Book Talk with Jennifer Worrell
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
When I was writing Edge of Sundown, I wrote dozens of short stories (and even a questionable poem) so I wouldn’t lose heart when the dreaded block got in my way. I had a few of those stories published too, so I was lucky enough to get a few pieces in my bio.
I’m working on another novel now, but even if I didn’t, I’d still write multiple short stories at a time. That way when it’s time to edit, I don’t have to put writing on hold.
Pen or typewriter or computer?
Computer. I think faster than I write by hand, and my memory is so bad I tend to forget the second half of my thought before I finish writing the first. But I like to take notes by hand; I feel like the different medium clears my head, and a break from screens is most welcome on the eyes.
A day in the life of the author?
I tend not to get moving until the afternoon, which irks me. I’m jealous of people who can spring out of bed at dawn and immediately hit the keyboard. But my brain slogs through the morning, springing into action around 2 pm, and if I’m lucky, continues for hours.
When I’m having a good writing day, I tend to forget to eat or drink. Such a distraction! (This is a very bad idea.)
I make sure to carve out some reading time, which often leads to me jotting notes for future projects.
I usually don’t write every day, because I need to recharge the batteries. Too much of a good thing eventually feels like work.
And contrary to popular belief, no drinking until I close the laptop. I’ll just fall asleep or end up writing pretentious nonsense.
Advice they would give new authors?
Take some of the pressure off yourself in the beginning. You don’t have to write every day to be a “real writer”, you don’t have to follow pre-scriptivist rules, and mistakes and ugly drafts are part of the game.
Pressure should come later, when it’s time to revise. Don’t take the easy way out. You’ve spent so much time on something that you’re passionate about; keep that standard up during editing and beyond.
“Writing” doesn’t just include typing. Working plot out in your head is just as valid; so is analyzing other writing and research.
Keep good notes and stay organized. Never throw anything away; you may find a good place for the darlings you killed early on, or you’ll get an idea for a different story altogether.
And stay off social media. It’s the world’s biggest time suck. Instead, use it as a reward for a diligent writing day.
Describe your writing style.
Contemplative and descriptive. I think writing is my way of trying to figure life out. I like developing characters more than building plots, and I have a lot of questions on how the world works and what would happen if things were different. Humans are complex creatures, and so much of the universe is unexplained and unexplored. That’s an exciting place for a writer to dream up new stories.
About Jennifer Worrell
If Jennifer were to make a deal with the Devil, she’d ask to live—in good health—just until she’s finished reading all the books. She figures that’s pretty square.
In case other bibliophiles attempt the same scheme, she’s working hard to get all her ideas on paper. She writes multi-genre fiction and the occasional essay, and is currently working on a collection of shorts and two picture books that may or may not be suitable for children.
Edge of Sundown is her first novel. She’s always been drawn to “what-ifs” and flawed characters, and has never quite mastered the happy ending.
Jennifer is a member of Chicago Writers Association and Independent Writers of Chicago, and works at a private university library.
Connect with Jennifer on her Website | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub | Amazon | Goodreads
About the Book
Edge of Sundown by Jennifer Worrell
Genre: Suspense
Synopsis
When dystopian fiction becomes real…
Val Haverford’s Sci-Fi and Western novels made him a household name. But that was then. A decade of creative stagnation and fading health has left him in the literary wilderness.
Attempting to end his dry spell and secure his legacy, Val pens a dystopian conspiracy theory set in a tangential universe where alien invaders eliminate ‘undesirables’ perceived as drains on society.
But as he digs deeper into violence plaguing his adopted home of Chicago, he discovers unsettling similarities between his work in progress and a life he thought he left behind. Soon he finds his fictional extremists are not only real—they’re intent on making sure his book never sees the light of day.
As he pieces together haunting truths about his city and his motives, Val realizes his last chance to revive his career and reconcile the past could get him—and the people he loves—killed.
Will he make the right choice? Or will it be too late?
Edge of Sundown is a provocative story that shows how the desperation of lost opportunity can lead to drastic and unexpected consequences.
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Giveaway Goodness
Thank you for hosting me! Such a neat website.
Thank you so much, thanks for stopping by. Best of luck with your tour!