Author Spotlight - Jennifer Bates

I recently had a chance to talk to Jennifer Bates about her debut novel, The Boss's Daughter, among other things. Please take a second to read this intriguing interview. Then hop on over to Amazon and buy a copy of The Boss's Daughter. You wont' regret it!

Have you ever cried over a book? If so, which one and why?

OMG-yes! Sara Donati’s Wilderness series makes me sob uncontrollably every time I read the final book in the series.I must have read the series six times, at least, and I can’t help it.The series follows a family and the way she ended the series is amazing and perfect.

On the flip side of genres, Stephen King made me cry with Wizards and Glass.The love between Roland and Susan is epic.

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Overthinking everything.I get storyline ideas and think “that would be perfect.”Then I start overthinking it and analyzing it which makes it impossible for me to write down the way I want to.

Who are your top five favorite authors?

Sara Donati, Diana Gabaldon, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Terry Brooks.

What is the worst book you ever read and why?

50 Shades of Gray.Why?So many reasons.I don’t want to be super negative, so I’ll just say I’m one of those “finish what you start” people, so I forced myself to finish the book.I won’t read the sequels or watch the movies.

What made you decide to become a serious author?

Since I was a kid I’ve always loved writing stories.For simple “write two paragraphs” homework assignments, I would turn in four or five pages.One day my son told me to stop talking about the story and just write it.So I did.

Do you do research for your characters or settings? Give us an example.

Considering the theme of my story is organized crime, I didn’t do any hands-on research (although that would be awesome).I’m pretty obsessed with the Mafia and organized crime in general, so I read a lot of books and watched a lot of documentaries.

Do you believe anyone could write a book?

Absolutely!Everybody has stories bouncing around in their head.They just have to have the desire to write their stories down and the determination to share their story with the world.

How often do you write and for how long?

I try to write as often as I can.I work full time, so most of my time writing is at night and on the weekends.Depending on what’s going on around me, I can write for five minutes or five hours.The time when I want to write the most is when I’m at work.It appears my muse also works 8:00 – 5:00.

What did you edit out of your most recent book?

I have an amazing editor and learned so much from her!I removed two chapters and close to 3,000 words from another chapter just to tighten it up and make it flow better.

How do you name your characters?

Honestly, they just come to me.A name pops into my head and I find a use for it.Other times, names just come to me as I decide to introduce a new character.

Do you read your book reviews? Why or why not?

Since my novel is a debut and fresh off release date, I only have one review to speak of from someone I gave an ARC.I read it and was super happy with it and so glad she liked the book.So far as future reviews, I may be sporadic with reading them.I don’t want to get a puffy head from good reviews or upset over negative reviews.

Are any parts of your book(s) auto-biographical?

No.However, there are a few people who beta read for me that know me well and could swear it’s based on a true story and that I am the main character.

What was the hardest scene you every wrote and why?

The sex scene was the hardest for me.Every time I would work on that chapter I would think to myself “my father is going to read this.”

How long does it take you (on average) to write a book?

I have had the story for The Boss’s Daughter in my head for way too many years to count.When I finally put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), it took me 10 months to complete the first draft.The sequel is taking longer than I want it to, but it shall be done soon!

Do you write to music? If so, what do you listen to?

My inspirational song for The Boss’s Daughter is Had Enough by Breaking Benjamin.The song just fits the story so well.I can’t, however, write while music is playing.I’ll stop writing and zone in on the music.

Have you ever thought of writing outside your genre?

Yes.I have a few contemporary romance stories bouncing around in my head and scribbled on paper.I’d like to finish the sequel to The Boss’s Daughter before turning to them.But, you never know.My muse might have different plans for me.