But before we get to the interview and the giveaway, let's take a look at Jennifer's new book!
An ancient curse. A forbidden love. Which will die first?
Sorrel Black’s family has been ruled by a book passed down from generation to generation. But now that it is in her possession, it has stopped working. For her alone, one critical piece of information is missing that will keep the curse, cast long ago as a punishment for her family’s rebellion, from being passed down to her daughter. She hopes the book’s silence means the curse will end with her—even if it means dying alone. But then Eric Knight walks into her life and changes everything.
When investigative journalist Eric Knight is forced to take an assignment to interview bakery owner Sorrel Black, he has no idea that her story will become their story. That his secrets are her secrets. Now together, these born enemies turned lovers must not only face the curse that has separated their families for generations, but the reality that breaking the curse means breaking their hearts. For, in the end, only one family can survive.
You can see my review here.
First off, I want to thank you for taking the time to chat with me. It seriously makes me so happy. This feels like the perfect time to talk with you because you just released a new book- The Book of Sorrel- in a new to you genre and that's big! Like B-I-G, big. Is that how it feels for you too?
Yes, it does. I’ve been wanting to write this book forever. I had even teased about it in His Personal Relationship Manager, but until recently, I hadn’t had the courage to try. It took me moving to Utah and being able to take a class from Brandon Sanderson to make it a reality.
I'm SO glad you found the courage!!
There are so many heightened emotions swirling around right now due to this pandemic, I can only imagine that this book release has been a tougher one for you. You've had a lot going on lately- how are you doing?
It’s so true. It honestly made me hesitant to release a book right now. To do something so normal, when life isn’t normal for anyone currently. But I had a lot of fans really looking forward to it, so I pushed forward. My family and I are doing well. My husband and I have worked at home for years, so that didn’t change for us. And I’ve always been one to put myself on a schedule, so I’m still getting up early and following a routine which as been super helpful. I feel like anything I can do that’s “normal” has helped me stay sane.
I'm one of those fans who has been pestering you to write this book so thank you. I'm glad your family is safe and well. I should follow your lead and keep a routine. It might help my sanity.
I'm so grateful for your encouragement and support!
I know you've been sitting on this book idea for quite awhile now. What was the final push you needed to take the leap?
As I mentioned before, I had the opportunity to take a class from Brandon Sanderson, where he ended up being part of my writing group every three weeks. It was super intimidating. I also was able to attend his lecture every week where he discussed how to write sci-fi and fantasy. As part of the class we had to write at least 35k words of a book, so I took the opportunity to delve into the world of Sorrel and Eric.
You often talk about your characters talking to you at night or in Target while you are shopping. Did this happen with Eric and Sorrel too? Were their voices loud?
Oh, yes. I’ve been hearing them for years. We had many conversations together while I strolled through Target.
Do you remember the first spark of the idea for this book? How did it come about?
As funny as it sounds, the idea came to me while I was sitting in a church service. The idea of the book of life struck me. From that was born the books that rule Sorrel’s and Eric’s lives.
Haha, I love this! Church and Target.
I've read The Book of Sorrel and as you know, I really loved it. It feels like a Jennifer Peel book with some new, different flavors. Was it fun to delve into and experiment with some new elements?
It really was. It made me feel free in a sense. When you add fantasy elements, it opens up a whole new world to explore. Writing this book was kind of like falling in love for the first time. I would get butterflies when I wrote. It was also the first time I had done dual POV’s which was a lot of fun. I will probably do that again someday.
Yes! Thank you for bringing that up because I really loved the dual perspectives in this book. It was fun!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I was really nervous about doing it and using third person which I had never done either.
Are you the kind of author that has music in your head as you write scenes? Any songs for this book?
I am. I usually listen to the songs that I feel fit the mood of the book while I’m getting ready for the day and before I write. Here’s a list of some of the songs that I felt embodied the story:
Love Walks In by Van Halen
Something Just Like This by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police
When We Dance by Sting
Also, my son has made an original song inspired by The Book of Sorrel, that I’ll be sharing soon. It’s soooo good!
Ooh! I've heard your son and he is very talented. What a treat that he can create something right along with you. I can't wait to hear it!
What was your favorite scene in the book to write? Without giving too much away.
I loved writing the scenes where they banter back and forth and their first date.
There were so many yummy scenes for me. "Dreamy" scenes. I love the banter too. There were so many good moments. Thank you, Jennifer Peel for chatting with me and most especially for writing books I love. Thank you for being brave and for giving me The Book of Sorrel. I really hope there is more to come from you in this genre!
GIVEAWAY TIME!!
I'm excited to read it! She's so brave to write in a new genre!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading this one. It's going to be a new genre for me.
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