Ask the Author: Jennifer L. Hotes
Answered Questions (7)
Jennifer L. Hotes
When I was in first grade, I walked into a small patch of scrubby woods by our apartment building. I remember stepping into the trees and then nothing. When I 'woke' I found a drop of amber in my pocket, the size of a ladybug. I kept it in my jewelry box. The next day at school, a group of people came into Mrs. Black's classroom and interviewed students one at a time. They said they were research students from a local college. I was called first. I don't remember the questions, but have always wondered who they were, what they asked, how I answered, and if it had anything to do with the strange place in the forest I'd found the day before.
Jennifer L. Hotes
My writing is 90% dream-driven. I fall asleep thinking about the storyline and characters and then while I sleep I feel safe enough to imagine the next parts of the book. My first book came to me in one dream! :)
Yes, I like sweet dreams, but what I always secretly wish to have are nightmares. They make for the best writing.
Yes, I like sweet dreams, but what I always secretly wish to have are nightmares. They make for the best writing.
Jennifer L. Hotes
My protagonist, Josie Jameson, wanted to connect with her dead mother. Instead, she was led away from that intention by a cat and stumbled upon the grave of an accused witch. Josie thought it was fate, but now realizes it was the worst mistake of her life. She's still dealing with the ramifications in the third book. She doesn't think she's strong, smart or brave enough to face the truth of her fate, but she is.
Jennifer L. Hotes
I'm currently working on the third book in the Stone Witch series. It is forming in my head now. I've already filled up one notebook with drafts of the opening chapters. :)
Jennifer L. Hotes
Stop aspiring and start perspiring. In other words, write! And if you're feeling extra bold, introduce yourself to someone as a writer. I mean, really own it! Keep a notebook on you at all times and jot down your ideas or a sentence of two when you have a free minute. My first book was built from fifteen minute blocks of time and ended up being nearly 400-pages long!
Jennifer L. Hotes
I get to work in my pajamas. :) Actually, I can't take myself seriously if I'm in my pjs, so if you stumbled into my art loft you'd see that I'm usually put together.
The best thing about being a writer is meeting my readers and hearing their thoughts on my books. That never gets old, even when I hear criticisms.
The best thing about being a writer is meeting my readers and hearing their thoughts on my books. That never gets old, even when I hear criticisms.
Jennifer L. Hotes
Gosh, good question! I have the good fortune of being an illustrator as well as a writer. When the words of my story won't come, I grab a fresh sketchpad and draw. It breaks up the log-jam of creativity in my head.
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