I had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely Jennyfer Brown for The Hive's spotlight author this month.
I'm currently reading her new book 'Healing Faith', and it's a page turner, but first, here is the interview.
Interview with Jennyfer Browne
Where are you from?
Originally, I’m from Maryland. I spent most of my teens jumping from state to state (different parts of Maryland, Alabama, Northern California) until finally settling down in Southern California.
Tell us your latest news?
My debut novel Healing Faith has been released on Amazon and I am busy making edits for the second book of the series! I am also working on a romantic comedy that I hope to pitch later this summer.
When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing when I was young: poetry and epic fantasy stories with strong females. I recently started writing again when one of my friends begged me to write her something a little lemony. It was all downhill from there!
What inspired you to write your first book?
The desire to have more sweet romances to counterbalance erotica that has rushed onto the publishing scene. Not that I don’t enjoy a good naughty story, but I missed the idea of fighting for love and that sense of awe one has when first discovering love.
How do you conceive your plot ideas?
Some just come to me from a feeling a song might have on me, or perhaps a photograph. My first novel came from a conversation between friends over a photo shoot for a magazine. Within a day I had the first four chapters roughed in.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Love triumphs. No matter what life may throw at you, if you love someone, \and they love you- nothing can come between you.
What books have influenced your life most?
Classic Greek and Shakespeare were what I grew up on- tales of tragedy, heroism and love. I spent most of my youth acting, so classic plays and literature were always something I read or performed in. Of course I was also an avid fantasy reader, so tales of Elves and men, or witches and dragons often morphed into stories of valiant women fighting evil in my head.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Probably the late Robert Jordan, author of the epic series The Wheel of Time novels. The man was gifted with intricate world and character building, and as a historian, he understood the needs to research and back up one’s storyline. I would also say I enjoyed is wordiness in his novels.
What book are you reading now?
I just finished Emma Chase’s Tangled, of which I loved the styling of her protagonist’s voice (NO SPOILERS!).
I currently reading another self-pubbed author’s work, Colored Whistles by Jeremy McCollum- a very touching story about a 1930’s veterinarian in rural Georgia who finds himself falling for a young African American girl.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The research. This story is centred around a very private group of people, the Amish- whose views and laws vary depending on the region. There are so much contradictory information out there, it made creating an authentic community a lot more difficult. I also gained 15 pounds making all the food I wrote about. My next book needs to be about a girl at the gym. Research is everything.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned so much more about the Amish than I ever thought possible. I used to visit Lancaster as a child, but I didn’t think much about what their life meant. If anything, I’ve learned that simplicity in life can help you see things a little more clearly.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Write- write what inspires you. Don’t lose faith. Find a place to show it and take the criticism as a learning tool to hone your skills. And always, always research before you commit.
What do you think people search for in a book?
I think people in general enjoy the escape. You can find yourself in love all over, or fighting evil, or crying over loss. Emotions are what make us humans, and if a book drives us emotionally, then it’s worth the read. Happy endings are always a nice way to end, but I find reflecting on what I have experienced from a good book is sometimes even better.
What genre of books do you like to read?
I grew up with fantasy and classic literature. As I’ve grown older, I enjoy a good romantic comedy sprinkled in with something saucy. I especially love Paranormal and mythical romance, as it seems to link my childhood love with my older tastes.
What advice would you give to someone who "runs out of creativity" when writing?
Find another way to make your muse sing- whether it is music or art, or perhaps even just a series of short scenes to write. I’ve fallen into blocks many times- a particular part in the story doesn’t want to sing to me- so I skip it and write what is. Many times when I do that, the tumblers click into place for that earlier “scene” and I can write it. If all else fails, take a step back. Enjoy a good read, take a break from writing to see where your mind drifts. You’ll find your way back, especially if you don’t panic over the silence in your head. But don’t be surprised if you hear a different voice now and again. I have several partially written stories in my computer- some days I have three open at once! Let it come when it will, never force it.
Now, let's have some details about the amazing book!
Healing Faith
Volume One of the IN YOUR WORLD Series
By Jennyfer Browne
Summary
Fleeing an abusive relationship, Kate Hill finds herself stranded in rural Iowa, hiding in a community of Amish. Nathan Fisher is an Amish man questioning his faith after the loss of his family. He discovers his guiding angel when an English woman becomes his inspiration to his heartsick soul.
Together they will discover that love can withstand cultural differences, and heal broken faith.
Fleeing an abusive relationship, Kate Hill finds herself stranded and hiding in a quiet and guarded community of Amish in rural Iowa. When she meets a troubled Amish man, she learns that with a leap of faith, one can discover love and kindness.
Be sure to get yourselves a copy of this wonderful book.
The Hive's review for Healing Faith will be coming soon.
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