It gives me great pleasure to welcome Jennifer Irwin onto the website today. Jennifer describes herself as a New Yorker living in Los Angeles. Her first novel The Dress the Colour of the Sky has already picked up a clutch of awards and been optioned for a feature film.
Alex: Tell us a bit about yourself, Jennifer.
Jennifer: I grew up in a small town called Cold Spring Harbor which is located on the North Shore of Long Island. I was raised by a single mom who was an incredible woman. My passion for writing began when I was in boarding school but grew exponentially when I was a film major at Denison University.
Alex: How would you describe your writing, and are there particular themes that you like to explore?
Jennifer: My writing style is direct and not flowery. I’m fascinated by the strength of the human spirit, class and culture differences, as well as the idea that nothing is ever as it seems. I like to root for the underdog and have unlikely heroes in my stories.
Alex: Are you a writer that plans a detailed synopsis or do you set out with a vague idea and let the story unfold as you write?
Jennifer: I write like a downhill skier, fast and furious. The stories unfold in my head. When I’m plotting a book, I think about it constantly and figure things out as I write. I guess I’m what you’d call a pantser. My least favorite thing is line editing. I absolutely loathe that part of the process.
Alex: Tell us a bit about yourself, Jennifer.
Jennifer: I grew up in a small town called Cold Spring Harbor which is located on the North Shore of Long Island. I was raised by a single mom who was an incredible woman. My passion for writing began when I was in boarding school but grew exponentially when I was a film major at Denison University.
Alex: How would you describe your writing, and are there particular themes that you like to explore?
Jennifer: My writing style is direct and not flowery. I’m fascinated by the strength of the human spirit, class and culture differences, as well as the idea that nothing is ever as it seems. I like to root for the underdog and have unlikely heroes in my stories.
Alex: Are you a writer that plans a detailed synopsis or do you set out with a vague idea and let the story unfold as you write?
Jennifer: I write like a downhill skier, fast and furious. The stories unfold in my head. When I’m plotting a book, I think about it constantly and figure things out as I write. I guess I’m what you’d call a pantser. My least favorite thing is line editing. I absolutely loathe that part of the process.
Alex: Tell us about your latest novel.
Jennifer: My latest manuscript is called The Ad Agency. The story is set in the 80s advertising world. A burn victim with a dream of becoming a copywriter befriends a talented yet insecure socialite at the ad agency where they work. While Sebastian is on the road to recovery, Bettina is trying to cut her own path—even if it means going against her mother’s wishes. Their lives inevitable cross in a way that changes them forever. I call The Ad Agency an unlikely love story. The manuscript has received rave reviews from beta readers who are saying it’s my best work yet. I’m anxiously waiting for feedback from my agent.
Alex: What was the first book you read?
Jennifer: The Cricket in Times Square and I loved it.
Alex: How much research do you do and what does it usually entail?
Jennifer: My first book, A Dress the Color of the Sky, required a great deal of research so that I could create a realistic therapeutic milieu for the rehab scenes and the recovery process. My second and third manuscript did not require much research at all. I try to write about what I know and places I’ve been because that makes my life way easier.
Alex: Do you ever base your characters on people you have encountered in real life?
Jennifer: Of course! Isn’t that what all writers do? By the time I’ve completed a manuscript the characters have evolved but I usually start with the idea of someone I’ve met and move forward from there.
Alex: Which was the last book you read that blew you away?
Jennifer: Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Alex: How do you market your books?
Jennifer: I used to do a lot of marketing for A Dress the Color of the Sky but lately I’ve been focusing on my writing and letting that book move through the reader world on its own. When I was marketing, I did a lot of 99 cent Kindle promotions and used a variety of book promotions sites. I also hustle on social media.
Alex: What are your interests aside from writing? And what do you do to unwind?
Jennifer: I work out every day either Pilates or take a spin class. To unwind, I spend time with my friends, my boyfriend, and three sons who are all grown. I’m a foodie and enjoy eating at new restaurants with friends, having a great glass of wine or fun cocktail. I also love the outdoors and live near amazing hiking trails. I carve out time to read and write every day, which can be challenging since I work two jobs.
Alex: Which authors do you particularly admire and why?
Jennifer: I admire all writers because I know first hand how challenging it is to sit down and write a book. I’m a huge advocate of supporting other writers in any way I can. We’re in this together!
Alex: Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Jennifer. And best of luck with your new novel.
Jennifer: Thanks Alex. I've enjoyed answering your questions.
Jennifer: My latest manuscript is called The Ad Agency. The story is set in the 80s advertising world. A burn victim with a dream of becoming a copywriter befriends a talented yet insecure socialite at the ad agency where they work. While Sebastian is on the road to recovery, Bettina is trying to cut her own path—even if it means going against her mother’s wishes. Their lives inevitable cross in a way that changes them forever. I call The Ad Agency an unlikely love story. The manuscript has received rave reviews from beta readers who are saying it’s my best work yet. I’m anxiously waiting for feedback from my agent.
Alex: What was the first book you read?
Jennifer: The Cricket in Times Square and I loved it.
Alex: How much research do you do and what does it usually entail?
Jennifer: My first book, A Dress the Color of the Sky, required a great deal of research so that I could create a realistic therapeutic milieu for the rehab scenes and the recovery process. My second and third manuscript did not require much research at all. I try to write about what I know and places I’ve been because that makes my life way easier.
Alex: Do you ever base your characters on people you have encountered in real life?
Jennifer: Of course! Isn’t that what all writers do? By the time I’ve completed a manuscript the characters have evolved but I usually start with the idea of someone I’ve met and move forward from there.
Alex: Which was the last book you read that blew you away?
Jennifer: Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Alex: How do you market your books?
Jennifer: I used to do a lot of marketing for A Dress the Color of the Sky but lately I’ve been focusing on my writing and letting that book move through the reader world on its own. When I was marketing, I did a lot of 99 cent Kindle promotions and used a variety of book promotions sites. I also hustle on social media.
Alex: What are your interests aside from writing? And what do you do to unwind?
Jennifer: I work out every day either Pilates or take a spin class. To unwind, I spend time with my friends, my boyfriend, and three sons who are all grown. I’m a foodie and enjoy eating at new restaurants with friends, having a great glass of wine or fun cocktail. I also love the outdoors and live near amazing hiking trails. I carve out time to read and write every day, which can be challenging since I work two jobs.
Alex: Which authors do you particularly admire and why?
Jennifer: I admire all writers because I know first hand how challenging it is to sit down and write a book. I’m a huge advocate of supporting other writers in any way I can. We’re in this together!
Alex: Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Jennifer. And best of luck with your new novel.
Jennifer: Thanks Alex. I've enjoyed answering your questions.
