Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
It’s not often you are asked to ‘tell us about yourself’ unless you’re at a job interview or a first date. Since I met my husband when I was 19, that opportunity isn’t really available for me. I have however, had the opportunity during an interview to tell my tale.
So here goes: I’m perpetually 26, my hair is perpetually curly, I went to art school so I am perpetually creative. I never thought I’d be a writer (ask my high school English teacher and she’d heartily agree) but I fell into it on a dare. I love to travel, like spicy Indian food, teach a mean karate class and like to color inside the lines. My romantic comedies are based in Montana where I lived for five years. Many-MANY-of the things that happen in the books I pulled from real life. I have two boys so they are easy fodder. I love hearing from fans, so write to me!
I have written four books. Three contemporary romantic comedies- Gnome On The Range, Plumb Crazy and Mischief Under The Mistletoe. One historical romance- The Lady And The Lawman
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book—COMING SOON IN JANUARY 2014!—is Liar, Liar, Hearts On Fire. It takes place a tiny bit in Montana, but heads off to Alaska. Been on an Alaskan vacation? I bet your adventures were nothing like Violet’s!
Inspiration: Family trip to Alaska in 2012. Yes, again, many crazy things happened!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not that exciting. I wedge my writing time in between work, family and free time (what’s that?!)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Janet Evanovich. She completely rocks. Why? I like how her Stephanie Plum character can transcend time. Janet’s up to book 20 now and Stephanie has moved gracefully through the past two decades smoother than the rest of us. I also like how she uses clear descriptions, short sentences and gets right to the point. She has fabulous dialogue and great characters that aren’t hidden behind fluffy words. She also proves how life can be absolutely ridiculous and you just have to laugh about it.
What are you working on now?
I’m getting Liar, Liar, Hearts On Fire out the door. Boy, it’s a lot of work!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m an introvert, even on social media, so it’s difficult for me to stay ‘out there’ all the time. I try to build relationships with other writers, bloggers, promoters, one at a time and then have them help promote. Word of mouth (even through social media) is the best way to get known as an Indie.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You can do it! If I can do it, anyone can. It’s just like going to the gym. You have to go for it to work. The membership card doesn’t do much. So go sit at the computer and write. It’s not going to write itself. Then keep at it. And keep at it. And…you get the idea.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Which means, you can doom yourself. The one person keeping you from truly being successful (in anything) is yourself.
What are you reading now?
Lauren Willig’s The Passion Of The Purple Plumeria
What’s next for you as a writer?
In Liar, Liar, Hearts On Fire, Violet writes an erotic romance. I think I may want to write that book. Should be fun–and steamy!
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?
Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series (I’m going to clump them as one book since it’s a series)
Janet Evanovich’s One For The Money
Rosamonde Pilcher’s Coming Home—my all time favorite book and best romance story LOVE IT!!
Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Zane Website
Jennifer Zane Amazon Profile
Jennifer Zane’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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