Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Jenny Paschall

Interview with Jenny Paschall:

Hi Jenny. 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...

- About her latest book...What her publisher says.

Stefi is the story of an amazing friendship, a spiritual, romantic comedy across the outlandish peaks and through the emotional valleys of two diametrically opposed women—one the catalyst, the other the vessel—seeking experiences that have eluded them both.

Beginning in London, traveling to Calcutta and the Himalayas—and then back to London again, Stefi and Sue play an emotionally charged, riotous game of psychological and physical hide and seek, as each searches for and finds fulfillment.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

I’m currently writing another novel, based in Sardinia. I also have 2 scripts in development.

- How do we find out about you and your books?

Go to Amazon.com, check out my website wizardsofweird.com, and IMDb.com

- How may readers contact you?

Via wizardsofweird.com or my personal email, jennypaschall@aol.com

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

Stefi is semi autobiographical – some parts of the book are taken from diaries I kept at the time of my experiences. The character of Stefi is based on a real person. Many other people and events are real, even the zaniest!

- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?

I’ve been writing documentaries for some years. I wrote 4 trivia books as I love strange facts and wanted to share some of the weird things I knew with others. I’m also a features writer for a national paper in England. So writing is something I love to do. The novel ‘Stefi’ was a real departure for me, but it was a story I really wanted to tell.

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

I set a schedule for myself but found I was so caught up with the story, I ultimately went with the flow. Some days it seemed as though I just couldn’t stop writing.

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

I go for a long walk every morning, then I sit at my desk and begin to write. During the walk, I frequently either resolve problems with the story, plan scenes, or just think of dialogue. Then when I sit down to write (usually still in my walking gear!) the words are all there, ready to be written.

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

My husband talks constantly, so I have to close the door and he is forbidden to come anywhere near me on pain of death!

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

I love cooking. It’s a great way to unwind and takes my mind off any problems. I enjoy every aspect of preparing a meal, from planning, shopping, cooking and setting the table. I have a great circle of friends and can think if nothing better than spending time with them, drinking wine, eating good food, talking and laughing. Very important.

- Where do your ideas come from?

I don’t know! Sometimes I see something happen, or meet someone,or read something and it triggers a thought which ends up in a book or script.

- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction and why?

It’s essential. I love to laugh and I truly believe that a sense of humour has helped me through some very difficult times.

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

Love scenes are perfectly fine when they are a timely part of the story. I don’t find them difficult to write, but I think my kids find them difficult to read!

- What does your husband/wife think of your writing?

My husband is tremendously supportive and in fact, he was the one who encouraged me to write.

- Do you ever ask him for advice?

Yes, but I don’t always listen!

- Please tell us about yourself...

Born in London, living in Los Angeles. Went to a fancy girls’ school in London and was ultimately expelled. However, I went on to have a successful career (despite dire warnings from my teachers) as a CFO. Then became a producer, doing shows for Discovery Channel, Nickelodeon, Travel Channel, Family Channel.

- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?

Peter Ackroyd and his biography of Charles Dickens.

- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?

I belong to an informal book club with a number of friends all over the country. We can’t get together as often as we would like, but we discuss the books via email.

- What do you think of critique groups in general?

Excellent.

- Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully, writing more books, screenplays and articles.

- How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?

I’ve been writing documentaries for about 10 years. I always loved writing when I was at school.

- How many books have you written, how many have been published?

I’ve written 5 books, all have been published.

- What book for you has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?

Corny though it sounds, I’ve loved writing them all. I just think I’m so fortunate to be able to spend my working day doing what I love.

- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?

For ‘Stefi’ it was definitely the characters who came first.

- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

A bit of both. I start off controlling them, then they develop a life of their own and sometimes surprise me with their antics.

- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?

I was once a social worker, so I’d probably return to that – it was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Yes – keep writing, keep reading other people’s books, but above all, relax and enjoy yourself.

- What question would you love to answer that I didn't ask?

You’ve done a great job, can’t think of anything else.

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!

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Buy Jenny's Books at Robert D. Reed Publishers