If you’ve been following us at all, you might know that Jennifer Hartz is our Editor-in-Chief and now we’re posting an interview with her. How does that work? Is she interviewing herself? Is she talking to herself? Is she writing in third person right now? Does she have a touch of split personality disorder? “Yes” to the first several questions and “No” to the last. At least I don’t think she has a disorder… or she doesn’t think I have a disorder… Oh dear…
Okay, so, what’s actually going on here? Well, lots of publishing companies host interviews with their authors, and since I’m wearing both hats for Shelves of Shalom Publishing, I decided to answer the questions I’d ask any of our authors and share them with you. So, enjoy the following interview where I talk with myself…
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Could you tell us a little bit about your writing journey? When did you decide to be a writer and what has been your path to publication?
I always wanted to be a writer. I remember being little, maybe 6 or 7, and writing a story about fairies who had their magic wands stolen by an evil troll. By the end of the story, the fairies had retrieved their wands, but the very last page of the book featured the wands being stolen again with the caption: “Here we go again!” Even at a young age I was a fan of the cliffhanger!
Growing up, I read a lot and enjoyed advanced English classes. I even ventured into college as an English Literature major, but life redirected me into education. It wasn’t until I was about thirty years old that I finally sat down to write a novel with any sort of intention. I had so much fun writing that story! It was called The Future Savior Series which eventually blossomed into five books.
I must say I was very naïve when it came to the writing industry back then. I thought, “Hey, I wrote a good book. Someone should publish it!” Yeah… not so simple. People say writing a book is the hard part. I vehemently disagree! For me, writing a book is easy. Trying to get it out there is the real challenge!
Eventually, I stumbled upon a small indie publisher called Desert Breeze Publishing. I cannot say enough good things about Gail and Jenifer, the owners. They took a shot on a complete newbie and really helped me develop my craft. I loved writing for DBP and had twelve novels published though them. Unfortunately, they closed a few years back, but I couldn’t have wished for a better company for me to land with just starting out.
How books have you written over the years? Which one would you say is your favorite and why?
I had twelve books published through Desert Breeze Publishing before they closed. I also have about a half dozen novels sitting on my computer that have never been published. I’m debating polishing them up and releasing them through Shelves of Shalom Publishing in the future. I also have Emerald Queen: The Tale of Teia Tephi, which will be releasing through Shelves of Shalom Publishing on November 5th.
I’ve narrowed my favorite down to two options. Either The Future Savior Series One: Conception or Emerald Queen: The Tale of Teia Tephi. TFFS1: Conception was the first book I ever wrote. It has such a special place in my heart. My plan is to go back and rewrite that series someday to be rereleased. As for Emerald Queen… I don’t even know where to begin to explain my love for that story. I know this might sound terribly cliché, but I truly believe Yahweh called me to write that book. As it says in the hook for that novel: A little-known Biblical tale, and ancient Irish legend – Tephi’s story DESERVES to be told!
Who has been your favorite character to write and why did you enjoy them so much?
Again, I’m torn between two. The obvious one would be Queen Teia Tephi. Her story is just so incredible. My dream is to meet her someday (post resurrection of course!) and ask her how close I got to the real events. Even if I was terribly wrong, I hope she appreciates me giving her tale my absolute best effort.
The other character comes from The Future Savior Series. His name was Drexton and he was sort of a beloved secondary character. Actually, I never planned for his character to be as big as it became, but I had so much fun writing him, I kept finding ways to make sure he was in scenes. He has a suave, yet big-hearted way about him. You can’t help but love him!
What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter or a panster?
I am 100% without a doubt a plotter. Before I even put fingers to keyboard I get a five subject notebook. Each subject section serves a different purpose. Characters, outlines, chronological dating, timelines, research, miscellaneous ideas, etc. Each topic varies depending on the story. I start each novel knowing the end from the beginning and a whole lot of important points in between.
Besides the Bible, do you have a favorite book? Favorite author?
My favorite book dates back to when I was sixteen. It’s The Stand by Stephen King. I was captivated by the whole dichotomy. Mother Abigal vs. Randall Flagg. Good vs. Evil. God vs. Satan. As someone who grew up in a family that did not attend church and barely spoke of God, this idea was fascinating to me. That being said, Stephen King is far from my favorite author. Despite The Stand showcasing a very God vs. Satan storyline, King tends to be heavily anti-Christian in his writing.
My favorite author is Lisa T. Bergren. She is a Christian writer who has several absolutely lovely series in her wheelhouse. The River of Time Series is a fabulous fantasy/historical that’s perfect for YA readers. I also really enjoy her Grand Tour Series and her Remnant Series. Lisa is definitely a write I aspire to be like.
Please tell us a little bit about what you’re working on right now.
Right now, my primary focus is on getting Emerald Queen published. We’re so close! Accompanying the novel, we’re putting out additional connect such as classroom/homeschool lesson plans, bookclub activities, and I’m busily working on a Bible study titled The Prophet, The Princess, and the Scattered Sheep. This Bible study will correspond with Emerald Queen and the Biblical book of Jeremiah. Its primary goal will be to reveal to people who the REAL Israel is and where the scattered sheep of the House of Israel are today.
Along with that, I’m now donning the hat of Editor-in-Chief of Shelves of Shalom Publishing. This will keep me incredibly busy!
As for my own writing, the next novel is already in the early stages. It’s called Ruby Queen: The Tale of Rhodopis. This is the earliest version of Cinderella and features a Grecian slave girl in the land of Egypt. Rhodopis’s story takes place roughly the same time as Tephi’s and there will be some crossovers. I’m also hoping to do some rewrites on my older novels and republishing them through Shelves of Shalom Publishing.
Other than Shelves of Shalom Publishing, where can people find you?
Of course, I want you all to read the Chapter One Preview of Emerald Queen: The Tale of Teia Tephi. Click HERE to check it out! And make sure you pick up a copy as soon as it’s available on November 5th! Other than that, my website is currently under construction, but hopefully it’ll be up and running soon, but here are my current links:
Website: www.jenniferhartz.online
Facebook: Author Jennifer Hartz
X: @AuthorJHartz