Author interview – Jenn Nixon | Cindy Young-Turner

Today I’m pleased to welcome Jenn Nixon to the blog. Jenn has a book coming soon from Crescent Moon Press and has published several other novels as well. Here’s the blurb for her latest hot off the press release, Trust Me, Tell Me:

Mason Storm is set to marry Veronica Chance in seven days. When he receives a mysterious text message he immediately packs and leaves without saying a word to anyone. After meeting with his former boss, Mason knows his past has finally caught up with him. In order to clear his name of false charges he returns home to Boston ready to put the issues to bed. Veronica, however, isn’t making it easy. She’s determined to help despite his claims of being the only one to make things right. As the investigation intensifies, Mason is captured and Veronica holds the key to his release. Will she make it there in time to save him and their wedding or will everything fall apart?

And now for our interview.

Q: Where were you born? How many places have you lived? Are you the kind of person who likes to move around a lot, or do you prefer to live in one place?

A: I was born at JFK hospital in Edison, New Jersey. I grew up in Linden, spent some time in Delaware with an ex-boyfriend (I’ll never do that again!) and currently reside in South Plainfield.

I do like to travel, but I like having roots, moving sucks. I’ll probably have to do it again one day and I’m not looking forward to it! I have a tendency to be a homebody, but too much time in the house drives anyone nutty.

Q: What sparked your interest in writing? How long have you been writing?

A: I’ve been writing in one form or another since grammar school. What actually sparked my interest in fiction writing happened when I finished my first Star Wars Fan-Fiction. It was the first project I completed and I was so proud of myself that I continued to write original stories and haven’t looked back.

Q: What’s your favorite genre to write? And to read?

A: My favorite genre to write is suspense/thrillers. I enjoy writing Sci-fi too. My reading habits, however, are quite different. I’ve read everything from Horror to YA to Non-Fiction to Literary. My favorite authors, the ones who I always buy on release day are Suspense, Thriller, or Mystery writers.

Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A: Total pantser. I tried plotting out one story for NaNo a few years ago, never finished it. For me, allowing the characters to grow during the writing is the only way to keep ME interested in them. If I plot out too much of their history or personality I find that I limit what the character eventually evolves into. Perfect example is Lucky’s Charm. I set out to make it a straight Suspense/Thriller. Less than half way into the book Lucky runs into a character I wasn’t even thinking about adding until the end and he turned the book into a Romantic Suspense! But I went with it and it turned out to be the right move.

Q: You have published several books and have one coming from Crescent Moon Press. Tell us about your path toward publication.

A: After publishing a horrible novel in the early 2000’s, I went back to the drawing board and basically did everything I mention in the answer below. Once I had better quality novels to submit, I did so…hundreds of times. I have a spreadsheet of rejections. It’s HUGE! The feedback varied from the normal form rejection to real honest comments about why the story didn’t work for said agent/publisher. Eventually, after many edits and years trying to get the attention of the agents and big publishers, I decided to submit to ebook and smaller independent publishers. It’s a great way to build a platform and grow as a writer.

Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

A: Learn the rules of writing, yes there are rules. Some you can break, others you shouldn’t. Learn how to properly write and submit query letters, a synopsis, and proposals. Join a writers group. Read a lot. Write even more. Learn how to edit your work, then edit it again and again. Above all never give up!

Q: Name a few authors who have inspired you and why.

A: My writer group friends Caridad Pineiro, Irene Peterson, Melinda Leigh, Rayna Vause, Chris Redding, and Mickey Flagg to name only a few have been instrumental in my writing journey. They welcomed me with open arms, answered countless questions, and constantly help me learn and grow while supporting my personal efforts in publishing. There isn’t enough space here to mention everyone who has inspired me because in my mind, every writer I chat with, talk to, or email helps me become a better writer and person over all.

Q: Are you working on any other writing projects?

A: I’m in the middle of working on Book Two in the MIND series. Lucky’s Charm has two follow up novels completed. I also attempted to start writing another project for NaNo this past November, but I’m not sure what I’ll be doing with it. I also have two or three projects that still have legs and soon as I figure out how to continue I plan on finishing them!

Q: Tell us something unique about yourself, a hobby or interest that’s completely unrelated to writing.

A: I’m a tomboy. Have been since I was a kid. I would much rather hang out with the guys and watch or play some football than go shopping with the gals. Sad, but true, a girl who hates shopping. Well, unless it’s for cool stuff like movies or videogames!

Q: Coffee, tea, or hard liquor? (or all three?)

A: Tea all the way. Earl Grey or English Breakfast are my faves. I don’t like coffee or liquor. J

Q: What books are you currently reading or on your to-be-read list?

A: I recently finished The Affair by Lee Child, damn book made me want a cheeseburger in the worst way! My TBR pile is way to big for me to even try mentioning!!

Q: And now for the bonus fluff question: If you could be a character in your one of your favorite novels, which character would you be and why?

A: I think a part of me wants to be all of my characters, but in all honesty, I really don’t want to be any of them because they’ve had rough lives, worse than mine! LOL!! However, if I had to pick one, right now it would be Dina from MIND: The Beginning. She’s half-alien and has really cool powers.

Thank you for having me on your blog today! I had a blast answering these questions!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jenn Nixon resides in New Jersey. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Liberty State Fiction Writers. Her love for thrillers and suspense often finds its way into her novels whether they are Science Fiction or Romance. When not writing, Jenn spends her free time reading, absorbing pop culture and current events, and social networking online.