Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Jennifer Renson, the author of one young adult book (Carousel) and three poetry books (Delightfully Dark: A Collection of Poems and Tales, Eo: Go, walk, ride, sail, pass, travel, and Uncharted) so far.
Writing is my passion and I hope to one day make writing my full time career. I participate in Open Mic events throughout New Jersey, attend book signings, and when I am not writing poetry/books freelance write for Lost Treasure Magazine covering a variety of topics from Captain Kidd, Cesare Borgia, King Arthur and Richard III.
I’ve had the honor and liberty to meet well known actor and photographer Norman Reedus, the talented Michael Rooker, and the creative minds behind The Lego Movie Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Not only have I been a extra in Chris Rockwell and The Stickball Social Club’s music video “We Don’t Play To Win” but I’ve been featured in Monmouth University’s Monmouth Magazine and have been on internet radio including 40footholestudio.
I adore books, writing, poetry and all of it’s forms, yes including well written and creative movies such as films from Marvel, DC, and historical dramas.
I hope to inspire the world with my works and if they make just one person smile, make one day bright, make just bit more of happiness, I feel accomplished!
“There is no apology for passion.” –Jennifer Renson
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Carousel was released in August 2015 through Propel, the young adult division of Pulse. Carousel was a experiment for me in the sense I never wrote anything quite like it before. My stories tend to stay in the young adult realm but never to the degree of mixing whimsical and scary.
I wanted to see if I could write a story that, well, someone like Tim Burton would write. It takes themes from fairy tales with suspense and thrills to keep the readers guessing at every chapter.
Carousels, being my favorite ride as a child, remind me of times of innocence and wonder, becoming this centerfold in a alternative Lucca, Italy that brings together several characters while tearing others apart.
In short:
After living in the countryside for years, Princio returns to his homeland, the tiny yet prosperous Kingdom of Lucca, upon the orders of his dying grandfather. Living alone in the annexed building next to the palace, Princio is discovered by the kingdom’s chief doll maker, Feletti, who purposely withholds his knowledge of Princio’s past in order to gain his trust and friendship. Princio believes Feletti to be a true friend until he meets Marian, a girl with a penchant for cooking and a natural curiosity, and their chance meeting in the kingdom’s carousel sets off a series of events with the potential to change everything. As Princio, Marian, and Feletti’s dark secrets begin to unfurl, their lives slowly come to light –
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve kept several pieces of scrap paper on me at all times since high school because creativity has no schedule and some of my most profound and brilliant ideas have happened at the most inconvenient times. I tend to write story notes in black ink and my poetry in blue ink.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by several books and writers, especially works written during and about the Victorian Era. The stories are beyond creative and fascinate me to this day! To name a few poets/writers who have influenced me: J.R.R Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, Thomas Malory, T.S Elliot, and the artist Winsor McCay.
What are you working on now?
Currently I am making the final edits to the prequel to Carousel, titled The Cottontail. This story takes readers into the palace, introducing two new characters, and giving the villain Feletti some backstory as to how his doll making skills came to be. Aside from that I continuing my poetry, hoping to write a fourth book of poetry in the coming years.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method to promoting my books is being persistent and doing as much as I physically can which includes using social media sites, spreading the news to friends, and attending events where I can share my works.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you want to write, write. Write what you want. Write as much as you can. Do what you love.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Be kind. Be on time. Take the work seriously. Don’t take yourself too seriously.” Tom Hiddleston
What are you reading now?
Currently I am reading The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. Upon finishing it I plan to read The Man in the Iron Mask.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I am working on several more stories I am searching for a literary agent. I plan to attend several conventions in 2016 including Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, Wizard World San Diego Comic Con (which will be my first time there) and Wizard World Boston Comic Con. I have some more interviews coming up and I look forward to seeing where all of this goes. I am keeping very high hopes that I can achieve my dreams and cannot wait to see where 2016 takes me!
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?
1. The Picture of Dorian Gray
2. The Life of Cesare Borgia
3. The Hobbit
4. Le Morte de Arthur
Jennifer Renson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account