and scariest" ACO response which involved turning the knob on a closet door while anticipating the worst but finding the horrid sounds behind that door were the result of a dying-battery operated “Tickle Me Elmo” doll and not mice.

Shaw Cronin went into detail when explaining that she was somewhat challenged as a youngster as she didn't like to sit and read; she was too active. In her late teens she met a friend who helped her by teaching her learning techniques and list writing and she did well in college. At age 24 she was diagnosed with ADHD.

As a child, her interest in books and reading came from spending a good amount of time at the Medfield Public Library with her Mom. She went on to tell about listening to books on tape (which had been her grandmother’s) in addition to reading books and this opportunity broadened her horizons. She read fiction, non-fiction, historical, romance and almost everything she could. She later explained that her goal was to "someday" be able to write like the books she read. She credits her Mom for her love of books and as she spoke and looked at her Mom in the audience, she thanked her for "always spelling for me" and for being her book Editor.

Some good advice she received early on was to “write what you know”, but surprisingly, her published book and the ones she’s written since are not about being an Animal Control Officer.

“Under the Hidden Moon” is Jenny’s first published novel. This fictional story, as described by the author is a “fun, action based “ story set in the state of Alaska and its main character is a strong female South Boston police officer . Her characters includes a dog (no surprise there) and the topics involve a bank robbery gone wrong .

As busy as she is with work and family, Shaw Cronin enjoys writing at night and she has already completed (but not yet published) her second book, which she describes having a “dark” subject matter. Its main character, Adam, is dealing with self medicating, alcohol abuse and more. She feels that writing about difficult topics bring awareness to the issues, as was the case in her published book, "Under the Hidden Moon", as it includes the subject matter of human trafficking.

Listening to Shaw Cronin explain the steps she took to get to this point of being a published author proves her tenacity and determination were all worth it. She lightheartedly revealed that she wrote her very first book when she was a kid and held up a small paper book for all to see.

In 2011 she purchased a Groupon for "The Accidental Author, How to Write a Book One Word at a Time", it was an online course and started her on her path. A few years later, and she recalls the month, October and the year, 2016, when 3 things all happening on that same day, gave her the sense that it was time get serious and make this dream become real. In continuing this plan, on December of 2016 she drove to Pennsylvania to take an “Inspirational” writing course, made a “Vision Board” (which she showed to all of us) and was determined to continue.

The timeline of writing her novel, editing it and submitting it to publishers took time and finally after getting it accepted by multiple publishers she had to pick one! Choosing a publisher was a nerve-wracking yet exciting moment. She ended up signing a contract with Dorrance Publishing on her birthday in 2018.

Now she is hooked! She is a published author and makes every attempt to write every day (even in her busy life), admitting that some days she finds she will type 2,000 words, while other days she can only string 20 words together.

All of her characters are based on either people she knows, or people she finds interest in. She changes her characters up a bit from the real person and doesn’t think most people will recognize themselves, but then again she said, “Who knows!”

When asked for her reaction to Thursday’s night's event, she replied, “ It was amazing! I couldn't believe all the people who came out to support me! So exciting. I was pretty nervous, but think it went well. "

Cronin’s first book is titled “Under the Hidden Moon” and is available at:

CLICK HERE to purchase from Dorrance Publishing

CLICK HERE to purchase from Amazon.com

CLICK HERE to purchase from Jenny directly