I love “meeting” these authors online, and then really getting to know them through their social media posts and these interviews!

Today we’re meeting with Jen Sequel, author of several books, serials, and amazing illustrator (I can’t draw to save my life, btw)!

Writing and painting, it’s all bubbling up

How did you know you had this series in you? 

I have always been fascinated with mythology and supernatural creatures. Over the years, I’ve discovered many of my friends either never studied them, or forgot as they grew older. I wanted to write about them in a fictional format that everyone could relate to and possibly learn a little too.

Why did you choose to use a series format?

I have been wanting to do a serial novel for quite some time. I first had the idea for a hunter-type series. There are multiple books, movies, and shows that surround ordinary people hunting supernatural creatures and I wanted to try my hand at it. At the time, Amazon didn’t offer a platform and I didn’t want to spread out my writing to yet another site (I am too widespread with my art and didn’t want to repeat the same with my writing). Instead, I chose to publish three short books with the intention of a future book combining all three. [These are currently published under a different name but I will be reworking the covers and putting under Jen Sequel soon]

I think that these can be found on your website now…

There are always challenges

What is your greatest challenge in writing?

My greatest challenge is finding the time in my busy schedule.

I hear that! And I had no idea how much time regarding being an author had nothing to actually do with writing time.

What surprised you in the writing process? 

Well over a year ago I really started following numerous groups on Facebook of fellow authors giving tips of the trade. Many have recommended multiple programs they use for different aspects. For much of my writing, I am a pantser. But even though I “wing it”, I still have an overall idea of where I’m going. I’ve always used notebooks and post-it notes to gather my thoughts together but have never successfully outlined anything. When I heard about the Plottr program, I gave it a test drive and started using it when I wrote The Witching. It has been life changing!

Mythological Encyclopedia

I know we tend to write what we know, but did you need to do research for this book? 

For the past two Vella stories, I have created challenges for myself to keep me motivated to write. Years ago I had purchased an encyclopedia of mythical and magical creatures for my art. I never used it. But I also never threw it away. I am currently using it for Pandora’s Legacy. My challenge for this Vella is to open the book to a random page, select a creature on that page, and incorporate it into the story. Once the creature is selected, I do a deep dive on Google to research either the deity or supernatural creature. It has been fun working them in every week!

If so, what was the coolest or most surprising thing you learned? 

The most surprising thingIi have learned is how little information there is on many of the ones I come across. I do wish I had time to hit a library or two but am strapped for time. This also reaffirms my desire to write about them so that their legends are not lost over time.

What else can you describe in your writing process?

I have always read my work out loud after I am done typing it. This is essential for dialogue! Recently, I have been using the read aloud feature on Microsoft Word. Our ears catch many typos our eyes overlook.

It is amazing the mistakes or awkwardness that we can hear but miss with our eyes. I should remember to do this more.

Ready to share

How do you know your piece is ready to be shared/complete?

 It’s a gut feeling.

Who is your expected audience?

I do that, too. There are obvious edits and revisions, but then it’s by feel.

 I try not to overthink my audience. I overthink enough in life. I simply write the story as I feel it’s meant to be written. 

Who has been your strongest supporter? 

My family.

If you could have any author (alive, dead, or fictional) read your book, who would you like to read it?

 I suppose it would depend on the genre. My horror I would live Shirley Jackson and Stephen King. My mysteries/thrillers would be James Patterson. My fantasy would be Tad Williams. But honestly, any author would do.

We need to know more about you

I am an entertainment junkie!! Favorite genre is horror but basically give me anything but romance and drama. And I would have to say I am a Netflix junkie. In my opinion, no other streaming service can touch them.

I don’t watch a lot of tv, but when I do it tends to be Netflix and Prime Video.

When can we expect more from you? 

I have five serials active right now that publish weekly. And I already have more ideas to begin once these are complete. Links/updates are on my website but I have created a tag on Kindle Vella to make it easier to find.

Where can we find your book? 

Amazon is where I have all my books – paperback and digital. 

Where can we find you? 

All of my social links are on my website. I also have an author page on Amazon.com.