Have you embraced your personal quirkiness?

How about your peculiar-ness? Well, this month’s guest has, and boy, have we benefited from that. Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Ormond Beach, Florida.

Why is quirkiness important?

Jen Turano’s second book in the MERRIWEATHER ACADEMY FOR YOUNG LADIES series, In Pursuit of Civility, Annaliese Merriweather has been appointed temporary headmistress of the academy while her sister is on her honeymoon, but she doesn’t feel cut out for the role. When two of her most troublesome students disappear during an
outing to a county fair, intent on pursuing a pirate map they’ve stolen, Annaliese must recruit the help of Seth McCormick, an eccentric inventor and brother to one of the missing girls. Together, they stumble from one chaotic situation to the next, sparks flying between them as they chase down the wayward students and uncover family
mysteries.

Set in 1885 Chicago during the Gilded Age, this romantic romp explores themes of embracing your unique gifts rather than conforming to society’s expectations. Turano delivers another captivating tale where two “odd” people discover they’re perfectly matched
for each other.

I always love discovering what makes a successful author tic. What makes them unique. The following interview digs–just a little bit–into Jen’s world. Are you ready?

What did you read as a child? And what did you read to your children?

My favorite books when I was younger were all the Nancy Drew stories, followed by Trixie Belden. As for what I read to my son – pretty much everything – he loved Godzilla books, and let me tell you, I have more knowledge about Godzilla and his friends then I ever thought possible.

Do you have any strange writing habits/quirks?

When I get stuck in a scene – or rather, when it starts feeling like I’m writing through mud – and no, I don’t suffer from writer’s block, simply bad writing – I usually have to pull out the vacuum, scrub a shower, or put on my favorite over-the-ears-headphones and listen to vintage tunes from the ‘80’s.

What is one of your favorite quotes from The Pursuit of Civility and why do you love it?

“You need to follow your passions, Annaliese. And yes, you might experience some failures along the way, but take it from someone who’s seen many failures – when it involves something you love, failures simply make you stronger.”

I think, for a lot of people, myself included, we shy away from new adventures/pursuits because of that risk of failure. However, life is a grand adventure, so for me, I always have to remind myself of that and then head off to see what that next adventure has in store for me, no matter if it might not turn out how I want – that’s what makes life amusing.

What are you working on now?

I’ve actually been fairly busy with writing of late. I just turned in the copy/line edits for A Dash of Decorum, the third and final book in the Merriweather series. I also turned in a Christmas story that wasn’t due until September, but I had the time while waiting for another contract to be finalized, so whew.

Currently, I’m about halfway through a first draft of book one of that new series, which revolves around bluestockings – the oh-so misunderstood ladies in the 1800s who had the audacity to enjoy things like…reading.

First drafts of new series are not my favorite thing to do, mostly because the characters occasionally don’t like to cooperate and this series is no exception. I’ve changed the hero’s name at least eight times, the heroine’s name three times, and I’ve rewritten the first five chapters four times. In all honesty, if I hadn’t had to delete all those words, I’d be crossing the finishing line to “The End” soon, but, nope, not even close.

What is the best writing tip you have ever received? How was it helpful?

That every word you write isn’t precious and the delete button is your friend. Completely helpful because I tend to go off topic when I’m writing a comedic scene, and yes, I do need to shorten those before I turn the book in, which is when that delete button truly does come in handy.

My friends, be sure and watch my YouTube interview with Jen. She talks about what she does when she can’t write herself out of a chapter. It’s hysterical. But then, there was a lot of laughing during our time together.

May’s A2A Giveaway–TWO WINNERS!

Yes! WINNER ONE: Thanks to Jen and Bethany House Publishing, this month’s giveaway winner will receive a paperback copy of her latest release, In Pursuit of Civility. 

PLUS!

WINNER TWO: A special gift from me as I celebrate the upcoming launch of my daughter’s and my online store, EmaBat Creations. A bookish tote with the part of Jen’s favorite line from her book. Plus another copy of Jen’s book.

TWO WINNERS! And you could be one of them? How? Well, by entering! Not just once, but up to SIX times– (see the YouTube interview)!* Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this blog and receive another free gift from me — and an extra entry.

NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?*

Check out my YouTubeA2A interview with Jen. Because, in the video interview Jen answers different fun questions–and we have some funny and inspiring discussions! 

By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry.* Sharing the video, another entry.* Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.* 

The Deadline is May 15th   

Watch our interview–

That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES–SEVEN!*

Next month’s A2A Guest: Jenny Erlingsson is an author and speaker of Nigerian descent. When she’s not running after her four kids or ministering alongside her husband, she can be found writing romantic fiction
and creative nonfiction to inspire deep faith in diverse settings, as well as encouraging other writers.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Jen–I certainly did! Until May, God bless and KEEP READING! 

*So sorry, entries from the contiguous US only.