Jennifer Zamboni | Ellwyn Autumn

Jennifer Zamboni has dabbled with various creative media over the years. A hair stylist and cosmetologist by trade, she enjoys adding a splash of color both on and off the page.

Currently a stay at home mom, Jennifer uses her spare time to write and spread the word about Indie Authors.

Now that I’ve introduced you to Jennifer let’s get to know her a little better.

Hello, Jennifer, and welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Thank you for having me.

What inspired you to be a writer?

I’ve always been in love with books. My parents read to me nearly every night as I was growing up. I also had (and still have!) an active imagination. In writing books, I get to explore that what if, before anyone else does!

Is writing your full-time profession?

Not yet, but it is definitely my goal. I’m currently a stay-at-home mom.

How long have you been writing?

Little things when I was just a kid, but I became more serious about it in junior high school and wrote my first full-length novel in high school.

How many books have you written?

Just one, so far, but I have two rough drafts ready for edits in the same series, and I’m hoping to publish book 2 next spring/summer.

Which genre do you write for?

Urban Fantasy

What do you find most challenging writing for this genre?

Hm… probably coming up with the rules and how they interact with the real world.

Torn billboard posters abstract grungy background texture.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently taking part in NaNoWriMo and working on a series of young reader books for my kids. In December, I’m jumping straight into edits for book two.

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

Oh, all over the place. My main girls are hairdressers, and I worked as one in a salon for about eight years, so I had lots of experiences to draw on from there! I initially wrote the basics of who they are, and as the story developed, I could fill in the blanks and add things to round them out.

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

Honestly? Just the fact that people are reading (and liking) my story!

What advice would you give to authors just starting out?

I’m just getting started myself, so take this with a grain of salt: Get to know other authors. Read a lot. And read all different types of books, don’t just stick with your specific genre. Read horror, read romance, read women’s fic, read fantasy.

At least try a few books outside of your comfort zone, there is so much to learn from different genres. Support authors: review their books, message them and tell them how much you loved their books.

Send them something (a meme or something is good!) to make them smile. And don’t get discouraged by the timing. Every bit adds up.

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?

Hm… well, I am a cosmetologist and an avid reader. I love reading just as much as I love writing! I live in the boondocks of Maine and I’m hoping to write full time soon!

What message are you sharing in your books?

I didn’t put deliberate messages in (I wrote to entertain myself and my readers) but it can’t be helped that some of my personal beliefs snuck in here and there, specifically about not judging people based on their looks, background, or gender.

What are your favorite books?

I’m a huge Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter fan! I also reread all of Patricia Briggs’ books regularly aswell as Kim Harrison’s Hollows Series. Francine Rivers (Pretty much all of her books), The Chronicles of Narnia, Ilona Andrews Kate Danials Series, Salem’s Lot by Stephen King…

What are your favorite movies, TV shows?

The Lord of the Rings trilogy (extended editions!) (See a trend?) Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Scrubs, Bones, Criminal Minds… um… Teen Wolf, all the Marvel movies, Reign of Fire, Pride and Prejudice (Kiera Knightly version), Harry Potter, The Princess Bride (are you regretting asking me this question yet? Because I could keep going!)