Reading by Deb: INTERVIEW with JENNIFER OWENBY

I want to thank Jennifer Owenby for taking the time for this interview!

Bio:

International bestselling author J.A. Owenby grew up in a small backwoods town in Arkansas, where she learned how to swear like a sailor and spot water moccasins skimming across the lake. 

She finally ditched the south and headed to Oregon. The first winter there, she was literally blown away a few times by ninety mile an hour winds and storms that rolled in off the ocean. 

Eventually, she longed for quiet and headed up to snowier pastures. She now resides in Washington state with her hot nerdy husband and three purebred Siberian cats, who insist on using her computer as their napping spot. She spends her days coming up with ways to torture characters in a way that either makes you want to throw your book down a flight of stairs or sob hysterically into a pillow. 

J.A. Owenby writes dark, emotional new adult romance novels. Her books ooze with emotion, angst, and twists that will leave you breathless. Having battled her own demons, she’s not afraid to tackle the secrets women are forced to hide. After all, the road to love is paved in the dark. 

Her friends describe her as delightfully twisted. She loves fan mail and wine. Please send her all the wine.

When and how did you know you wanted to be a writer?

When I was five years old my mother had her first short story published in a children’s magazine. I knew then I wanted to write too.

Are any of your characters based on people in real life?

My first series, the Torn series, was loosely based on my life along with a healthy dose of fiction. I wanted to share my experience about growing up in an abusive home, then moving into toxic and abusive relationships as an adult, and later breaking that cycle. I chose to write it as a romance trilogy to add more to the story. Ultimately, I wanted to give people hope that they can break the cycle and rebuild their lives.

Where do you draw your book inspirations from?

Anywhere and everywhere. I’ve even drawn inspiration from America’s Got Talent TV show. If there’s a nugget, I’ll grab it.

Do you use have a basic outline when starting a new story or do you let the characters lead the way?

Both. I create a loose outline with the ideas I have, then see where the characters lead me.

When you are picturing the characters in your book, do you have a cheater photo for inspiration?

Not normally.

Many people read as a form of escape and relaxation. What is your favorite way to sit back and relax?

Wine and time with my hubby.

Who are your favorite current authors to read?

Unfortunately, I’ve not had a lot of time to read this year, so that’s a difficult question. I did enjoy a mystery by Tarryn Fisher as well as Lords of Pain by Angel Lawson.

What are your favorite books by others?

I listened to Lights Out and loved it.

Do the locations in the stories have any meaning to you?

If you’re asking if the locations in my books mean something to me, then yes. I’ve lived the majority of my life in Portland, Oregon and Washington state. I have several books based in those areas.

Do you write in single or multiple POV?

I have older books in single and newer books in dual or triple POV.

What do you find to be your best research tool?

Life experience. If not, Google on an incognito window. lol

Do you write under a pen name? Also, do you write under more than one name?

No to both.

What genre do you write and why is this your preference?

Mostly dark romance, but I have a longer series that’s angsty new adult/contemporary romance.

Tell me something about yourself outside of writing. Jobs, accomplishments, family, quirky trait...what led to you being you?

I used to own a professional resume writing and interview coaching business. It was a lot of fun to work with high level employees at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Hulu, Apple and more. I learned a ton about running a business, and I feel it’s helped with my author business as well.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Marketing is just as important as a great story.

How do you deal and process negative book reviews?

I try not to read them.

What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

Getting started. I panic at that first blank page every time and wonder if I can write a book again.

What do you need in your writer’s space to keep you focused?

Windows and headphones.

What is your naughty indulgence as you are writing?

Nothing comes to mind.

If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose? And why?

Siobhan Davis. I have so much respect for her. We’re friends, but I’ve never been able to sit down with her and hang out since we’re in different countries. I’d love that.

What is your schedule like when you are writing? Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?

I’m boring. I get up and take care of the business side of things first, then after lunch I write in the afternoon. It’s just a typical day like going to any other job.

Do you listen to music when you write – what kind of music is your favorite?

YES! I have a playlist for every book I’ve written. The music is different each time. It’s all about what sparks the mood, a feeling, or helps me visualize a scene.

Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?