Interview With Author Jennifer J. Coldwater
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing stories since elementary school—this is the first time I’ve taken on something as ambitious as this.
I teach journalism and creative nonfiction, so this journey has been a joy I hope you can feel in my first novel. Loosely based on the Bible book of Ruth (but with f-bombs, drunken confessions of adoration, and a spicy sex scene), “Holland, My Heart” is the first in a collection of biblical women’s stories retold as contemporary romances.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
When the world shut down in March 2020, I was living in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a plethora of rescue dogs. (In case you’re wondering, a plethora is two dogs more than a pack. This is not science, but it is nonetheless a fact.) In the absence of anyone but my roommate and our canines, I started writing a novel based on one of my favorite stories: the book of Ruth.
For as long as I can remember, the story of Ruth and Naomi has resonated with me.
Something about Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law grabbed my heart and would not let go. As I spent twenty months with this text, I realized my own mother is the reason I am so connected to this story. As a military brat raised by a military brat, I can say with certainty wherever my mom goes, I will go. And yet, she also taught me that anywhere I am, she is with me. When you regularly have to pick up everything to move thousands of miles away, you learn to keep the important people in your heart.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a pantser in many ways. But I do like to do a lot of research before I start (and as I go along, really). My research starts with the Bible. I use Sefaria.org: A Living Library of Jewish Texts Online. After writing “Holland, My Heart”, I added listening to the chapters read in Hebrew at Mechon-Mamre.org. (I wish I’d thought to look for it when I was writing my first novel.)
Anyway, after I am very comfortable with the Bible story and the storytelling, I research the other aspects of the contemporary romance novel. I find that my journalism training is useful in this part of the writing process. For example, for “Holland, My Heart”, I read several Forbes and Fortune magazine articles about the paths and successes of young, female CEOs so my descriptions of Holland would be relatable. For my second book, I’m currently researching how world-famous bands like Coldplay and Radiohead—as well as solo artists like Camila Cabello and Alessia Cara—craft songs, plan and execute extensive tours, and live with fame.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
A.J. Hackwith’s “The Library of the Unwritten” inspired me to complete my first novel–her version of Hell quickly became my worst nightmare. I owe her for lighting fire and brimstone under my writerly buns!
My other favorites include Lev Grossman’s The Magicians trilogy, all of Penny Reid’s series, and anything my friends recommend.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing “Hannah’s Song” based on 1 Samuel 2 with an eye toward Deborah (both a prophet and a judge), Eve (yes, *that* Eve!), and the five daughters of Zelophehad (who raised the case of a woman’s right to inherit property).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring this part out, but so far I’ve had good luck with author interviews like this one.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My first recommendation is that you read A.J. Hackwith’s “The Library of the Unwritten”. I don’t know A.J. I’m not getting a cut of her sales. I just know this book inspired me to complete my first novel–her version of Hell quickly became my worst nightmare. I owe her big time for lighting fire and brimstone under my writerly buns!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Live by the Platinum Rule. Do unto others as they would want done to them. I think the Golden Rule only gets us so far. We have to meet the people we love where they are. It’s about learning each other’s love languages, Enneagram type, Zodiac sign, whatever–and then behaving accordingly.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Avery Flynn’s Last Man Standing series and they are cracking me up! Very funny and super spicy. 10/10 would recommend
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m revising my first draft of “Hannah’s Song: An emotional, problems-in-paradise, witty, sexy romance with a love triangle twist” which is based on 1 Samuel 1-2. Once I turn her over to beta readers and editors, I’ll probably start work on the sequel to “Holland, My Heart”. I find I miss those characters and would like to get back into their heads for a while. My friends and family really want to know what happens for Holland’s sister-in-law Ximena; so I will start there.
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?
I’d have to take The Magicians trilogy by Lev Grossman: “The Magicians”, “The Magician King”, and “The Magician’s Land”. Maybe the fourth should be “Ten Trends to Seduce Your Best Friend” by Penny Reid — I read it recently and it was an instant favorite.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer J. Coldwater Amazon Profile
Jennifer J. Coldwater’s Social Media Links