I met Jennifer while I was exhibiting at a career fair at the high school my little sister attended. She’s a very personable and warm lady. But what drew me to her was that she was there as a self-published novelist. She was the first (of many) writers I met that found success via self-publishing, and she was an inspiration. Here is my interview with her. You can find out even more about her at her website, www.authorjff.com
What inspires your writing?
I love telling stories. Honestly real life is a great inventor. There are always real events put into the stories because what goes on around us is pretty amazing.
What is your process of developing characters?
I brainstorm a lot. I usually start with an idea of a normal every day person and see what I can do to shake their life up. Then I create a whole person- likes, dislikes, allergies, favorite foods etc. It helps me to understand them better.
Did you start with a story outline or did you make it up as you went along?
Both. I learned to jot down an outline- because sometimes I get great ideas but don’t have time to sit down and write the story right then. Having an outline is a great guide when I get back to it later, but I always reserve the right to not follow it.
How much research did you need for your story?
It depends on the story. When I first started writing about werewolves, I researched the heck out of wolves and spoke at length to a DVM about their habits and life cycles. I like having factual details in my work. When I wrote my one and only cowboy story, I researched black cowboys and spoke at length with a family friend whose family had been ranchers and cowboys for generations.
What researching methods did you use?
I love interviews with people who know about my topics/subjects. I also look for research or scholarly works done on my topics. Despite writing fantasy works, I like as many facts to be solid as I can. I think it helps build a stronger world.
Did you draw on personal experience?
Of course. Life is pretty fantastical.
How did your publish?
Self published.
Why did you do it that way?
I had sent the script around and had some positive feedback. The process was taking longer than I wanted, so I decided to move forward myself.
How long did it take to land representation?
While I have a work with an agent it still being developed.
Who did your cover and marketing?
One series I hired an amazing artist. The other sets I developed myself with the help of photoshop.
How many revisions did it take to get a publishable book?
Many, many, many. And when I read back through works I always find things that I would like to change or make stronger.
How did you approach bringing a unique take to a well established genre?
I focus on characters and what really drives them. I want the characters to feel honest and relatable. Sometimes even having the moments where the character is either foolish or not likeable.
What are you writing now?
I’m working on 3 pieces- partially because it helps me not get stuck. I am working on Book 3 from my STEAM series which is paranormal romance, a new stand alone work- urban fantasy and Book 2 in my UnRestricted series- YA urban fantasy
What is your advice to other writers?
Make writing a daily exercise. Even if you just write a short story- write something. Use a writing prompt or something to help you get in the habit.
Be sure to check out one of Jennifer’s books! Here’s one of her latest.
