Interview With Author Jennifer Freedman
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began my journalistic career in Southern California at the tender age of 17 and have spent most of my life overseas writing for print media in Europe, the United States and the Middle East. My three children were born and raised in Europe (the Netherlands and Belgium) and now live in Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United States. The distance is tough, but it means we get to travel to see each other (and thank goodness for WhatsApp and Messenger!).
My four-footed family and I moved to Costa Rica in August 2020. The sounds and sights here are incredible: howler monkeys, laughing falcons, toucans, iguanas, inch-long lizards, colorful butterflies, coconut palms and the most gorgeous flowers you could imagine.
I began working as an editorial consultant in late 2011 — a wonderful career not only because I can work anywhere in the world, but also because I’m fortunate enough to be writing and editing documents on topics I find deeply interesting. Lucky me!
I still work as a journalist, but shifted to creative writing with my first book, Toby’s Tale, an award-winning children’s novel. I’m now working on the sequel, Toby’s Travels: The Adventure Continues, which I’m aiming to publish in September 2024. My rhyming picture book, Ashley’s Rescue: A Miracle Breakdown, was published in May 2024.
I am passionate about writing stories that not only entertain and educate, but also tug at the heartstrings and have readers rooting for the (under)dog.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Toby’s Tale. It’s the first in a series of at least three books (the sequel is about 80% finished!)
Having children kick-started my decision to start writing books. When I was pregnant with my youngest daughter, I came up with the idea of Toby’s Tale and began writing it when I was on maternity leave. Or, it wrote itself. I didn’t sit down and prepare an outline and a plot…I just sort of went where the story took me. It turned into a much bigger project than I expected – a 69,000-word novel for middle school children. It was really fun to work with another style of writing where I could use my imagination, be creative and inject emotion and personality into my writing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Perhaps it’s unusual not to plot and plan — do other authors usually do that? Another thing I do that is perhaps unusual is to include every dog I’ve ever had in these books. Toby himself is complete fiction, but all the dogs I have ever been fortunate enough to have had in my life appear (or will appear) in the series. It’s sort of my personal tribute to the joy they gave me, and writing about them brought back many beautiful memories.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ludwig Bemelmans! I’ve always been a huge fan of the Madeline series. I love Madeline’s spirit and her cleverness, her feistiness and her rebelliousness. I love that the series is set in Paris (one of my favorite cities) and I love the illustrations and the way they balance order and disorder. I passed on my love of Madeline to my three children: I have half of those books memorized because I read them so often as bedtime stories!
What are you working on now?
Toby’s Travels: The Adventure Continues is my current project. This book deals with disability and inclusivity and teaches young readers about compassion, empathy and respecting and valuing others — even if they’re “different.”
One of the main characters is deaf. Another is partially blind, partially deaf and old. Toby’s Travels also deals with overcoming biases (in Toby’s case, toward cats!) and addresses bullying. I’m making good progress and hope to publish the book in September and then get to work on the third book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve done reasonably well using Amazon ads. I haven’t found social media to be very useful in terms of book promotion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never stop writing. You’re probably not going to get rich writing books — few authors do — and you may end up spending more money than you make. But for me, the joy is in the journey; I love being able to create characters, to write what and how I want to write and to know that some people “out there” love my books.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself, listen more and do what you’re afraid to do.
What are you reading now?
We Were the Lucky Ones and The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just more of the same, I suppose. Bring characters to life with my words. Perhaps learn how to better market my books so more people can enjoy them.
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?
Canterbury Tales and anything by Kristin Hannah. Also, a copy of Toby’s Tale, so I could read it repeatedly and find ways to make it even better. 🙂
Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Freedman Amazon Profile
Jennifer Freedman’s Social Media Links
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