Jenna Brandt Interview

6/23/2017

Jenna Brandt Interview

Today I have the pleasure of introducing Historical Fiction author Jenna Brandt. Jenna's books span from the Victorian to Western eras with elements of romance, suspense and faith.

Jenna graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of her college newspaper. She is an on-going contributor for The Mighty Website and her first blog was published on Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox, as well as featured on the ABC News and Good Morning America websites.

Jenna is also our Featured Author this month and is making the first chapter of her latest book The English Proposal, available to read. Plus, she is giving away a signed copy to one lucky winner! So make sure you get your entry in on our Giveaways page. Now let's get to know Jenna!

Jenna, what is the hardest thing about writing for you?

Finding the time to write. I have three daughters between the ages of 11-2 and they demand a lot of time and attention. I also help run our family businesses and I volunteer at my church.

And yet I understand you have already published two novels this year! You are an inspiration to young mothers everywhere. Do you have any other books in the works?

I am currently working on Book 4 in the Window to the Heart Saga series and hope to have ready for release in early fall.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Make sure you have a mentor author who you can go to about anything and who is willing/able to help you out.

Tell us about The English Proposal. I understand it is the first book in the Window to the Heart saga. What is it about?

The English Proposal introduces us to the main character, Lady Margaret, a daughter of an English earl in Victorian era England. It focuses on her choice between following her heart (the man she is attracted to) and her duty (the man her father betrothed her to). There are a lot of shocking twists and turns through the book (and series).

How did you come up with the idea for this series?

Margaret started out as a character in a short story and I loved her so much, I decided to turn it into a book, which turned into a 3-part installment.

This is the first book in the series and yet I noticed that you have already published the second book. I am amazed that you have published two books this year. What is your secret to meeting a deadline?

I wrote the first three books back-to-back because it was a strategic release plan. I wanted to get the books out to build an audience and have readers be able to move from one book to the next rapidly. Book 3 launches in two and half weeks on July 10th and I’m already working on book 4 (which focuses on a character from the previous books). Hopefully book 4 will release in September/October timeframe.

Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

The message I hope to convey through my books is that faith in God can help you survive and even thrive through and after any obstacles or tragedies you may suffer.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

I love to write late night when everyone is asleep in my home.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I am left-handed.

Now let's have some fun. You are stranded on a deserted island. What three books would you want with you and why?

The Bible for inspiration, encouragement and connection with God. Francine River’s “Redeeming Love” because it is one of my favorite books and I can read it over and over again. C.S. Lewis’ Chronicle of Narnia because I have loved since I was a child.

Good choices! Finally, what author's have inspired your own writing?

Francine Rivers because when I read her book, “Redeeming Love,” I knew I could write the type of books I loved but with elements of faith and hope within them.

Thank you for stopping by today Jenna. For a sneak peek at The English Proposal visit our Featured Author's page where you can read the first chapter and then visit our giveaways page to enter to win a signed copy! You can also visit Jenna over on her website at www.jennabrandt.com and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor.