Welcome to Author Services Australia, Jennifer J Coldwater, and welcome to our author interviews! If you could start by introducing yourself to everyone, let them know where you’re from and some of your interests and hobbies.
Thanks for the opportunity to talk to readers. I’m Jennifer J Coldwater—I write contemporary romance novels based on the badass women of the Hebrew Bible. I live in Los Angeles with my rescue mutts.
What inspired you to start writing?
When the world shut down in March 2020, I was living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a plethora of rescue dogs. (In case you’re wondering, a plethora is two dogs more than a pack. This is not science, but it is a fact just the same). In the absence of anyone but my roommate and our canines, I started writing a novel based on one of my favorite stories: the book of Ruth.
For as long as I can remember, the story of Ruth and Naomi has resonated with me.
Something about Ruth’s unremitting devotion to her mother-in-law grabbed my heart and would not let go. I think my own mother is the reason I am so connected to this story. As a military brat raised by a military brat, I can say with certainty wherever my mom goes, I will go. And yet, she also taught me that anywhere I am, she is with me. When you regularly have to pick up everything to move thousands of miles away, you learn to keep the important people in your heart.
What is one thing you wish you knew now that you didn’t know when you started writing?
I wish I’d known what traditional publishers are looking for. When I set out to query agents and publishers, I had very little to show for myself. They were looking for a debut author to have tens of thousands of followers and subscribers. When I sat down to write a book, social media was the last thing on my mind.
At first, I saw self-publishing as an opportunity to build a following. But now, it is my chosen path. I’ve loved the process; it appeals to my personality. I’ve loved figuring out all the steps and leaving myself breadcrumbs for the next three (or more!) books.
What was the hardest part of self-publishing?
Marketing and promotion are the hardest part of being an indie author. Self-publishing was easy—I haven’t talked about this much in interviews, but I’ve worked in publishing since college. So, book design and formatting, all those things came naturally to me. The part that has been a challenge has been the hustle. There’s no one to promote my book but me! That’s why supporters like Author Services Australia are so important to me and authors like me. Thank you! ~ Thanks, Jennifer. We try our best!
Who are some of your favorite authors?
My top five authors who self-publish or own their indie publishing companies include Carrie Pulkinen (New Orleans Nocturnes series), Laura Brown (Matzah Ball Surprise series), Talia Hibbert (The Brown Sisters series), Penny Reid (Knitting in the City, Winston Brothers, Solving for Pie, Three Kings series), Lucy Score (By a Thread and Maggie Moves On).
What are you working on right now?
I am currently writing an emotional, problems-in-paradise, witty, sexy romance with a love triangle twist based on 1 Samuel 1-2 called Hannah’s Song. I’m planning for an October 2023 launch. I’ll include the prologue and first chapter in the paperback version of When Ivy Met Adam, which will be out in July 2023.
What’s next for you as an author?
Next, I will tackle Deborah (both a prophet and a judge from the book of Judges) in a sexy enemies-to-lovers courtroom rom-com with a clairvoyant heroine. And the five daughters of Zelophehad (who raised the case in the book of Numbers of a woman’s right to inherit property) in a sister’s best friend (with a best friend’s sister subplot) sexy, witty romance.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview, Jennifer J Coldwater! Please take a minute and check Jennifer J Coldwater out on the links below! If you would like to do an author interview, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
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Author Name: Jennifer J Coldwater
Genre/s: Contemporary Romance
Author Website: https://www.jenniferjcoldwater.com/
Social Media Links: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon Author Central, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Spotify.
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Thank you this great conversation! I appreciate your support.
You’re welcome Jennifer! I always enjoy learning about authors as I do these interviews. Best of luck with your books, what a unique idea!