Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live and work in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a hotspot of activity during the American Revolution. Growing up in “Revolutionary Country,” I became fascinated with the legends and heroes of that era, men and women in whose footsteps we walk, whose sacrifices should never be forgotten. For me, knowledge of historical events is paramount to understanding modern day turmoil. As Aldous Huxley so astutely observed, “That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons that history has to teach.”
Today I work in the Finance department of a large corporation, but my passion is and always has been writing. Beginning in the fifth grade, I dabbled in short stories and poetry, but it wasn’t until recently that I decided to pursue my dream of publishing novels. I’ve self-published two novels on Amazon, “The Devil Take Tomorrow” and “A Devil of a Time,” and I’m currently working on a third. I’m not a prolific writer by any means, mainly due to the amount of research and editing I put into my stories. In my mind, no book is ever completely finished, and so I am always editing or revising or fine-tuning my work. Fortunately, Amazon makes it easy to upload revised manuscripts, which I do with great regularity; otherwise, I’d be tearing my hair out worrying about the authenticity of some detail or fact.
On a more personal note, I live with my husband and our five cats (all rescues–my favorite breed). I’ve discovered that cats are book lovers, since every time I leave a book open on my desk I return to find a cat sprawled across it.
As an author, I strive to create true-to-life historical tales that will captivate the mind long after the last page is turned. The work is challenging, often tedious, the hours long, but I’ll keep turning out stories because I can’t stop, because writing is in my blood, because the blank page keeps calling to me. And when you write what you love, someone else just might love what you write!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Devil Take Tomorrow” was inspired by my research into the British occupation of Philadelphia 1777-1778. It’s well-known that the British army spent almost the entire war occupying New York City, but the occupation of Philadelphia has taken a back seat for the most part.
During the war for independence, the City of Brotherly Love became a military objective of Major General Sir William Howe, commander in chief of the British armies in America. In September 1777, at great cost to his army, Howe succeeded in capturing the seat of rebel government. He occupied the city for the next nine months, spending much of that time in liquor-soaked indolence while General George Washington rebuilt the Continental Army at Valley Forge.
Benjamin Franklin, then on a diplomatic mission in Paris, took the news of Howe’s victory in stride. His shrewd assessment has amused historians for centuries: “Sir, you mistake the matter. Howe hasn’t taken Philadelphia, Philadelphia has taken Howe.”
Since Philadelphia is more or less my home turf, I decided to write a novel of intrigue, adventure and romance set during the occupation.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually have a cat or two lounging about as I write. Sometimes, when I draw a blank, I look into their mystical eyes for a few moments and pretend they’re feeding me inspirational lines. There’s something fascinating and stimulating about making eye contact with a cat. Okay, it doesn’t work all the time, but every so often that steady, thoughtful feline gaze will help jumpstart the creative process. If not, it’s still a comfort having my silent cheerleaders nearby.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up I read many books on the early American frontier. My favorite book was Dale Van Every’s “Bridal Journey,” the rollicking tale of a young woman captured by Indians while traveling to Kentucky to be wed, and then rescued by the book’s hero, with whom I fell in love. To this day I still adore that book and the heroic main character who set my imagination alight.
What are you working on now?
My next novel, “This Day is Ours,” will be out in 2018. Here is a brief synopsis: As the flames of revolution spread across a divided land, a shadowy figure prowls the streets of Philadelphia, preying on silk-stockings loyal to the British Crown. Known only as Jack Flash, rebel highwayman, he plays a daring game of cat-and-mouse for the patriot cause, always one step ahead of his enemies. Until the night he clashes with a lady whose fiery spirit could spell his doom.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t really have a favorite method, but I do send out tweets and posts regarding my work, especially if I’m running a freebie or a sale or have won an award. Marketing is a difficult, time-consuming task, especially as I’d rather be writing. I don’t devote as much time to marketing as I should, but I intend to change that after my third book is published.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write about what you love. Be prepared for setbacks because you will encounter them. In this new world of publishing, “hitting it big” is like winning the lottery–a longshot. Even so, never give up, because you have to play to win.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The wisest man learns by listening to others.” Benjamin Franklin
What are you reading now?
“The Lees of Menokin: An early American love story” by Suzanne Hadfield Semsch.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Why, more writing and researching, of course! That and keeping an eye and ear out for a new book premise. As a writer, I’m always on point, seeking new ideas and inspiration.
I plan to enter a few book contests next spring. I had good fortune in the one contest I did enter, so I might as well try again.
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?
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, The Frontiersmen by Allan Eckert, Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography, and Huckleberry Finn.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gretchen Jeannette Website
Gretchen Jeannette Amazon Profile
Gretchen Jeannette’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account