What is the name of your hometown and what do you think is the best thing about the place?
I grew up in a tiny town called Big Rock. While I used to think it was too small, I've come to appreciate its charm over time. One of the standout features of Big Rock is its picturesque forest preserves.
Your family, including your husband, children, and pets, seems to be an essential part of your life. How have they influenced your writing journey and the themes explored in your novels?
My family is the cornerstone of my life. My husband has always been supportive of my writing, and my children take a surprisingly keen interest in the stories I create. My son, with his knowledge of geography, assisted me in location research for my upcoming book, a portion of which is set in Patagonia, South America. Our dog and rescue cat, who are the best of friends, add a unique touch to our home. I truly feel blessed to have such an amazing family.
Your background as an Allergist/Immunologist is quite unique for an author of medical thrillers. How did you decide to blend your medical expertise with suspenseful storytelling?
From a young age, I've always had a passion for reading, writing, and art. However, a personal experience with a loved one's illness led me to pursue a career in the medical field. During my college years, I developed a strong affinity for subjects like biochemistry and physics and I embraced the challenge of the pre-med curriculum and, eventually, medical school.
After many years of training and treating patients, I found I missed the creative side of myself. It dawned on me that I could merge my medical knowledge with my love for storytelling. I thought this combination could produce something truly special, which ultimately led to the creation of PARTICLES IN THE AIR.
As a Mayo Clinic alumnus, how has your experience there influenced your writing and approach to medical elements in your novels?
I couldn’t have written PARTICLES without my medical expertise. My time at Mayo Clinic has been crucial in shaping the medical elements of my writing. The rigorous training of an Internal Medicine residency and an Allergy/Immunology fellowship has been invaluable. I'm grateful to channel this world-class education into both treating patients and ultra-realistic storytelling.
PARTICLES IN THE AIR is your debut novel, and it has received great acclaim. What inspired you to venture into writing fiction, and how did you find the transition from the medical field to becoming an author?
I'm truly humbled and grateful for the warm reception PARTICLES IN THE AIR has received. I've always been an avid reader and listener of audiobooks, with thrillers being my go-to genre for both reading and writing.
Breaking into the publishing world wasn’t easy. The literary landscape is extremely competitive, especially given the sheer number of talented writers out there. It takes time and patience to become a traditionally published author.
Your book transports readers into the world of medicine and intrigue. How do you balance the medical accuracy of your narratives with creating an engaging and thrilling storyline?
Ensuring medical accuracy in my books is extremely important. All of the medical scenarios are realistic and could actually happen in real life. To maintain engagement, I present complex medical concepts in a manner that's accessible, avoiding the use of heavy medical jargon.
Your love for Chicago and its vibrant suburbs is evident in your writing. How does your connection to the city shape the settings and atmosphere in your books?
My years living in downtown Chicago during medical school created an appreciation for many aspects of the city. The museums, lake views, striking architecture, and high-end shopping districts make Chicago pulsate with an energy that inspires creativity.
Medical thrillers often involve high-stakes situations and complex medical scenarios. How do you conduct research to ensure the accuracy of the medical aspects in your books?
A significant portion of the medical content in my books comes from my knowledge and experience. I also do meticulous research. This involves revisiting my immunology textbooks from my fellowship, consulting peer-reviewed journals, and utilizing specialized online resources tailored for medical professionals.
This has given me the ability to remain true-to-science, from the illness descriptions to lab abnormalities, to the disastrous effects of what a manufactured, contagious virus can do to the human immune system. This comprehensive approach ensures both accuracy and authenticity in the medical scenarios I depict.
How do you approach character development, especially when dealing with medical professionals in your stories?
Over the course of years of training and patient care, I've had the privilege of encountering a wide variety of people and personalities. When developing characters, especially medical professionals, I draw inspiration from many of these encounters and experiences. While some characters might have shades reminiscent of people I've met, they are always nuanced and reimagined to fit the story.
Writing a medical thriller requires balancing scientific concepts with an accessible narrative for readers of all backgrounds. How do you ensure your books appeal to both medical professionals and lay readers?
Writing a medical thriller necessitates a balance between accuracy and accessibility. To achieve this, I avoid use of medical terminology that isn't intuitively understood. When delving into complex scientific processes, I explain things succinctly without overwhelming readers with extra details. I take pride in ensuring that every aspect of my writing remains medically accurate, appealing to both professionals in the field and the general reader.
How do you stay connected with your young readers? Do you attend events or participate in social media?
Prior to the release of PARTICLES IN THE AIR, I wasn’t into social media. Post-release, and at my publisher's insistence, I began to post regularly and engage with readers on multiple platforms. I’ve come to sincerely enjoy meeting people on social media, and I look forward to connecting with new readers every day.
Stay connected by following me on Twitter @JennaPodjasek and Instagram at @JennaPodjasekauthor, where I share my inspirations, sneak peeks, and glimpses into my life beyond the pages.
What message or themes do you hope readers take away from your medical thrillers?
PARTICLES IN THE AIR is a cautionary tale on the very real threat of bioterrorism. The technology is out there and alarmingly accessible worldwide. If the unthinkable were to happen, early intervention would be essential to minimize harm. It's imperative for both individuals and governmental bodies to be aware of this potential threat and remain vigilant and proactive.
Are there any particular sub-genres or themes within medical thrillers that you are particularly excited to explore in future books?
While PARTICLES delves into bioterrorism and genetic engineering, I'm planning on exploring themes around zoonotic diseases in upcoming work. Many novel viruses, such as the bird flu, have the potential to cross species barriers and pose significant threats to humans, primarily because our immune systems lack natural defenses against these unfamiliar pathogens.
With the success of your debut novel, what can readers look forward to in your upcoming projects?
I have readers reaching out to me daily inquiring about my plans for a second Dr. Mallory Hayes book. I’m excited to announce that I’m currently working on Mallory Book #2 – stay tuned!
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
My experience with AllAuthor has been wonderful. I appreciate the camaraderie I've found among fellow authors on the platform. The weekly banners and array of tools you provide are fantastic. In fact, one of the mock-up banners I received from AllAuthor became my most engaged Facebook post to date!
