Author Pen Name: Jennifer Shirk
CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
JS: I write humorous contemporary romances. I probably write them because I’m addicted to reading them. Susan Elizabeth Phillips must sprinkle crack cocaine in her ink, because I’m a total junkie when in comes to her books. J
CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
JS: I realized I wanted to write when I became first became pregnant. I started reading a lot more and decided to try my hand at it, since I had the time to devote to it—in between diaper changing, and naps, and cooking and cleaning.
CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?
JS: My dad. He LOVED reading all kinds of books. He never tried to write one, but if he were living today, I bet he could.
CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing? Non-summer/holiday months are pretty much a Monday to Friday schedule, where I try to devote at least all morning or afternoon while the kiddo is in school to writing. I try to keep nights and weekends free for my family.
CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?
JS: Stressed! It’s one thing to write for yourself and like what you write. It’s a whole other can of worms worrying if other people feel as you do about your own writing.
CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?
JS: Honestly, with The Role of a Lifetime, there were no challenges. (Don’t ask me how that happened.)
But with the book I’m working on now, my biggest challenge is conflict. My hero and heroine are working things out way too soon. LOL!
CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
JS: Reading! Oh, and I love to cook and try new recipes ALL THE TIME. I’ve just started running, too, but I’m not really sure I “like” it.
CA: How many books have you written?
JS: I’ve written three: one which will never seen the light of day, one I’m still looking for a home for, and The Role of a Lifetime which is out now. Which is your favorite? Ha! The one that sold, of course.
CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
JS: They’re from my imagination, but I’m afraid I do tend to take a small piece of my own personality and put it into these characters in some way. Love me, love my characters.
CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?
JS: Keep writing! Ugh, I hated it when I heard other writers say this to me, but it’s so true. The more you write, the more your style changes and your voice really begins to develop.
CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?
JS: Feel free to contact me via my website (http://www.jennifershirk.com) and you can purchase my book through The Samhain Website at (http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/product_info.php?cPath=13_37&products_id=980)
CA: Is there anything you would like to add?
JS: Yes! I love hearing from readers, so if you’ve read my book (and liked it) please feel free to e-mail me and tell me. Oh heck, even if you didn’t like it, you can e-mail me. LOL!
CA: Jennifer is offering a copy of her ebook, The Role of a Lifetime to someone that comments this week! Make sure to leave an email addy so that I can contact you if you win!