Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Jen Bokal

Interview with Jen Bokal:

Hi Jen. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...

- Please tell us about your latest book.

Set during the first century in Scotland, "Celtic Heart" Heart is an epic love story that follows a Celtic woman, Maeve, as she searches for love after the loss of her husband in her war torn home land. During her quest for her soul mate, Maeve recognizes her own power and strength.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

"Celtic Heart" is the first of three books in the Celtic Heart trilogy.

I have also, just completed a paranormal romance about a woman who checks into a haunted hotel. Very cool. But, no release date yet...

- How do we find out about your books?

Celtic Heart is currently available from Champagne Books as an e-book. They can be found at www.champgnebooks.com. I also have a website, which will be more interactive over the next few weeks to celebrate Celtic Heart’s release. That can be found at www.jenbokal.com.

- How may readers contact you?

I always love to hear from people who have read my work. Feel free to send me an e-mail at jenbokal@yahoo.com.

- Why do you write romance novels?

Even as a child, I wanted to be an author. There have always been stories in me that needed to come out. Initially, when I decided to turn my dream of writing into a reality I wanted to write for children. After all, I was the mother of three children and I spent an enormous amount of time reading children’s books.

For a few months I played around with several articles for children and had no luck. A friend of mine encouraged me to use my own voice with my writing. Since I have a fairly dry sense of humor, I knew many children would be frightened, if not scarred, by my prose. So, I switched to the other genre I knew, romance. I haven’t looked back since.

- How would you describe the genre in which you do most of your writing?

Like I mentioned, I am a mom and I find that most of the heroines in books are young and single. Some are experiencing love for the first time. This is especially true in the historic market, where I tend to read. Scenes about the heart palpitations that Lady Fairbossom suffers from with her first kiss began to feel a little trite to me and I allow me to become part of the story.

For good or bad, my life had evolved beyond that point and I needed more. Many of my friends bemoaned that there weren’t a whole lot of books out there for them, either. At that time something clicked for me and I decided that my heroines would be mothers. A few ladies have even been wives, trying to re-fall in love with their husbands.

- Do you have a target audience, and if so, who are they?

My target audience would be women with children.

-What are your main concerns as a writer?

Finding time to write! With three kids life gets hectic and there are days when brushing my teeth has to be made a priority or it won’t get done. But, each day my kids become a little older and a little more independent. That small amount of independence gives me more time to devote to my writing. Besides, I figure they are giving me a whole lot of material to work with.

- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

Since I have decided to write about moms in love, I would say that I bring a lot of my own emotions to the book. But, I think many of my fears, joys and hopes are universal. Since others can relate to these feelings, they can become a part of the story.

- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

Celtic Heart and my paranormal romance, Crossing Over, both took a year to from a vague idea to a completed manuscript.

- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

Being able to have a writing schedule is a dream of mine. I catch ten or fifteen minutes when I can. If the earth is rotating properly, I can spend a few hours on Sunday afternoon working. You would be surprised to learn how often the planets do not spin properly and then I am back to Monday morning trying to slip in a few stolen minutes of writing during the week.

- What is your writing routine once you start a book?

Once I get an idea I will journal about it for a few weeks and talk my friends into a stupor while I weave my tale. I do a lot of preliminary research at this time, too.

After a solid idea is formed I use the Marshall Plan for Novel Writing to break the book into conflict/scenes. Then I write. About half way into the book I tend to loose steam. Instead of plodding through and writing something dreadful, I try my hand at a short story. Once the short story is done, I am able to refocus on my current work in progress.

- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?

Most Sunday afternoons, everyone is very respectful of my time. During the week, not so much.

- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?

Sleep. I need at least eight hours a day or I become very grim and grouchy. I do get teased because I go to bed at 9:00 at night. But, I am up by 5:00 in the morning, checking my e-mail and getting the day started with a 2 mile walk.

- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?

Like romance in real life, it is best to be in the mood to write a love scene. (Note: this is not the same mood you need to be in for real life romance.) If you are not in the mood to write a good love scene it feel flat, like you are just going through the motions and nobody likes that!

Honestly, I think that the intimate love between two people is one of the most special things we are allowed to be a part of on earth. Really, isn’t that what the whole romance genre is about? Finding someone with whom you connect, physically, emotionally and spiritually is what makes the world go round. Celebrating that special bond is beautiful.

- What kind of research do you do?

Coming from a family of history buffs, I ask around if someone knows of a good book on the subject of interest me. I read book after book until I feel that I understand the time period, customs and mores. Then I begin on the book. Inevitably, while writing I find that I need a fact that requires more research. I don’t stop my work to discover what the Roman Army used to make their tents. Instead, I mark the spot by using (TK), make a note to myself and come back to it when I am not especially productive.

- What does your husband think of your writing?

John is very supportive of my writing and my children are incredibly proud. My entire family purchased shirts my publisher did with Celtic Heart’s cover. My daughters love to tell people that their mom wrote the book they are wearing.

- Do you ever ask him/her for advice?

When I write from a male point of view I ask John what he thinks. There have been a few times when he will read something, roll his eyes and say, “There is no way a guy would ever say THAT!”

- Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)

My husband, John, and I live in upstate NY with our three daughters, one dog and two cats (who kindly allow me to let them in and out at their leisure). I serve my local RWA chapter as President. I love to dance and perform jazz, tap and lyrical ballet with one group and Irish dance with another. John refers to me as Peter Pan, since I refuse to grow up. But, It makes me happy. My family and I enjoy the beautiful place we live by skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.

- Fill in the blank favorites -

Dessert: Chocolate Mambo Love with vanilla ice cream from the Lost Dog café
City: San Francisco, CA or Bar Harbor, ME.
Season: Fall, without a doubt
Hero: Alpha Male
Heroine: Smart and spunky

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Believe in yourself. You have the ability to achieve great things if you work on your craft dutifully.

Jen, I thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

Jen Bokal Interview Review Email Jen