Who was the most influential person to you growing up? Did you always want to be a writer?
The most influential person growing up was my aunt Michelle. She's such a strong and fierce woman. I remember always being in awe of her independence, energy, and upbeat spirit.
I've always enjoyed writing stories but never considered actually becoming a writer until I was in my late twenties. Now, I can't imagine doing anything else.
Out of all the genres that you have written so far, which one is your favorite? Why did you choose to be a multi-genre author?
I'm definitely a cozy mystery lover. I love small towns filled with mystery.
I chose multi-genre because I also love to write non-fiction and am currently working on a romantic suspense novel.
Describe your writing space. What time of the day do you usually write?
Right now, my writing space bounces between my bed and my writing chair in our living room. I usually write first thing in the morning when the house is quiet.
Where and when did you get the idea for "Reflexology & Revenge?" Why a cozy spa mystery? And how did you come up with the mix of the bits of action, adventure, and some new paranormal twists?
Honestly, the characters tell the story. I don't outline so I simply sit down and let the characters take over. I'm a massage therapist so it's about writing what you know.
How did you come up with the idea for your book, "Facials & Fugitives?" What comes first, the plot or characters?
My best ideas come when I'm driving or in the shower. I'll just start thinking about the characters and the story starts playing in my mind. Characters always come first then the plot just happens.
What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as an Indie Author of multiple genres?
I love reading reviews. Good or bad, they make me a better writer.
In "Massage & Murder", massage therapist finds her client dead on her treatment table. What was the inspiration behind this cozy spa mystery?
It was all Autumn. I originally had Autumn walking into the spa and finding a dead body, but Autumn had other plans.
How did you come up with your pen names? Why did you choose to have pen names under Jenna Richert and J.R. Cowan?
They are all extensions of me. When I wrote my first book, I was actually going by my maiden name, which is Richert and everyone was calling me Jenna. Then when I got married, I wanted to shift slowly into my new name hence the J.R. and my married name.
How do you think spending time in your massage office working on clients inspired the "A Cozy Spa Mystery" series?
I was talking with a client one day about a friend of hers. Her friend is a yoga teacher and she wrote a book about an amateur sleuth, who's a yoga teacher. It got me thinking and researching amateur sleuths who were massage therapists. When I didn't find any, I decided to write about one.
According to you, what makes a good mystery? When it comes to writing a mystery novel, what are some of your top tips?
Lots of action and twists and turns. I like to always keep my readers guessing until the end then throw in a plot twist.
My top tips are all of the above: action, twists and turns and lots of plot twists. Always keep your readers on their toes.
Over the years, what would you say has improved significantly in your writing? What would you say is the easiest aspect of writing?
I think I've improved as a writer overall. I love collaborating and chatting with other authors so I'm always learning from them. The easiest aspect of writing is writing. I love it.
How important do you think is the cover of a book? Out of all your book covers, which one is your favorite and why?
The cover is the most important thing. If readers don't like your cover, they won't read the back blurb or even your book. The cover attracts the reader. My favorite cover is "Massage & Murder". I love the colors.
What has been your most memorable and enriching experience as an author so far? What are some of your goals or New Years' Resolutions for 2019?
Last year, I wrote four books, which I've never done, so that was huge. I also got reviews that weren't from friends or family members.
More books are in store for 2019!
What do you think being an author has taught you about life? Do you have any words of wisdom to pass down to new authors reading this interview?
Being an author has taught me to be more patient and to just keep going. Writing a book, a good book, isn't something that can be done in a day. It takes time, dedication and lots of work.
To new authors, write what you know and love. Join lots of author groups and soak up everything. Also, don't take bad reviews to heart. Learn from them then just keep writing. Not everyone is going to love your book and that's ok.
When did you first stumble upon AllAuthor and what were your first impressions? Have your opinions changed since?
I learned about AllAuthor through an author group and loved it. I love the tweets and support!
