Welcome to Indie Author InterviewTuesday hosted by Never Too Old for YA & NA Books group on Goodreads!
Today we are welcoming author Jennifer Anne Davis!
During her abduction and assault, Audrey begins to hear a voice. She hopes she's not going crazy, because after what she's experienced, that's the most logical explanation. However, as she begins to listen to the voice, Audrey realizes that someone may be telepathically trying to help her.
Unfortunately, rescue isn't all she needs. In order to leave behind the constant reminders, she flees to her Aunt Kate's house in San Diego, and assumes a new identity. It works until the eighteen-year-old twin boys who live next door threaten to break through the protective walls she's worked so hard to build.
Between Caleb going out of his way to befriend her and Justin avoiding her at all costs, Audrey doesn't know if normalcy will ever find her again. But one thing is certain: When a familiar danger resurfaces, it's the same voice that she turns to -- a voice that is not only real, but a lot closer than she realizes.
Gripping and tastefully told, The Voice is a story of healing, trust, and courage
So, let's hear what Jennifer has to say!
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else?
I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. When I went to college, I didn’t think I could make a career out of writing, so I became a teacher instead. Once I had kids and stopped teaching, I realized I could write in my “spare” time. I’ve been writing ever since.
How long does it take you to write a book from start to finish?
It really depends. Usually it takes me about one month of outlining and planning the book, 4-6 months to write the first draft, and then 8-12 months of revising.
How do you come up with themes for your stories?
Themes come last. I get the basic story down first, then add layers with secondary characters and themes.
Do you have a schedule of when you write?
Every day after I drop my kids off at school, I write or revise for a couple of hours. Then at night after my kids are all in bed, I try to get in a couple more hours of writing. Sometimes I’ll be in the middle of writing an exciting chapter, but I have to stop to go pick my kids up from school. That is really hard. I have notes all over my house where I write thoughts down so I don’t forget them!
How are you able to balance other aspects of your life with your writing?
It’s hard. Writing is so very time consuming. And now with a book in print, I have to allocate time to marketing myself as well. I try to only work when my kids are at school or in bed. The weekends are for family (or reading ). It is hard to balance. My characters are always with me and I’m constantly thinking about them. We’ll be in the middle of dinner and I’ll jump up to go and write some notes down about something that should happen or what someone should say. My kids think it’s funny and they ask who I’m writing about and what’s going on with my characters. We talk about them like they’re real people!
What elements do you think make a great story line?
I love a lot of action! BUT I absolutely have to get to know the characters. I want to know not only what the character is doing, but when they’re thinking and feeling. I love when the story is infused with a slow building romance. I detest it when characters see one another and are instantly in love because they are so beautiful.
What was the hardest thing about writing a book?
Getting through that first rough draft! I love to plan the book and create the world and characters. But making it through that first draft can be torturous! Once that draft is done, the revising starts, which is hard too, but at least I have something to work with.
How many books have you written so far? Do you have a favorite?
I have completed three books and am in the middle of my fourth. I don’t have a favorite, but I can see that my writing has improved with each book, which is very satisfying (and slightly embarrassing when people are reading your older work).
What kinds of things do you like to do outside of writing?
My kids are young so I’m constantly driving them to soccer, karate, and doing homework with them. We love to go swimming and to the beach.
What kinds of advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing?
Read. You can’t expect to write if you don’t read A LOT. You have to know your genre, audience, and what people are doing that works. Reading will make you a better writer.
What is your favorite book? favorite author? Do you have an author that inspired/inspires you to write?
I can’t possibly pick one! There are so many books that I love. I read two to three books a week. Some of my favorite books are: The Hunger Games Trilogy, Graceling, Fire, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, The Crown of Ember, City of Bones, City of Ashes, Divergent, Perfect Chemistry, Crown Dual, and Grave Mercy. I’ll just stop myself now. Otherwise, I’ll be here all day!!
Do you have any go to people when writing a book that help you with your story lines as well as editing, beta reading and such?
Definitely! I have two writing partners. We bounce ideas around and critique each other’s work. I know I wouldn’t be published today without working with these two individuals.
Are you working on anything now?
Yes!! I am in the middle of a three book series. The first book is undergoing edits and is slated for publication in the Spring of 2014. I’m hoping to have book two done this month! Then it’s on to book 3. I absolutely adore this series and can’t wait to share it with everyone!
Jennifer graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. Afterwards, she married her high school sweetheart, worked as a legal assistant, and taught high school English. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three young children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids' creativity.
Goodreads/Twitter/Website/Facebook
Thanks for stopping by today, Jennifer! It was so great to have you here!
And today Jennifer is offering three ecopies of her book! You could win. Just enter via Rafflecopter below!
Jennifer graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. Afterwards, she married her high school sweetheart, worked as a legal assistant, and taught high school English. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three young children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids' creativity.Goodreads/Twitter/Website/Facebook
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