Okay, I’ll admit, it’s a little strange to interview myself! However, since it’s the 4th of July, I figure there won’t be a lot of traffic on my blog or Facebook. Y’all should be out enjoying the holiday. But, in case you’re here and interested, I’m ready!
What is my most recent book or project?
I’m glad you asked! I was contracted just last month for my novel titled Surrendered, but don’t get used to the title, because I’m sure the publisher will change it before it releases. At least I hope they do. It’s a contemporary women’s fiction, with a strong element of romance—because what’s life without it? The story is about Tess O’Shay whose father’s will is clear; do what he demands, or lose everything, including guardianship of her younger sister. But there’s a force at work—an evil set on destroying her and her sister. If only she knew whether the enigmatic man helping them is friend—or deadly foe…
What three things would surprise your readers?
The first time I went to a writer’s conference (in 2008) I was so scared I wasn’t sure I’d survive the weekend. Literally!
I taught middle school for years and loved it. According to all the personality tests I’ve taken (helpful when creating characters), I don’t have the right personality to be a teacher or a writer. So much for psychology!
Even though my husband is my real-life hero, I can’t use him as a role model for my lead male characters. He’s too nice. I tried it with the first book I took to a conference and the mentor-teacher there told me that no one would believe the character was real.
What is your most difficult writing challenge and how do you overcome it?
I struggle with creativity. I love developing characters and dialogue is a snap for me, but creating a compelling storyline is difficult. That’s where I depend on God.
What are your reading recommendations for the summer and why?
I recently read Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale. It took a couple of chapters to get into, but then I was totally hooked. The story isn’t easy—it’s about World War II and takes place in France—but it’s a great read. And I just downloaded on Kindle Deborah Raney’s book Beneath the Southern Sky, but haven’t started it yet.
Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor of arts in psychology and a master’s degree in education. After teaching middle school English and U.S. history for several years, she was given the opportunity to leave this career to write full-time, which has been a life-long dream. She has three short stories published in Inspire Faith Anthology, a short story published in Inspire Joy Anthology, a short romance in 21 Days of Love compiled by Kathy Ide as well as a short non-fiction story in Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 Stories of Healing from Traumatic Brain Injury.
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Jennifer
Congratulations on your book contact! How exciting! I can’t wait to read it. 🙂 I also loved The Nightingale. Recently I read ‘Before We Were Yours’ by Lisa Wingate. It was an excellent read. Great storytelling. ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ by Celeste Ng is also quite compelling. Best of luck to you with your upcoming book release! I am so happy for you.
Warmly,
K Mattingly
Author
Kathryn,
Thank you so much! I learned so much from being in the critique group and appreciate all your wise counsel. I pray all is well with you and your family.