Jennifer Probst : The Author Interview

I am so excited to share my interview with New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Probst!  Her novel The Marriage Bargain is currently on my Kindle and I was thrilled to be able to speak with her. Be sure to check out her links below.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I'm a busy mom of two boys and two rescue dogs. I've juggled a day job my entire life and just this year became blessed enough to be able to write full-time, which is such a gift. I love spending time with my family, reading, writing, volunteering at the pet shelter, and generally enjoying life. I also love to connect with my readers -that's such a fun relationship to write back and forth and learn about the people reading my books.

What was the querying/agent search process like for you?

Hard. Always drafting a new query with a partial or full, sending it out and waiting. When I got rejected, I'd tweak, revise, and send it back out. It's a long process and I wasn't one of the lucky ones to get bought right away. It took me a long time before I finally cracked the market, but I think I needed it because the journey made me dig deep and thickened my skin. Also taught me to believe in my work until I found the right fit for my story with the right editor.

Is there another genre you would like to try at some point?

I love writing outside the genre - it keeps me fresh. I adore short stories and have completed many in my life. I'd like to package them up into one anthology and try that for a change. I love writing about animals so a dog book may be in my future. And I run a mommy blog and would think about doing a humorous mommy parenting book..

Do you have a writing ritual or a certain way you like to get ready to write?

No. I sit down and write. Sure, I brainstorm on characters and names and certain scenes, but the blank page is what calls to me, and I need to fill it. It's the only way to keep being productive. And with my busy household, I grab any time I can!

Tell us about one of your characters you loved writing:

I have tons. I fall in love with the current book I'm working on. Everyone knows Alexa and Nick were some of my all time favorite characters, but I really enjoyed giving Maggie her story in The Marriage Trap. She was a great heroine - quite snarky with deep emotional scars she hid. I loved diving under her skin and showing readers all the aspects to her character. And the zing she has with Michael Conte - well, the sparks flew off the page!

Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? If so, what changed?

Yes. I went through many periods where I got rejection letter after rejection letter and it just seemed too hard. To start all over by querying and keep writing was a nightmare. I quit, went to bed, and didn't write for a week. Then I went right back to it, because it's a part of who I am and I decided I'd die trying. Perseverance is a very underrated quality nowadays - along with kindness. I believe in both.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Never, ever give up. If you want to be a writer there are two things to do. Write every day - butt in the chair. That's how you learn your craft. Second is keep going. Don't listen to the people who think it's a cute hobby or tell you it's impossible. Nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough.

What is your current obsession?

Writing. I've been writing nonstop all summer and very excited about the books coming out and some new stories percolating in my head! My husband says I get that faraway look on my face and he knows I'm not listening. I'm enjoying a very fruitful time in my career and am truly loving it.

Where can readers find more about you?

Stalking is highly encouraged!

Website and Blog    Goodreads    Author Facebook Page    Twitter

Thanks again Jennifer! We will be looking forward to your next release!