Hello! I’m delighted to have you here with us, Jennifer, sharing about your writing process. First, please tell us a little about yourself and the kinds of stories you like to write. Would you say there is an underlying theme behind your stories?
Wow, let me see. I have a boy job by day. I’m a Brazer at a local factory and I have done that for 18 years now. I have only been writing since 2015, and I am the proud author of four books. I have two grown kids and now I have both of their better half’s also. I have a very rotten granddaughter who reminds me to play, with very supportive parents, aunts, sister, and friends. I have been blessed with my very own Happy Ever After. I am married to my high school sweetheart, who makes me smile every day, and after all these years I still miss him when he isn’t around. Rick is my very best friend in the world and I’m lucky enough to be married to him.
I began writing in 2015, after my husband had a dream about a girl and her magical Water Skippers…. He got up one morning and said, “Come on, we need to go buy a few things.” He took me to a local office max. I honestly, had that deer in the headlight look. I had no idea why we were there, anyway, he says. “Pick out a nice notebook and a pen I have something I want you to write.” We came home and he told me all about this dream. This is what my very first book Water Skippers is all about… A dream my husband had.
The underlying theme is Love, Love…. Our lives are so much more than sex and arguing. There is no greater gift than to love or to be loved and my books hit that hard.
That is so fascinating–an entire series born out of your husband’s dream! I love too how supportive he is of your work. I have that too, but so many women writers I know struggle to find support among their families for what they do.
What part of the world do you call home? Can you tell us a little about where you grew up and where you live now?
A little town in southern Ohio, called Ironton.
I’m a small town girl myself! There’s a lot to be said for growing up and raising a family in a small community.
How long have you been writing? Did you write as a child or is it something you developed a passion for later in life?
I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I was in my forties… so it took me awhile to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up…
Hah! I know what you mean! I think a lot of writers try out different professions and hobbies until they realize it was all just prep for writing. What is the draw for you in your chosen genre? Why THIS kind of story?
I only like to read things that aren’t real.. life is real enough, so of course I want to escape into my writing the same way.
Have you written in other genres?
No.
City Boy/Girl or Country Mouse—and why?
I am all country girl, but I can play dress up also.
I know what you mean! I wear practical clothes but love pretty lingerie and having my nails done. 🙂
“Writers should write what they know.” What does this statement mean to you as an author?
I think things that are experienced are easier to write.
That’s an interesting way of looking at it! Are you a panster or a plotter? Do you outline extensively or write your story as you go along?
I have to have the ending in my head, but other than that. I write as I go.
What’s your idea of a perfect vacation?
1000 miles from nowhere, with room service.
Do you have a favorite character that you’ve created? Why does this character resonate with you?
Ragon my pet dragonfly is my favorite. He represents all the good we have in all of us.
Oh, that’s nice! Of the stories you’ve written, which one would you recommend a new reader begin with?
Water Skippers. It’s the first book in my series and they are the magical creatures in all of my books. They are my little heroes, and they always help the guy get the girl.
What are the three most important things in your life—the things you can’t do without?
My husband, family, and books…. I need more than three hahahah.
If you could have one super power or magical element from popular science fiction movies or literature, what would it be and why?
I want to be a dragon.
Nice! Do you see your writing as a hobby or is it your goal to be a full time writer at some point in the future?
I would love to write full time, just can’t afford to.
I hear you on that one. I’d love to be a full time author myself. What advice would you give to someone starting out as an author? What’s the one piece of advice you wish you’d been given?
Have very thick skin.. This is a crazy rollercoaster ride. Don’t stop; write until your fingers fall off, because when someone tells you they love it… It’s all worth it.
Remember the little things, like the first time you held a guys hand, or that amazing awkward first kiss. Take the time to look up at the stars, and take the time to play in the rain. It’s the little moments in life you will always cherish.
You are so right there! How often does your real life experience figure into your story telling? Do you base characters or stories on your actual experiences?
There is a lot of my own life, and especially the way I feel about things in all of my books. All of my books are me. My mom says it’s like being inside of my head…. So many of the stories in my books, have really happened in my own life.
Research: love it or hate it?
I don’t do it… this is fiction, just go with it.
Editing: love it or hate it?
Ohhh the misery, but I like to learn new things.
How much do you think that a good blurb and good cover art figure into the success of a story?
It means everything.
Have you ever been intimidated by reviews?
Ohh yea, I have cried like a baby.
I think we’ve all had that experience. I recently wrote a blog post about handling bad reviews as a reminder to myself and others how to deal with the stinger you get sometimes.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, do you find what you listen to influences the story at all?
Yes, it helps tune out all the background of the world around me.
Do you miss your characters when you come to the end of their story? Do you find ways to write sequels for them or do you become entranced with a new set?
When I finished my last set I cried. It was like I had lost a member of the family.
What are your writing goals for 2017? Your personal goals?
I honestly don’t know.. my set will be put in a box set for Christmas, but other than that I’m open.
Where can your readers find you and your stories online?
Http://Amazon.com/author/jjm5325903. I am also on Twitter www. Jenniferrick@twitter.com…. Also I love to talk so email me at Jenniferjuliemiller@gmail.com…. And I have a website https://jenniferjuliemille.wixsite.com/mysite..
Book One: Water Skippers
Book Two: A Dragonfly’s Whisper
Book Three: Earth Shadow
Book Four: Shadow Reborn