Denise Jaden Author Bio:
Denise Jaden is a co-author of the Rosa Reed Mystery Series by Lee Strauss, the author of several critically-acclaimed young adult novels, as well as the author of several nonfiction books for writers, including the NaNoWriMo-popular guide Fast Fiction. Her new Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Mystery Series will launch throughout the year, and you can add the first book to your reading list on GoodReads right now. In her spare time, she homeschools her son (a budding filmmaker), acts in TV and movies, and dances with a Polynesian dance troupe. She lives just outside Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband, son, and one very spoiled cat.
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What inspires you to write?
I'm inspired most from conversations I either have with others or overhear in a public place. It's usually just a tidbit or two that sparks my mind with the question "What if…" and then I tend to get lost in my own thoughts with the launch of a new story or plotline.
Tell us about your writing process.
I usually spend a month or two brainstorming and building a loose outline for a new novel. Then, usually at the beginning of a month, I launch in and start fast drafting the first draft. I outline in Scrivener, but do most of my writing in a linear way in Word. I don't create character sketches in advance, but sometimes I spend a fair amount of time focusing on character relationships–their similarities and differences, what causes conflict between them, that sort of thing. After the fast draft comes what I consider the hard work of revising. This can take anywhere between a month and six months, depending on how sure I feel about what needs work.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I can hear my characters in my head. This is the main reason that dictating my books on speech software has never worked for me. As soon as I start saying the words in my voice, it knocks me out of my story because I do not sound like my characters.
Who are your favorite authors?
There are so many, I don't know where to start! But off the top of my head, I love Stephanie Perkins and Molly Fitz.
What genres do you write?
Cozy Mystery, Young Adult, Romance, Nonfiction
How did you choose the genre(s) you write?
I have tried a little bit of everything as the mood strikes, but I first began with young adult fiction, which chose my naturally, as I have a very strong inner teen living within me. Even still, as I write cozy mysteries, I have a fifteen-year-old sidekick who keeps showing up, and remains possibly the most free-flowing natural part of that series.
What three things are on your writing desk at any given moment?
Tea, a notebook for jotting notes, and some essential oils to help me either de-stress or concentrate–or both.
What hobbies do you have when you need a break from writing?
I've been a Polynesian dancer since I was a child, and still love dancing with the troupe I grew up with. I also enjoy reading, graphic design, learning, and acting.
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Home Page Link
Follow On Amazon
Link to Author Page on BookBub
Author’s Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.