Break out the Bubbly and the Dark Chocolate: Celebrating Jennifer Jake's Debut Novel Rafe's Redemption

I'm very happy to have another one of my Goal In A Month (GIAM) friends on the veranda for a celebration of her debut novel, RAFE'S REDEMPTION. The book releases TOMORROW!! Popping the champagne and opening up my favorite box of chocolates. Fizz. Pour. Sip. Welcome to the veranda, Jennifer. 


Thank you for having me. Sip. 


First of all, tell me where we can go buy or pre-order your wonderful new story, RAFE'S REDEMPTION. 

Here's the link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php Here's my website and blog links: http://www.jenniferjakes.com and http://www.authorjenniferjakes.blogspot.com. Stop by and visit me. I love readers! 


What is your favorite genre to write? 

Western Historical -- and it has to be smoking' hot ;)

I love a smokin' hot western in any era!  When you sit down to write do you consider yourself a plotter or do you follow the muse? 

When an idea hits me, it's definitely my first inclination to just start writing. But I've learned that doesn't work out so well. LOL So I'm forcing myself to plot, to really figure out goals, motivations and lots of conflict.

I had to teach myself how to plot, too, but it does help to have the bones of the story down. After all your hard work, how do you relax after a writing day? 

Watching TV - either re-runs on TVLand or something on the Food Network. (Love Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives)

I love Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives! Fun show. What is your current project? 

I'm working on two stories right now, one novella and one full length. The full length takes place in Alaska, 1898, during the gold rush. The novella takes place at the end of the Civil War, but believe me it has nothing to do with battlefields or armies. The setting is the twist;)  That's all I'm going to say right now.

Oh, I can't wait to read your new stories when they are released. They sound so interesting. How long were you trying to get published before you got the “call?” 

About 4 years.

What advice would you give aspiring writers? 

Study the craft!

Voice without craft is a voice that echoes alone. Now after all the hard work, the ups and downs, what encouragement can you give writers who face rejection? 

First, it's OK to feel mad, sad, disappointed, discouraged.....all of the above...but after you work through those emotions, take a look at the comments the agent/editor made. There could be some really helpful hints for revision in what they said. Second, remember that it really is not personal. It's like tasting ice cream. Maybe your manuscript was just not the flavor for them. But you have to keep passing out the samples because your manuscript will be some agent's/editor's favorite flavor!

What is the most difficult part about writing for you?

Gosh, I really like to weave both the H/h conflicts tightly together and to make what the other wants in direct opposition to what the other wants, so trying to get all that to "feel" right in my mind almost drives me crazy. LOL

What is the most surprising thing you discovered after you received the call? 

That instead of the hard work being over, it's really just started. LOL


Jennifer Jakes is a 2010 Golden Heart finalist with a fabulous future in the publishing world. We'll be looking for her new releases in the future. After trying several careers—everything from a beautician to a dump truck driver—Jennifer finally returned to her first love, writing. Maybe it was all those Clint Eastwood movies she watched growing up, but in her opinion there is no better read than a steamy western historical. Married to her very own hero, she lives on fifteen acres along with two beautiful daughters, two elderly horses, two spoiled cats and two hyper dogs. During the summer she does Civil War re-enacting and has found it a great research tool, not to mention she has continued appreciation for her microwave and hot water heater.

One lucky commentator will win a copy of her book. Celebrating good news and giving away great books! Love that combination!!