Jen, tell us about you:
I’m a wife, mother and writer who’s madly in love with Jesus and loves to see others experience God’s initiating, healing, life-transforming love in their life. I’ve found stories and dramas to be effective communicators of God’s love.
I agree with that. =) What do you write?
Wow, a bit of everything—freelance articles, Bible studies, radio dramas, inspirational fiction, devotionals. I write for Christ to the World Ministries, the Christian Pulse, Samie Sisters and Reflections in Hindsight.
lol, yes you really do write a bit of EVERYTHING. You are the busiest woman I know. What are you working on right now?
Again, a bit of everything. I am finishing a five part series on the life Joseph for Christ to the World, finishing a first draft a contemporary romance and working with another writer, Joanne Sher, on a fun, biblical fiction tween devotional series. I also do a fair amount of article writing.
How did you and I meet?
In person or via cyber-space? We met through April and a mutual invitation to join Clash of the Titles, then spent a good deal of time talking via email and skype. We first met in person, however, at the CWG writers’ conference in Denver. Of course, by then we were already great friends.
And I can't wait to see you in person again, too. What's the most exciting thing that has happened this year, relating to your writing?
Finaling in the Operation First Novel was a blast and opened a lot of doors for me at the CWG conference, but what I am most excited about is the contemporary youth program I’ve been assigned by Christ to the World. The series of dramas, which will be aired on radios around the world, will deal with intense, real-life issues today’s teens face, pointing them back to Christ. This series will be especially fun because my daughter will be helping me. I’ve always dreamed of writing with her, so it’s fun to see this dream materialize. Plus, I welcome the open-dialogue this series will likely stimulate.
Social media has provided a great support system and has eliminated the loneliness I used to feel as a writer. It’s also helped me connect with other writers who may be in need of encouragement, something I believe I’m called to do. As far as marketing, I do receive a lot of hits on my personal blog and bi-monthly column from facebook friends. It certainly is a cost-effective way to connect with readers.
What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?
Keep your eye on the goal and your heart surrendered to Christ. Don’t get so caught up in your inspirations and dreams that you lose sight of God’s big-picture plan. Ultimately, it’s all about working out God’s will. For some, that may mean writing a best-seller. For others, that may mean writing a Sunday school curriculum for your local church. God alone knows how best to work out His plan and has invited us to participate. True fulfillment comes from surrendered obedience.
Awesome. Can you share a snippet from your latest project?
Ainsley’s neighbor awakens the Cinderella hidden in her heart, but her self-absorbed fiancé won’t give up without a fight.
To Ainsley Meadows, “true love” is synonymous with irrational emotionalism. Raised by hedonistic parents who cycle through relationships like wrapping paper on Christmas morning, she runs from the irresponsibility demonstrated by her parents straight to the safe, predictable, and dull. Yet deep in her heart, she longs for more.
Three months before her wedding to a self-absorbed psychiatrist, a kind-hearted California hottie moves next door and awakens the Cinderella in her heart. But before she can accept true love, she must come to terms with who she is, including the similarities she shares with her mother. To find herself, she must forgive her mother and accept her for who she really is.
I can't wait to see how that one turns out. =) Thanks for spending time with us this morning. To my readers, make sure you connect with Jen and keep an eye on her--she's moving fast!
http://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte
http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/
http://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpress.com/
http://www.clashofthetitles.com/
4 comments:
Jen is AWESOME - and yes, an AMAZINGLY hard worker (and quite the good editor as well!!). She's totally on fire, in so many ways.
Great interview, Jen! Your latest work sounds interesting. I always love a Cinderella story! :) I also enjoyed meeting you at the CWG conference.
Joanne, I think you're pretty awesome, too! And thanks, Jessica! Are you planning on going to the CWG conference next year? If so, we should all do Starbucks!
Thanks for having me, Michelle! It was fun!
Hey, Jennifer! Sorry I'm late in coming to this.
Your book snippet sounds amazing! I would definitely read it. So I hope you get it published so I can, hehe. I also know from reading your blog that you're an amazing writer. I'm very glad you're one of the people I met at the WFTS conference!
-Lizzie
Post a Comment