Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a professional pianist with three kids, two of whom I am currently homeschooling. I’ve written for over five different magazines and been published in the book anthology Humor for a Teacher’s Heart, but this is my first novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Confession of a Wedding Musician Mom was originally going to be a sort of memoir of my years playing the piano professionally at wedding, parties, and restaurants. I quickly realized two things: 1) My life is not exciting enough to make a great book; and 2) Fiction is more fun because I can say anything I want!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know how unusual this is, but I wrote most of my rough draft sitting on a lawn chair in the grassy area near the pool during my kids’ swim team practices and sitting on the bleachers during their swim meets.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was kid, I was a huge fan of Judy Blume and the lesser-known Ellen Conford. I remember being in high school and copying several pages of Ellen Conford books into a notebook in an attempt to understand her technique. They both had a huge influence on my own writing style.
As an adult, I’ve develop my own style, so even though their are many authors I enjoy, I wouldn’t say that I’m particularly “influenced” by any of them.
What are you working on now?
I’m just starting the outline for a story about a middle school music teacher who discovers she has an unusual medical condition. We’ll just leave it at that for now! 🙂
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Confessions of a Wedding Musician Mom is my first book, so come back and ask me in about three months!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t agonize over the rough draft. The rough draft is going to be bad, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Janet Evanovich said, “I don’t believe in writer’s block. Find some way to move forward in the story.” Just push through and worry about the details later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write it wrong so that you can go back and write it right.”
What are you reading now?
I just finished Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot and am now reading Little Face by Sophie Hannah. Two very different types of books!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m outlining my next novel as well as starting a how-to book for musician who want to be successful playing for weddings.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Honestly, I have no idea.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Blaske Website
Jennifer Blaske Amazon Profile
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