Welcome to the Visiting Authors corner, Jennifer!
Just in time for the holidays, you have a new novella out about Hanukkah. What do you usually write?
I usually write spicy contemporary romance novels, most of which feature Jewish characters, but some don’t. My Hanukkah novella is sweet, however—kissing only.
When did your writing journey begin?
I’ve been writing professionally since about 2006. I received my first publishing contract in 2011 and began publishing with The Wild Rose Press in 2017. I’ve published eight novels so far, plus my latest novella. I’ve always loved to write and make up stories in my head. It just took me a while to do something about it.
What was your inspiration for Waiting for a Miracle?
My inspiration for this story was actually a call for entries by an independent author. She was putting together an anthology of Hanukkah novellas and all of my author friends suggested I submit. She didn’t choose mine, so I expanded it (her word-count request was really short) and submitted it to The Wild Rose Press. They were amazing in getting it ready for this holiday season so quickly.
Do you find inspiration in your own life for your writing?
I will usually include a small thing from my life in each of my books. For example, in Waiting for a Miracle, Benjamin and his daughter, Jessie, celebrate Hanukkah in the same way my family does it. When my kids were little, the grandparents were asked to provide gifts for two nights, rather than all eight—the theory was it would help to keep them from getting overwhelmed. Like the grandmother in my story, that doesn’t exactly happen.
Some deliciousness of Hanukkah: Potato pancakes (latkes) and fried Oreos!
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Words of advice for fellow writers in the trenches:
Write what you love and what satisfies you. Everything else will follow.
What was the hardest part of the story to write/research?
I’ve never written a novella before, especially one so short, so the hardest thing for me was to keep it short, yet give characters complete arcs and make the resolution of the story satisfying.
Excerpt
Six-year-old bodies were good at many things— bouncing, hugging, and racing. Rachel was thankful they were also good at hiding her surprise. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine her favorite student, and her student’s father, would be at her neighbor’s house the same night she was invited to celebrate Hanukkah.
She met the hard gaze of Jessie’s father across the room. Eyes narrowed as if he suspected her reasons for being here. His broad shoulders were stiff. His jean-clad muscular legs were spread apart in a solid stance. Square hands fisted at his sides, and one of them held a menorah. Did he plan to throw it or club someone with it?
Giving Jessie a last pat, she rose. With an arm around Jessie, she extended her other hand to her father. “Happy Hanukkah.”
“Ms. Schaecter.” “Mr. Cohen.” “Oh, please,” Harriet said, “Such formality between
you two. Rachel, this is my son Benny. I mean Benjamin.”
Benny. Rachel filed the information away for later, along with his flushed skin at the nickname. Interesting.
“And Benjamin, this is my neighbor, Rachel. We’re not at a school event. You can call each other by your first names.” Harriet pointed at Jessie, who gripped Rachel’s hand so hard, Rachel’s fingers lost their circulation. “Except for you,” Harriet added. “You have to call her Ms. Schaecter.”
Jessie giggled. “Yes, Grandma.”
About Jennifer…
Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. Pretty soon, her head was filled with these stories and the characters that populated them. Even as an adult, she thinks about the characters and stories at night before she falls asleep or walking the dog. Eventually, she started writing them down. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after.
In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. She believes humor is the only way to get through the day and does not believe in sharing her chocolate.
She writes contemporary romance, some of which are mainstream and some of which involve Jewish characters. She’s published with The Wild Rose Press and all her books are available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.