Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am one of those people who always wanted to write books. I started doing NaNoWriMo way back in 2003, which helped me turn off my internal editor and just get some writing done. Eventually, many NaNos later, I wrote the draft that turned into Raising John. I have written 1 novel and 2 short stories. I am currently working on a sequel to Raising John, which will be published by Booktrope in late 2016.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Raising John. I was inspired by growing up with an alcoholic father and seeing how destructive addiction is – not only to the addict but to anyone involved with them.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in surges. I have never been someone who can write for an hour a day. I set aside weekends to get large chunks of work done.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Steinbeck was one of my early favorites. I read The Grapes of Wrath several times in high school. More contemporary authors include Anne Tyler, Ann Patchett, Anita Shreve and Joanna Trollope.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a sequel to Raising John, about John’s search for his biological father.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Engaging with readers about my process and characters. As for websites, I don’t know if there’s one that does it all – I use Facebook and Twitter, plus my own author website.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
People often ask me how they can get inspired to write. I tell them … there’s no magic. You’re not going to suddenly feel inspired one day and be able to write easily. Writing is hard. The best thing to do, if you want to be a writer, is to sit down and write. The other thing you can do, to make yourself a good writer, is read. Read a lot of authors and styles. I can usually tell when an author doesn’t read much. Read to learn about pacing and voice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Butt in chair, hands on keyboard.
What are you reading now?
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehesi Coates.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the sequel to Raising John, then finishing the next book, which was another NaNo project. It’s a multi-generational story about a kid who grew up with an angry hippie father, who himself grew up with a distant, outwardly successful, but very cold, father.
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?
The Grapes of Wrath
At least one of the Little House books.
Robertson Davies’ Salterton Trilogy (the one with all three volumes in one book – sneaky!)
Something by Anita Shreve.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Lesher Website
Jennifer Lesher Amazon Profile
Jennifer Lesher’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account