Interview with J. F. Jenkins

Today we're talking with YA author, J. F. Jenkins. Check out her new release: Legend of the Touched.

1.       What do you do when you are not writing?

When I'm not writing, I'm either reading, sleeping, playing a game, or working. Those are the staples of my life. Sometimes I'm going on a random adventure when I can find one in town. Or sometimes I make up my own random adventures!

2.        When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I started writing in middle school. Basically it was a bunch of silly but teenage angst ridden fanfic. Over dramatic, but still very entertaining to read when I'm bored. I don't have as many of them as I used to sadly. My first book I wrote around then, and it's sitting and collecting dust until I feel brave enough to work on it again and make it good.

3.       Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I do a little bit of both. I have to know at least a little of where I'm going otherwise I get frustrated, then stuck, then quit.

4.       Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

My books all have a little bit of real life experiences in them. One of my series is set in a town much like the one I grew up in. Some of the teachers even have the same names which I promise was on accident. A few of my characters relationship experiences are based loosely on my own as well. A college professor of mine once said that the best stories are the ones that are already true and the ones that you can't make up. I tend to agree with him there.

5.       What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

In my latest book that I just finished (and I won't say which because it's a huge spoiler), my main character discovers that one of his future children has come back to the past to help him. Talk about a rather interesting plot twist to have thrown at you.

6.       What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

I think the hardest ones, are the ones that are the most ridiculous. Like telling people that the only good reviews I have are from my friends and other silly accusations. As for the best compliment? Just anything good is the best to me. It's great to hear that people appreciate and look forward to all of your hard work.

7.       How does your writing process look? Consistent with regular amounts of word counts daily/weekly… or more sporadic with a gush of words all at once and then a dry bed for a while?

I like to try and write during the day time, in the afternoon, because that's when I'm most awake and coherent. I also try to write every day and just do a bit at a time. More often than not I can get a draft of my novel written within a month, then I can edit, and figure out my next step from there. If I take too long on writing a book, I lose drive and motivation pretty fast.

8.       What sort of Starbuck’s coffee would your characters order? Simple coffee, complicated soy-non-fat-extra-espresso-half-caff-nightmare? 

My rich sarcastic boy likes frapacino's. The kind with lots and lots of sugar and whipped cream. Kind of strange but he enjoys the rush. Though most of my characters would say they're too good for Starbucks. They prefer the mom and pop coffee over the corporate sludge. ;)

9.       I always like hearing about books other authors read. Or, what books they read when they were kids? What were some inspiring books?

I'm not sure any particular book is one that I would call inspiring. They all are in their own unique way. Each book has something a writer can draw off of and that's why I read everything I can get my hands on. Books I read growing up though were: Animorphs, Sweet Valley High, and anything by Tamora Pierce.

10.   When was that point in your life that you realized that being an author was no longer going to be just a dream but a career you were going to turn into reality?

When I had my acceptance letter for my manuscript being taken by a publisher. That was it right there. Once that happened,my dream had been realized.

BIO:  J.F. Jenkins lives in Minneapolis Minnesota with her husband, son, and two cats. She graduated from Bethel University in 2006 with a degree in Media Communication with minors in both writing and film. When she is not busy writing, she spends her free time playing games, reading, and spending time with her family.

BLOG: http://jfjenkinswrites.wordpress.com

http://adragonslove.blogspot.com

Twitter: @jfjenkinstweets

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jfjenkinsauthor

Taken by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye

So, after much searching online, I could not find a synopsis for this book. Since it's such a large series of books, they have just a synopsis type deals describe the WHOLE series. We didn't want that. So, I'll tell you a little bit about it in my own words. :)

This is the first book in the Left Behind Kids series, there is also an adult version. It tells 4 stories of 4 very different children and how they are all also connected in someway. When disappearances start to happen across the globe, it has been realized that the Rapture has begun. With their family's gone, Judd, Ryan, Vicki, and Lionel must hang onto their faith to get them through the next 7 years, the Tribulation. If not, they could end up in hell, without their family's. Taken brings the 4 children together and kicks off the series on a good note. 

Rate: 3 out of 5 stars

Okay, I can't lie, I really enjoyed this book. It's definitely a great series to have your preteen/young teen children read. I was really interested in seeing how the authors would bring the 4 children together, how they were going to connect, and that was really cool! I give them kudos for that. I read this book mainly because my best friend has the whole series, and I figured I could just steal them all from her to read. :) And yes, I will finish to series, I've grown a connection to the characters. The story is interesting, creative.

What I didn't like was the writing. I felt as if it was very poor. I think that the authors have a great story line here, the book has great potential, but the writing. I just didn't like it. Yes, I realize this not the adult version, so, it has to be possible for younger children to read. I get that. But, even when discussing these books with my English teacher, who has read both the adult and children series, she agreed that both sets of books have very poor writing. Honestly, I think that's what knocked this book down to a three. The idea of the book is wonderful! I just think the writing needs a little bit of work

This book is perfect for maybe children who are part of a family of faith and don't quite understand, or need more explanation. It's very straight forward and could easily lay it out for children. I've started the second book, and it does kind of get more confusing, in that aspect. As I've talk to my best friend, she tells me as the books progress it gets even more confusing, because they bring in so many new characters that it's kinda hard to keep track of different peoples stories. But, as of the first book, I don't see that being a problem. Like I said, I plan on finishing the series, which I believe has 10 books, not positive. 

But, if you're looking for a good book for your children, and you feel comfortable with them reading about religion, the Rapture, and things of that nature, I recommend this book for you for your children. :) I think that if they are in their older teens, I could recommend the adult version more. Although I haven't read it, multiple people told me that I should have read that version instead, which I probably will.  It's a great read, and the story actually seems to move very quickly! 

Jordan

At What Cost Release!

Hey guys! Today is an awesome day, and no, not because it's the only day this week that I don't have a regents exam. Today is awesome because it's the book release of At What Cost. 

I'm excited about this for lots of reasons. A. The author is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. B. She used to be my middle school English teacher. C. After years of  her hard, hard work, she deserves the most amazing release day ever. D. I know deep in my heart that  I am going to love this book.

Here's the synopsis: During her junior year, sixteen-year-old Maggie Reynolds expected to shop for prom dresses not maternity clothes. Now, instead of studying for the SATs, she’s reading, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Maggie’s ‘Mother Dearest’ lives in fear that Maggie will somehow taint the family name, so Maggie can’t turn to her for help. Meanwhile, her father is oblivious to anything but his 9-9 job. And her boyfriend, Justin? She’s pretty sure he’ll stay by her side. 

While Maggie wrestles with her options, Justin offers a solution: abortion. It would solve all her problems quickly, easily, and effectively. And her parents would never know, which means they won’t throw her out and cut her off like they’d always threatened if she got herself knocked up. But an easy decision becomes difficult when Maggie’s aunt discovers her secret and sets out on a mission to stop the abortion, putting a kink in Maggie’s plan. Now Maggie must decide which choice she can live with: abortion or teenage motherhood. Either way, it’ll be a tough road to travel.

Sounds awesome right? Show J. Andersen some love! 

You can like her on Facebook here.
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Buy At What Cost here, or here or here
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Check out her website here


I believe that it's only available for e-readers as of right now, but, keep your eyes open for hard copies.


Thanks for stopping buy, make sure you follow Sleep. Eat. Read., and support J. Andersen.


And to my Mrs A. Congratulations. You deserve this more than anyone I know! ♥


Be kind to one another! 


Jordan