Talkshow Thursday: Say Hello to Jenna Brandt
I'm sitting down today with author Jenna Brandt who saw a need for readers and did her part to fill it. Draw up a chair and get to know this interesting lady!
Linda: You are part of an anthology of Christmas
stories titled Under the Mistletoe.
How did that collection come about?
Jenna: I’ve
noticed in the book industry, anthologies are a great way for readers to get to
know new authors as well as for authors to share the work with a wider
audience, but it wasn’t being used as often in the Christian writing world. I
decided I wanted to create one for the Christmas season: romances themed around
Christmas all with HEAs. I asked my good friend and critique partner, Lorana
Hoopes, if she would be interested and she came into the project as my
co-creator. We then put out a call to any writers who were interested in a
couple of Facebook groups we both were in and narrowed it down to 8 authors
total-featuring 2 historical novellas and 6 contemporary.
LM: Where did you
find your inspiration for your story The
Christmas Bride?
Jenna: It centers
around a couple that was introduced in my series, Window to the Heart Saga.
They are friends of the main characters in the fourth book, The Oregon Pursuit,
which takes place in 1870 West Linn, Oregon.
LM: You obviously
have a love for history. Your books range from the Victorian to the WWI era
with the Old West tossed in for good measure. Which time period is your
favorite and why?
Jenna: Oh, my,
that’s like asking me to pick a favorite child (I have four of those too). I
love each of them for different reasons. I think I love reading the Victorian
era, and Regency was my first introduction to historical romances. As a matter
of fact, my current work in progress is set back in England during the
Victorian era with characters from The Oregon Pursuit and The Christmas Bride.
I love mixing sub-genres and having fish out of water scenarios. However,
researching WWI was so much fun. Honestly, I don’t think I can pick. I love
them all for different reasons.
LM: Lots of
research goes into each story to ensure historical accuracy. What is your
method for researching a story, and how much time goes into that before you
begin to write?
Jenna: I research
the era and the location extensively so I have a feel for the time period. For instance, The Christmas Bride and The Oregon Pursuit both take place in West
Linn, Oregon at the end of the Oregon Trail. I have lots of tidbits of truth
woven throughout the stories to make the book historically accurate. I also
research as I go for descriptions and pictures so I can visualize an area where
my book takes place.
LM: Have you ever
experienced writer’s block, and if so, what did you do to push through it?
Jenna: I think
every writer does experience writer’s block. Personally, I might set it aside
for a couple of days if I’m not on deadline. If I am, I just force myself to
keep writing. I may not like what I’m writing but I can always go back and edit
it later. The key is to keep pushing through. Also, starting at the end and
working backwards helps if the plot has already been figured out and I know the
end.
LM: What is your
next project?
Jenna: As I
mentioned, I am currently working on the next book in my series called The
Viscount’s Wife, featuring characters from my West Linn books which I hope to
release in late January. I also have two other projects I’m working on-one
coming out in March and June, respectively.
LM: Where can
folks find you on the web?
Jenna:
Website: http://www.jennabrandt.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jennnathewriter/
Go to https://www.wattpad.com/user/JennaBrandtAuthor to get the first two chapters of all my books for free!
Here's the buy link for Under the Mistletoe: www.amazon.com/dp/1979713073
LM: Thanks so much for stopping by!
Linda, what a fun post and chance to get to know Jenna. Christian Christmas romances are the best! There's something about finding the "most wonderful time of the year" with. Good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteKathy Bailey