Welcome Back, Jennifer Slattery
Linda: Welcome back! Congratulations on your latest
release, Restoring Her Faith, with
Love Inspired. How did your relationship with Love Inspired come about, and
where did you get your story idea?
Jennifer: Normally,
my story ideas start with a character—her struggle, fears, dreams, etc. But
this time, it began with a church. A series of churches, actually, sprinkled
throughout Texas. They’re known as the Painted Churches of Texas, and they are
gorgeous. I was immediately drawn to their artistry, the symbolism in many of
their images, and the history behind them. As I spent time learning about these
churches, Faith, my heroine, emerged, and the plot took form.
LM: Your male
protagonist is a building contractor. What kind of research did you do to ensure
accuracy or are you already proficient in the field?
Jennifer: Oh, my,
a lot! I had to learn about restoration, damage that comes from bat
infestations, fire damage, fire damage cleanup (like cleaning up fire
extinguisher residue), stained glass window restoration, and more! Luckily, I
found all I needed and more online and was even able to watch various
restoration projects, in part, on YouTube. I don’t know how writers survived
before the Internet!
LM: You write fiction and non-fiction. How are they different for
you as a writer? What sort of similarities are there?
Jennifer: You ask
such great questions! My fiction experience has actually proven helpful in my
nonfiction writing as I often write from a testimonial approach. I tell
stories, whether they’re real or
LM: What is one
thing you wish you knew how to do?
Jennifer: Say no
to ice cream! Ha! And play an instrument. However, I’m a bit stingy with my
time and recognize to learn, I’d need to devote time to classes and practicing.
Time my muse is reticent to allow!
LM: If money were
no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?
Jennifer: Hm …
I’m pretty simple and enjoy anywhere I can experience outdoor beauty. But my
brother and sister-in-law live in Korea, and I’ve only been to see them once.
(Luckily they come to the states pretty frequently, but I still feel like I
don’t see them much.) So, if I had the funds, I’d probably go see them, with my
husband and daughter, once every couple years.
LM: What writers
have most influenced your career?
Jennifer: I’ve
been able to connect with a lot of amazing writers, but the three that have
impacted me most are Shannon Taylor Vannatter, Kathleen Freeman, and Diana
Prusik. Those ladies are treasures and such encouragers! They’re all crazy
talented, have taught me a lot through critiques, but even more, they’ve
continually bolstered my heart.
LM: You’ve got
another book with Love Inspired coming out in September. What other projects
are on the docket for you this year?
Jennifer: Oh,
that’s a loaded question! Haha! My ministry, Wholly Loved Ministries, is
finishing up edits on our first daily devotional, which is being published on
Crosswalk and iBelieve now and will go to print, God willing, near the end of
this year. We’re also in the writing phase of our second devotional, which will
also publish on Crosswalk and iBelieve and be released by us in print and ebook
form. I recently sent a book proposal to my agent I’m waiting to hear back
from. After that, I’ll begin working on a Bible study my ministry plans to
release in 2020. (Our first study released in 2019 with video and audio
components. You can check it out HERE
and download a free Kindle copy HERE.)
LM: Where can
folks find you on the web?
Jennifer: All
over? Just kidding. Sort of. They can visit my website at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com.
I also have a devotional blog on Crosswalk; you can find that HERE.
You can connect with my ministry HERE, friend me on Facebook HERE
(but if your privacy settings don’t allow me to see you bio, please send me a
message so I know you’re a real person. J There are a lot of
face accounts out there!) They can also connect with me on Instagram HERE
and Twitter HERE,
or subscribe to Wholly Loved’s YouTube channel HERE.
About the book:
She left belief
behind…Yet this family could change her mind.
With two boys to raise,
a fledgling contracting business to run and a family ranch to keep afloat,
widower Drake Owens finds his hands aren't just full they're overflowing. When
Faith Nichols is hired to help him renovate the church, he's drawn to the
beautiful artist, but he can't fall for a woman who isn't a believer. Can love
restore her faith and his heart?
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