Meet Jennifer Fromke, Author

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A young lawyer, an anonymous client, an estranged family.

Meg must decide on her own who deserves what as she writes the will.

A shocking discovery wedges her between a suspicious family and

a deathbed promise her conscience demands she keep.

PLEASE welcome to the Embattled Spirit studio:

JENNIFER FROMKE

author of A Familiar Shore

(see summer sale below)

J.A. – I’ve been wanting FOREVER to have you on my blog, Jennifer. Finally, here we are. How long did it take you to write Familiar Shores?

J. FROMKE – That depends. The first draft took about a year. But then I attended a writing workshop and realized I needed to revise in a big way. The rewrite took about 5-6 months. The polishing took another 6 months, running it through my critique partners, etc . . . So I guess it was 2 years.

J.A. – Ha! I’m jealous. Took me a decade to publish my first book. What books have influenced your writing?

J. FROMKE – Every single book I’ve read has influenced ME in some way. I am a great lover of books and I think it’s my love for story that makes me write. I was one of those kids whose mom had to call me three times before I even heard her, because I was flying through some foreign world, completely wrapped up with my imaginary friends. The literature major followed and I loved discovering people, motivation, philosophy, irony, cruelty, and ultimately redemption through stories. Then I began to teach Bible studies and realized the Bible is a story (though non-fictional) and that’s why its staying power has beat down every other competitor . . . because that story is the one that resonates with people the most. Because we were created for that story. So I’ve pretty much been immersed in “story” my whole life and that’s why and how I write.

J.A. – Is your main character like you?

J FROMKE – Not really. I do love the water and I love boating, and that’s the main thing we have in common. She grew up living on a boat, travelling from port to port along the eastern seaboard. In my story, she finds herself boating in Michigan, where I grew up.

J.A. – Readers will definitely get a sincere feel for boating in A Familiar Shore. Are there certain themes or ideas you’d love to work with?

J FROMKE – I like dealing with family issues. Those seem to be the ones that cut deepest and mean the most. I’m working on a lifelong friendship story right now.

J.A. – Speaking of issues, what has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What’s been the best compliment?

J FROMKE – The toughest criticism . . . not sure I want to answer that! I had a review that stated the family scenario in the story is unrealistic and unbelievable. But I will counter that with a comment from a reader I met: she told me as she read the book, she was astounded because it was almost like I was writing her life story. She told me the exact same scenario actually happened (differing details) to her. So I guess it was realistic and I didn’t even know it!

Best compliment: The book kept me up all night. I even had a friend tell me I should buy her coffee that morning because it was my fault she was so tired. If somebody trades sleep for reading my words . . . it’s the highest of compliments.

J.A. – I totally get you on both of those points, and that makes me want to climb into my writing “hole.” So where and when do you prefer to do your writing? Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

J FROMKE – Yes, I write in my PJs, sometimes. Mornings are best – right after the kids leave for school. I like my back porch, my sunny front room and sometimes the chair in the corner of my bedroom. My one requirement for writing space – a window. I have to be able to look outside when I’m thinking.

J.A. – I love having a view of nature, except when it distracts me. LOL. What’s one of your favorite quotes?

J FROMKE – It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. 

My other favorite quote is quite a different vein, comes from Revelation 21:5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” This verse is what I lean into when things get tough. If God is going to make all things new, that means everything will be redeemed. Even the bugs. And the toenails. And the bodies (thank you, Jesus!) and every. Single. Thing. Not “made-over.” Made new. Fresh. Brand-spanking, sparkling, shiny new. Squeaky clean. In proper working order. NEW. Wow. Yes.

J.A. – “Making everything new” gives me such peace of mind. What actor or a book character do you have a crush on?

J FROMKE – It’s always been Mr. Darcy. ♥  ♥  ♥  →

J.A. – I’ll be looking for a “Darcy” among your character heroes. Do you have plans for a new book? Is Familiar Shores part of a series?

J FROMKE – So far, I’m not excited about writing a series. I like starting over with new characters every time. My next book is in the final stages . . . polishing polishing polishing.

J.A. – Awesome news. And READERS: Familiar Shores Kindle version is on sale for the summer → → → →

Where can my readers stalk you, Jennifer? 

J FROMKE – I’d love to be stalked! Come say hello!

www.jenniferfromke.com

www.facebook.com/jenniferfromke

Twitter @Jenniferfromke

About Jennifer:

Though raised in the Midwest, Jennifer Fromke writes from North Carolina where she lives with her three teenagers and husband of over 20 years. In addition to her debut novel, A Familiar Shore, Jennifer co-authored a Christmas novella (The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt) and published two short stories (“Black Tie Optional” can be purchased as part of Heart Bouquets, a short story collection). Her favorite sport is laughing with her family and her favorite daily chore is to ensure the candy dish never runs dry.

p.s. J.A. cannot wait to meet Jennifer in person!

THANK YOU for visiting today. Leave a comment, and let us know your thoughts. Also, if you’ve read and loved A Familiar Shore, leave a raving review in the comment section.