Interview with Jennifer Macaire

Added September 6, 2004

Sharyn: Jennifer, thanks for joining me today. I'll open with a very basic question: When did you know you wanted to be an author? How did you get started in your writing career?

Jennifer: I have been writing since I could read, and I think I always knew I'd be a writer. It came naturally, although I am dyslexic!

Sharyn: Wife, mother, illustrator, writer. How do you balance it all?

Jennifer: With a tight schedule and lots of patience. When I don't have the time to do everything I try to get my priorities straight. My family always comes first.

Sharyn: Have your life experiences in any way influenced your writing?

Jennifer: I think so - at least it seems easier to write about things I know about, things I'm passionate about, and things that really interest me.

Sharyn: What does your family think of your writing?

Jennifer: Luckily they are incredibly supportive!

Sharyn: What are some important things every writer should know?

Jennifer: That patience is a virtue, and that reading is just as important as writing. Read good books and don't ignore the classics.

Sharyn: Would you describe your journey to becoming a published author?

Jennifer: It started with magazine articles, then short stories, and finally novels. I worked hard at my craft, and never took rejection personally. Somedays there was heartache, and somedays there was elation. It's a lot of hard work, but it is a wonderful feeling to finally see the book finished and published - whether in print or in electronic version!

Sharyn: Now, you are published both in young adult and adult genres. Is there a big difference in the way you write for the two genres?

Jennifer: There isn't a big difference, mostly it's in the way my characters react and not in the way I write the books.

Sharyn: When you get an idea for a book, do you automatically know which audience it will be geared towards?

Jennifer: Not at first, and I don't really aim towards a certain age group.

Sharyn: How do you write? Longhand, dictate and then type? Or can you just sit at the computer and start writing?

Jennifer: I write my notes in long hand, then write the book at the computer.

Sharyn: What's a normal day for you?

Jennifer: Wake up early, take my daughter to school, have a coffee and sit down to write. I like to write early in the morning, and then I have the rest of the day to do other things.

Sharyn: Let's talk about your available books. What are the titles and where can we find them?

Jennifer: Angels on Crusade - at Novel Books, Inc., Virtual Murder at Loose-Id.com, The Secret of Shabaz at Medallion Press, and The Promise at Double Dragon E-books.

Sharyn: Your latest novel, The Secret of Shabaz comes this out this month. What's it like having a new book out? After all the others you've published is it a different feeling?

Jennifer: It's always very thrilling, like a baby! Each one is different and each one was a labor of love.

Sharyn: One thing I noticed and loved about The Secret of Shabaz was the main protagonist was female. Was this intentional? Especially with the journey, both physical and emotional, Tania embarks upon?

Jennifer: I really wanted to write a fantasy book with a strong female protagonist, so yes, it was intentional. I'm glad you noticed this about The Secret of Shabaz!

Sharyn: One of the most remarkable elements of The Secret of Shabaz is one of the lead characters is a unicorn. It's not a creature often seen in fantasies, nowadays. Did the idea to have a unicorn spark the story or was it something that came about as you were writing?

Jennifer: I had the idea in the back of my head. The hard part was working it in so it appeared natural and not forced.

Sharyn: The Promise is a remarkable novel, one both children and adults will enjoy. Where did you get the idea?

Jennifer: My son wanted me to write him a book wit no adults (he must have been mad at me that day!)

Sharyn: LOL. How has The Promise been received by readers and reviewers?

Jennifer: Very well, thank you! Most people love that book - it has gotten a lot of raves and I have gotten some wonderful letters from young readers.

Sharyn: What do you believe draws young adults to fantasy/science-fiction novels?

Jennifer: I think they want to escape for a while from their lives. It's hard to grow up - our world is complex, confusing, and sometimes boring. Fantasy and science fiction give young people a glimpse of something new and unusual.

Sharyn: What upcoming novels should we know about?

Jennifer: Horse Passages is coming next year from Medallion Press, and I'll tell you now that it's something special!

Sharyn: How about a little bit of fun before we call it a night? What is the best thing about living in France?

Jennifer: Zee chocolate, but of course! (And my darling husband!)

Sharyn: LOL. I have to ask (especially since it's mentioned on your website *g*), what in the world is polo? And how does it differ from other sports?

Jennifer: Polo is the oldest team sport in the world. It's played on horseback and it's very fast and exciting. My husband is a professional polo player and teaches at the Chantilly polo club in France.

Sharyn: If you could choose anywhere in any book ever written to visit, where would it be and why?

Jennifer: I'd like to go see Shabaz's world! Magic, elves, unicorns...

Sharyn: You're not the only one. *g* Favorite meal?

Jennifer: Grilled salmon and salad!

Sharyn: Yum. And finally, favorite fantasy creature?

Jennifer: Unicorns!

Sharyn: Jennifer, thanks again for joining me. I know I had fun and hope you did too.

Jennifer: Thank you so much!!!!!

Sharyn: For more information on Jennifer, her available and upcoming books, not to mention free! short stories, visit her website: www.jennifermacaire.com.

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