Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
Exclusive Interview with
Anna D. Jenkins
When did you start writing?
When I was very young, around 11 or 12 years old. I started by writing in notebooks, using them first as diaries, and then later creating fictional characters.
What makes writing your passion?
I can't really describe why it's my passion, it just one day became that way. One day I was writing and I realized I couldn't live without writing. It was because of writing I was able to function, I was able to breathe. Writing is more than just a passion for me, it's a way of living.
How long have you been writing?
Since sixth grade when my history teacher asked us to pretend to be a US soldier in War World II writing home to their parents. After that, I just couldn't stop.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Elation! I can't wait to release more.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I tend to write about characters I can relate to. Characters I've seen all my life either in fiction or reality. They tend to speak to me, letting me know they want their story to be heard.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Promotion. It's so hard to get your voice heard, while others say it's so easy. It's hardly easy, but I know it will be worth it in the end.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I listen to music, white noise, or watch something relevant to what I'm writing about. If that doesn't work then I know my mind is in need of a break so I give it one and don't write for around a week or so. It's better to let it come naturally than forcing it's way out.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I keep writing because I know that's what I'm meant to do. I know that when an idea comes for a story, I have to do my best to keep at it, keep that story alive until it's finished. My advice to new authors is to write about what you know and don't try to pretend to be an expert in things you know nothing about.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Keep your head held high, don't give in to those who get off on it.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes! I try to take any bad reviews in stride. The ones that are out there to just be mean I tend to ignore because generally, they offer nothing of advice. The one's that are more critical I try to accept as words of advice on how to be a better writer and storyteller.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I want to scream like the fangirl I know I am.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I don't write about myself, that would be too weird. I do however tend to write about the people in my life.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Oh yes. the book cover is mainly what attracts the reader. If you can't attract the reader with a book cover, then there's a good chance the reader is not going to read your book.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I don't really. I'm always discovering new authors all the time, there are so many good ones out there. For me to pinpoint just one would be impossible.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
My dream is just to release as many books as I can. I don't really want to be as big as anyone else. as long as people enjoy my books and I get a few bills paid, I'm happy.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
I would only want to switch for a day and the author I would choose would be Nora Roberts. She's been writing professionally for forty years and has been a number 1 best seller numerous times. I would want to see how she writes for one day.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I would say to pick up a damn book and reading it before opening your damn mouth.
What would you say to your readers?
Thanks for reading. You have no idea what it means.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in AZ with my husband, two kids, and two dogs.
What is your day job if you have one?
My day job is being a mom, everything else comes second.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Spend time with my husband, go to Comic and movie conventions when we're able. Take our children out when we can and just try to have a good time. And of course reading and binging tv shows and movies I've already seen a dozen times before.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Sadly I didn't.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I have a few that I'm working on. But I don't want to give the story away just yet.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Right now our children are lacking in everything. The whole field needs to be re-evaluated.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
to be financially stable
to have a home that makes everyone in my family happy
to see my mom for the first time.
What is your favorite music?
Mostly music from the '80s and '90s. With a little bit of the '70s and 60's thrown in.
Share a secret with us 🙂
My first language is not English.