Anticipating a review of her book next week, I had the pleasure of
interviewing author Jennifer Sadera. Don't forget to stop by next Tuesday for a giveaway and review of I Know She Was There. I still have chills!
Jodi: I Know She Was There was people who do bad things and people who uncover those bad things. Would you be more successful as a criminal or a sleuth?
Jennifer: I would be a much more successful sleuth than criminal because I am a rule follower. It’s one of my best traits but also the thing I secretly wish I could change. I get angst when I even think about going against society’s grain. Criminals have little or no regard for the law. Their activities hurt people and often result in chaos, but there’s that little piece of me that wonders what it would feel like to flaunt the law at every turn. I suppose the crazy things that occur in my novels are an exploration of this latent curiosity.
Jodi: Tell us how long it took you to make this book a reality, from first word to acceptance by a publisher.
Jennifer: I KNOW SHE WAS THERE took about a year to get from first line—Jane Brockton
was going to get caught—to a contract offer, but that does not even begin to tell the story of my struggle as a writer.
In 2011 I began writing my first novel. It took me two years and was too long, but I didn’t
know much about writing books back then. I self-published it just to see if it would connect with anyone. Fortunately, it resonated with a lot of readers and got good reviews. I knew nothing about marketing or promotion, so the story didn’t get a ton of exposure, but it gave me the confidence I needed to keep writing. I kept at it, taking classes, attending writing conferences, connecting with other authors, and improving my writing. Deciding the next book had to be traditionally published, I wrote five more books during the next 10 years, endured hundreds of rejections, and tried to stay positive. My sixth novel, I KNOW SHE WAS THERE, was snapped up immediately by the magnificent editors at CamCat Books.
Jodi: So people will talk about you being an overnight sensation while you grit your teeth and smile. Thanks for sticking with it and giving us this wonderful book. When you were attending all those writers’ conferences you had the opportunity to meet many writers in your genre – any author still on your “wish list” to meet?
Jennifer: I want to meet EVERY writer in my genre! I love so many writers and I am the
biggest fangirl out there. I’m embarrassed to admit, I’ve come close to stalker status at times.
For me, going to writers’ conferences is like taking trips to Disney World. I hit up as many panels as I can just to hear what other writers have to say. I am never disappointed by what I hear. I also buy books by the truckload (or so it seems). I love to read and fill my house with all the wonderful stories produced by fellow authors.
Jodi: Any secret writing tips or rituals you want to share?
Jennifer: I don’t believe in keeping secrets when it comes to writing. I always share my tips. In that way I am an open book (sorry, I couldn’t resist). I do have rituals. I’ve not kept them secret but simply haven’t shared because I’m not sure how interesting they are, ha,ha. I tend to focus more on the writing than myself, but here are a few things that keep me energized and motivated: coffee (the only thing that can spark my brain to get started each morning); tai chi (I know it looks silly, but it really does stretch the muscles and joints which counteracts 6 hours of my butt parked in my writing chair each day); long walks with the pups at lunchtime (dogs really are woman’s bestie); and periodic chats with family, friends, or other writers (counter to the image of writer as loner, I am the ultimate people person. Conversation inspires me).
Thanks so much for this opportunity!!!
Jodi: Thanks so much for visiting. I have a feeling we'll all be fangirling you now. See you on Tuesday, November 19th for the giveaway!
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