Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an actor, director, playwright, and professor of theatre. I have written several one act plays and one full length play as well as a screenplay. I recently published my debut novel, Life is But a Dream.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Life is But a Dream: A Novel is the story of Angela who is a narcoleptic. Or at least, that’s what she tells people. The truth is . . . somewhat more complicated. Angela has two lives, existing in parallel universes. When she sleeps in one life, she is awake in her other life. In one reality she is single and successful in New York City. In her other reality, she is a loving wife and mother in suburban Sacramento. But which life is real? And can she be happy in both of them? When, in one of her realities, she meets Tony, a handsome poet, she begins to think that perhaps she can find love and have the family she always dreamed of. But, as things go well in one life, they begin to fall apart in another, and Angela has to navigate complicated questions of family, loyalty, and love.
I saw a tv show years ago with a plot point where a woman wanted only to sleep because her dream life was better than reality. I started thinking about this idea again years later when I was getting married and I thought about the idea of a character having a soulmate, someone she would be with in more than one reality. That inspired me to write a book about a woman who was aware of multiple realities in which she had lives.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
In addition to being a writer, I am an actor and director, so I often read my writing aloud and even sometimes act it out a bit (the dialogue) to make sure it rings true.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of my favorite authors: Madeline L’Engle, Jane Austen, David Sedaris, Lucy Maude Montgomery, Audrey Nifenegger, Jeanette Walls
What are you working on now?
I have several projects in the works, including a book of monologues for young actors, picture books about my children, and a how-to acting book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I have been using social media, but I am pretty new to the marketing aspect of things.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be just to write and then worry about making it good later. I decided to just write a book and I did it in a month, then went back later and rewrote and made it better.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I like the advice to write what you want to read. Don’t worry about what “readers” want. I write things that I would love to read.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Six Characters in Search of an Author. (I have been on a play reading kick lately).
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to continue writing and I have several books in the works.
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 bring a how-to survive on an island book, a journal, and a photo album.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Provenza Website
Jennifer Provenza Amazon Profile
Jennifer Provenza’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile