Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Jenyfer Matthews

Interview with Jenyfer Matthews:

Hi Jenyfer. 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.

HERE TO STAY is my first publication. It’s a romantic suspense about a married couple who have drifted apart but still love each other. Julia, my heroine, wants to start fresh in a new place but Patrick, her husband, is determined to win her back. The suspense revolves around the house that Julia inherits from her great-aunt and whether or not Julia’s aunt’s death was indeed an accident as it was ruled.

HERE TO STAY (ISBN: 978-1-4199-0884-2) will be available from Cerridwen Press January 25th 2007.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

Many many more books I hope! I have a contemporary romance called ONE CRAZY SUMMER accepted by Cerridwen Press, to be published 2007.

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

Readers can look at my website www.jenyfermatthews.com for all the latest news on my books

- How may readers contact you?

I can be contacted at jenyfer@jenyfermatthews.com

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I’ve always loved reading romance novels – a good love story can be very uplifting. It wasn’t such a leap to want to write one myself. I have always liked to tell people what to do and what better way to get the story and ending you want than to do it yourself?

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

I think that it’s inevitable that some of the author’s personality will slip into the book, even if they are writing fantasy. I have never been chased by drug dealers, sung karaoke or earned a PhD, but certainly my sense of humor and my own perceptions of the world are going to slip into the book in the way that I write my characters. If you read enough books by one author you can recognize their writing style and voice. I’ve been told I have a dry sense of humor and I think that comes through in some of my dialog as well.

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

I started writing back in 1995. Obviously it’s been a long road to get where I am now! Once I had completed my manuscript, I wanted to share it with others. I wasn’t accepted right away, but I was fortunate to get some personal feedback from the editors who ultimately turned me down and that really helped. I also read some books on self-editing and just kept writing. Practice makes perfect, right?

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

It really depends on how good a grasp I have on the story. Sometimes I will have a really clear vision of how the entire plot is going to work and what will happen along the way. If that is the case, I can probably write a book in about six weeks. Some people work faster, but I do a lot of tinkering and editing along the way.

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

I don’t have a set schedule. Ideally, I like to work in the mornings when I’m fresh and have the house to myself. When I’m in the flow I hate interruptions! But I don’t sit down and write every day by the clock. I’ve tried that before and it doesn’t really work for me. Some days I have things to write, and some days I don’t. And some days I have to buy food so we don’t all starve…

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

I think humor is important in life! If you met a really gorgeous man / woman in real life who was smart, a good cook and great in bed but they never made you laugh, would you stay with them? Good looks will get my attention, but personality is the real clincher for me, in real life and in books. I’ve read some books where I just couldn’t really lose myself in the story because I couldn’t like the characters. It’s not enough to say someone is funny or sexy or likeable, you really have to show it to the readers.

- What does your husband think of your writing?

My husband teases me a bit, particularly about the love scenes, but in general I think he’s quite pleased for me and also proud.

- What is your favorite dessert?

I’d probably have to say chocolate mousse. First, because it’s chocolate!! And though I can make many things myself, I’m not going to make that!

- Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?

I really like Nora Roberts, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jane Green, and Sophie Kinsella among many many others! I will read many genres but even if they are not romances, a strong relationship element in the story is what will keep my interest.

- What do you think of critique groups in general?

I think that they are a great idea – here are the people who know what to look for when they read your manuscript and can tell you with an insider’s knowledge what works and what doesn’t before you submit it to an agent/publisher. Having said that, an author has to have an open mind, a clear enough vision of their own work, and thick enough skin that they can take the suggestions and the criticisms and decide whether or not they are valid.

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

It depends. HERE TO STAY was inspired by a visit to the New Jersey coast in March. The beaches were mostly deserted and the waves and cold were fierce. There was a fascinatingly powerful melancholy mood that called to me. In addition, there were all these lovely but decrepit Victorian houses in this particular area that I really wanted to breathe some life into, even if it was only in my imagination. ONE CRAZY SUMMER was inspired by an accounting class I took! My current WIP came to me on a whiff of freshly cut grass one summer afternoon.

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

I’m kind of a control freak so I would have to admit my characters pretty much do as I say! However, having said that, some are better at taking orders than others! I’ve been surprised on occasion by the twists and turns that occur along the way with some of them…

- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

I think the most rewarding thing has to be sharing your stories with the world and getting the feedback that they touched people in some way – even if it is just as a pleasant diversion for a couple of hours.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Never give up! Have faith in yourself, in your work, and keep writing. Talent alone won’t get you published – you have to have perseverance as well.

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!

Jenyfer Matthews' Website Interview Review coming Soon
Buy Jenyfer's Books Soon at Cerriwidden Press