The spotlight today is focused on Sweet and Spicy Romance Author, Jennifer Senhaji.
Jen, thanks for taking the time. I know you're busy with the upcoming launch of Sea Breeze. So, let's get started, shall we?
Why do you write?
I started writing when "write a book" made it onto my bucket list. I've enjoyed it so much, it has now become a permanent part of my life.
Why did you choose the Erotic Romance genre?
Actually, I think I am more middle of the road. I call myself the Sweet and Spicy Romance Author, because I want all the build up and love in a sweet romance, but I also want to be in the bedroom when the couple finally gets together. I write contemporary romance because it's easy for the reader to identify with.
How do you come up with the stories? Does the idea just pop up and you proceed to write it down?
My first book, Sweet Dreams, came to me in a dream. Well, in a series of dreams. I have several reoccurring dreams, and decided to combine two of the themes into a book. As soon as I started to think about it in terms of a story, it came flowing out. My second story, Angels in Disguise, was published as part of a holiday anthology. We were given loose guidelines, but that story just came to me. With Sea Breeze, I started out with the idea of the characters first, before the plot. I usually write down a rough (read very rough) synopsis first. Then I create an outline.
Describe your life as a writer in 3 words.
Busy, fascinating, fulfilling.
Busy, fascinating, fulfilling.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Loyal, clumsy, determined.
What do you think is the secret to being a successful Self Published Author? Name the most important for you. Just one.
Honestly, other than writing a great book, I think the most important secret to success as a Self-Published Author, is making absolutely sure your product (book or story) is just as professional as it would be with a big name publisher. That one thing means three: professional editing, cover design, and marketing.
I see that you blog. What do you talk about on your website?
I have two blogs actually. One on Blogger and one on Wordpress. I started my Blogger blog to memorialize my self-publishing journey, but once I published my first book, it just became my regular blog about writing and romance. I started the WordPress blog just to see how the format differed and to drive traffic to my Blogger site. Now, I have two active blogs, and I post to each usually once a week.
I blog about writing, and share my tips on editing, marketing, etc. I also share personal posts. Lastly, I use my blogs to support other authors. This past February, I hosted Feature February on my WordPress blog, and interviewed a different author everyday. I also support other authors by hosting cover reveals and posting reviews. Lots of stuff. Hopefully, people are enjoying them.
I blog about writing, and share my tips on editing, marketing, etc. I also share personal posts. Lastly, I use my blogs to support other authors. This past February, I hosted Feature February on my WordPress blog, and interviewed a different author everyday. I also support other authors by hosting cover reveals and posting reviews. Lots of stuff. Hopefully, people are enjoying them.
What is your view of the Self Publishing industry?
I think it's amazing. I'm so happy that I started writing when I did. But to quote Spider Man, with great power comes great responsibility. I've read phenomenal books by self-published authors, and crap ones too. Just because you can publish your book at any time, doesn't mean you should. I learned this first hand when I published and then realized after I published, that I should have had a professional editor work with me on my book. I ended up going back and reworking my first novel. Now, I will never publish without one.
Share 3 tips for new self published authors
Sure.
1. Don't expect to know everything from the beginning, but do a lot of research. You will learn a lot as you go.
2. Make sure you hire a professional editor. You may think you can't afford one, but I tell you that is absolutely not true.
3. Find a writing community that appeals to you and join. You will learn more from other writers and authors than you ever will on your own.
My novel, Choosing to Dream, is tentatively scheduled for release in July. My editor just gave me back my MS with her markup, notes, and suggestions. It's time to get to work on those and so I'll be in serious editing mode for until that releases. I'm really excited about that book.
How do you see yourself 5 years from now?
That is a hard question...Publishing wise, I hope to have my Sunset Dreams Series fully published, at least three books in my Disguising Love Series out, and hopefully, two books in my new paranormal suspense series published. I want to grow and improve with each book I write. So in five years, I hope to be in a place where producers are knocking on my door for movie rights. Hey, I swing for the fences.
Thanks for sharing, Jen. I know that readers are intrigued to know more about the woman behind your sweet and definitely spicy books.
A SHORT SYNOPSIS of SEA BREEZE
Jordan has never been in love, or been anywhere. Trapped in Vegas, she schleps drinks and dodges losers, while suffering under a burden only she can shoulder. Her life is an endless stretch of blah with no escape. Until now.
Instead of looking back, she’s sailing forward.
Eric has left his family and friends in San Francisco to travel the world, tending bar on a cruise ship to fund his adventures. He can charm any coed who comes aboard, but Jordan sees right through him.
On the blue cobblestone streets of San Juan, everything changes. Food. Music. Exotic locations. Possibilities. Setting out to discover the world, will Jordan discover herself?
Sometimes, adventure can set you free…
Instead of looking back, she’s sailing forward.
Eric has left his family and friends in San Francisco to travel the world, tending bar on a cruise ship to fund his adventures. He can charm any coed who comes aboard, but Jordan sees right through him.
On the blue cobblestone streets of San Juan, everything changes. Food. Music. Exotic locations. Possibilities. Setting out to discover the world, will Jordan discover herself?
Sometimes, adventure can set you free…
"Sea Breeze is a short, sexy read that will have you rooting for the brave heroine out to find herself after tragedy turns into relief." - Ashlynn Pearce, author of the DirtSlap Series
"Ready for some sun, sand, and surf? Jennifer Senhaji's writing takes you there. Amazingly well done." - Tami Lund, author of the Tough Love Series
Without further ado... the cover of Jennifer Senhaji's romantic novella, SEA BREEZE.
Available NOW for Pre-Order. Click here to get your copy
WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER
VISIT THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITES
Website: www.jennifersenhajiauthor.com
FOLLOW JENNIFER
Born and raised in San Francisco, CA, Jennifer has a husband and two children. Music is an addiction. She can often be found in the car, singing along at the top of my lungs to whatever is playing. She works full time, and splits her spare time between family, reading, blogging, and writing. A habitual quoter, lines from films and TV shows constantly pop into her head—her kids are the only ones that really get it. She's an only child, and so of course she married a man who is one of ten children. Other than English, she speaks Spanish, Moroccan, and a little French. Jennifer loves to travel, but don’t do enough of it. Reading has been a passion for most of her life and now, writing. She's a klutz, and in her own mind, she's hilarious.
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