Author Interview and Giveaway with Jennifer Hallmark

Good morning and welcome to another author interview. I’ve had a blast interacting with so many new-to-me authors. Please welcome Jennifer Hallmark to the blog. Jennifer has been kind and generous enough to include a giveaway with her interview.

What is the inspiration behind your writing?

A desire to give back. I feel like I’ve received so much joy and wisdom from books during my lifetime. I want to see my words give others hope and encouragement.

Do you have a favorite author or book?

They are the same. 😊 “Rooms” by James L. Rubart. I read this book when I stood at a crossroads in my writing life. I was trying to gain enough courage to register for my first writing conference. “Rooms” spoke to me and helped push me past my fears. I actually met Rubart at the conference, shared my story, and had my book autographed.

How have you surprised yourself during your writing journey?

I’ve been able to attend a conference or retreat every year since 2011. I’ve learned to enjoy driving to new places and meeting new people.

What book are you currently reading for fun and are you reading anything for research?

I’m enjoying Fannie Flagg’s book, “Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven.” I’m also study world-building techniques from various blogs while editing my current WIP, a medieval-type fantasy.

If you could sit down to dinner with three authors, who would they be and what would you discuss?

(1) James Scott Bell-I’ve read most of his books on writing and I’d like to bring a notebook filled with questions to ask.

(2) Max Lucado-I find his books so encouraging and I’d love to spend time talking to him about life.

(3) James L. Rubart-I’d like to discuss speculative fiction with him. You see, I have this kinda weird novel in the back of my mind … 😊

Can you think of anything you wish you had known before you started writing?

I wish I’d known there are lots of scams in the writing world and people aren’t always honest. I learned that in an expensive lesson when I first started out …

What’s next for you as an author?

I’m currently busy promoting my debut novel, Jessie’s Hope. My agent is shopping the sequel, tentatively titled, Angeline’s Dream. I’m editing a 99,000 word fantasy and want to finish a stand-alone southern fiction novel in January. Whew!

Author Bio:

Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction and has published 200+ internet articles and interviews, short stories in several magazines, and has co-authored three book compilations. Her debut novel, Jessie’s Hope, released on June 17th, 2019.

When she isn’t babysitting or gardening, you can find her at her desk writing fiction or working on her two blogs.  She also loves reading detective fiction from the Golden Age and viewing movies like LOTR or Star Wars. Sometimes you can even catch her watching American Ninja Warrior.

www.jenniferhallmark.com

www.inspiredprompt.com 

Jennifer Hallmark, Facebook

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 Purchase links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Blurb

Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, her parents’ absence intensifies her worry that she cannot hold on to those she loves.

With a wedding fast approaching, Jessie’s grandfather Homer Smith, has a goal to find the perfect dress for “his Jessie,” one that would allow her to forget, even if for a moment, the boundaries of her wheelchair. But financial setbacks and unexpected sabotage hinder his plans.

Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when additional obstacles–including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather–highjack Jessie’s dream wedding?