Welcome to this week’s Blog Ring of Power guest, Jennifer Allis Provost. She is a native New Englander who lives in a sprawling colonial along with her beautiful and precocious twins, a dog, a parrot (maroon bellied conure, to be exact), two cats, and a wonderful husband who never forgets to buy ice cream. As a child, she read anything and everything she could get her hands on, including a set of encyclopedias, but fantasy was always her favorite. She spends her days drinking vast amounts of coffee, arguing with her computer, and avoiding any and all domestic behavior.
And here is where you can find the rest of Jennifer’s interview:
Part 1 @ Terri – Wednesday, July 31
Part 3 @ Emily – Friday, August 2
Part 4 @ Sandra – Monday, August 5
Part 5 @ Vicki – Tuesday, August 6
PART 2: THE WRITING LIFE
What is your writing process? Do you follow a regular routine? Do you use pen and paper or computer? Work at home or at the library/Starbucks, etc. I like to get up early, and work for a few hours while the house is quiet. I usually use my laptop, but when I reach a block in the story I grab paper and pen and scribble away. I also talk out scenes, testing how the dialogue sounds in real life. That always garners a few odd looks from the pets.
How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life? Um…badly. *blushes* I have rather intense day job, three year old twins, and a house full of pets all depending on me. (Side note: my husband is a saint.) However, my compulsion to write is strong, which I why I end up waking up at 5am on weekends, and staying up way too late on weeknights. At times, it seems that my strongest support system is my coffeemaker.
How much time per day do you spend on your writing? I try to put in at least an hour per day, whether it’s writing, revising, or marketing.
Other than your family, what has been your greatest source of support? I have a few friends who have been with me since the beginning, talking about my books, writing reviews, and helping me get the word out. One of them even had her father contact the owner of his local indie bookstore to arrange a signing for me. Coincidentally, they all have A names – Ann, Amy and April. Maybe I should start calling them the Triple A’s.
Other than the Triple A’s, my biggest support system is Broad Universe (http://broaduniverse.org/ ). Back when I was just a fool with a single self published novel, they welcomed me with open arms. Through BU, I met other writers, got to have readings at major conventions, and have enjoyed the group’s considerable combined knowledge. Now, I’m a fool with a few more titles under her belt, and I still find BU to be an invaluable resource.
How do you deal with rejection and/or negative reviews? Reading is subjective, just like music and other forms of art. Everyone isn’t going to like everything, and no matter how well you hone your craft someone will always find a reason to dislike it. As long as most of the reviews are good, I don’t stress over the bad ones.
What format is your book(s) available in (print, e-book, audio book, etc.)? They are all available in print and ebook.
COPPER GIRL: Sara had always been careful.
She never spoke of magic, never associated with those suspected of handling magic, never thought of magic, and never, ever, let anyone see her mark. After all, the last thing she wanted was to end up missing, like her father and brother.
Then, a silver elf pushed his way into Sara’s dream, and her life became anything but ordinary.
Please let us know where your readers can stalk you:
Website: http://www.jenniferallisprovost.com/
Blog: http://jenniferallisprovost.blogspot.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jennallis
Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2975887.Jennifer_Allis_Provost
Twitter: @parthalan
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Copper-Girl-Jennifer-Allis-Provost/dp/1939392020/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_tnr_11