Thursday, September 5, 2013

Author Jennifer Sights

Hi all!

Please help me welcome Author Jennifer Sights to my blog today!



Bio:
Jennifer Sights is the author of the Elena Ronen, Private Investigator series. She has been writing since she was a kid, but veered off track for college and a more traditional office job. Thanks to National Novel Writing Month, she has found her way back to her true love of writing, and losing herself for hours at a time working on various stories.
Jennifer lives in St. Louis, MO, with her husband, John, and their three dogs, Tiberius, Emmy and Cookie. When she isn't writing or reading she loves riding her motorcycle, learning about the mysterious side of our world, traveling, and volunteering at the local animal shelter. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her at www.jennifersights.com.

Here's my interview with her:

What is your name? Do you use a pen name (if so, why?)?
I publish under Jennifer Sights, but legally I’m Jennifer Hart. I chose to publish under my maiden name because it’s a lot easier to find me that way. As far as I’ve been able to find, there’s only one Jennifer Sights out there as opposed to thousands of Hart!

Tell me a bit about yourself:
Well, at the time of writing this I’m 34 years old, married with 3 dogs. I live in a suburb of St. Louis, MO. When I’m not writing I’m reading (of course!) or riding my motorcycle, a 2006 Honda Shadow Aero. I also love going to concerts when time and money allows and travelling. I rarely watch TV, though there are a few shows I MUST see – Doctor Who, Sons of Anarchy, and Game of Thrones. I’m also currently training for a 5K. I’m an eternal optimist, a dreamer and a romantic. I’m an open book and wear my heart on my sleeve, and sometimes get hurt because of that, though I still think it’s the best way to live.

What type of genre do you write?
The first two books are urban fantasy/paranormal romance. I don’t intend to pigeonhole myself though. I’ll likely stick with paranormals or thrillers of some sort, though I do have some other completely unrelated ideas floating around in my head.

What genre to you personally read?
I’ll read absolutely anything, though the genre I read most often is urban fantasy. But if it has a catchy premise, or if it comes recommended from a friend, I’ll read it. I’ve also started reading more non-fiction in the past few years on any and all subjects.

Tell me about your latest?
Ravaged is the second in my urban fantasy series, and will be released on September 26. In it, Private Investigator - and fledgling witch - Elena Ronen is dealing with major fallout in the aftermath of her most recent case. She wishes being a witness in a murder trial was the least of it. But other covens of witches have become hostile towards her and her lover Vittorio, leaders of the St. Louis coven. In the midst of this animosity, Elena and Vittorio must put their own differences aside when their coven comes under attack. Will they be able to unravel their rival’s mysteries before their lives and the lives of those they love are irreparably damaged?

What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story?
I can’t really say. I’ve been reading as long as I can remember. My parents taught me to read at a very young age using I Can Read books. I remember sitting on my mom’s lap reading the books aloud, and she’d mark words I had trouble pronouncing so we could practice them later. I’ve always been an avid reader, and I love how a good book can take you to another world and make you forget your own troubles for a while.

Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way?
Honestly there really isn’t. The closest thing would be A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, but that’s just a favorite book more than anything. It’s my comfort book I go to when I need to take my mind off something, but can’t focus on anything too deep or new.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
I didn’t set about to give a message, I just wanted to tell a good story. But if there’s anything there I suppose it’s just to never give up, no matter how awful life may seem. If you persist, good things will come to you.

What challenges have you faced in your writing career?
For a long time I didn’t have a very good work ethic. I wrote Divided in 2008, and edited it off and on for the next 4 years. That’s no way to make a living as a writer. Now I have a very detailed schedule for not only when I want to publish my next couple of books, but the steps I need to take for each one and when those need to be complete.

Another challenge I faced was lack of support from a former significant other. It was a few years into our relationship that I because serious about writing and wanting to publish, and I felt I didn’t get a lot of support from him on that for various reasons. That made it hard, but thankfully I didn’t quit, and now I have a wonderful husband who supports me completely.

What has been your best moment as a writer?
I think my best moment – so far – was the book reading and signing for Divided. Close to thirty of my family and friends showed up and packed the tiny independent bookstore hosting the event. It was fantastic!

Who is your author idol?
Laurell K. Hamilton. I’ve been reading her books since for sixteen years and following her blog. Her work ethic, openness, and willingness to help other people really inspire me.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?
Elena has my sense of style, but other than that, not too much. There are always going to be little things that come from myself, but on a whole, none of the characters are too much of myself.

Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?
Part of my dream has come true – to see my book in print. But I want to make a living off my writing, so there’s still a lot more to do before I reach that point.

What does your workspace look like? A picture is worth 1000 words, right? So I included a few pictures. I have the standing desk that I try to use as much as possible. I sit for 8 hours a day at the day job, so try not to sit as much at home when I’m writing. When I need to sit though, I have my desk and use the balance ball as a chair. My work area has to be spotless. I try to keep it clean all the time because if I don’t, I can’t start writing until I’ve cleaned it off.

Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?
To quit writing? Sometimes, but not often. I have somewhat solid ideas for the next two books, but beyond that I don’t have anything solid. But I know inspiration will hit me between now and then. There’s plenty of time for it. But I do have those days where I feel completely uncreative and worry that this is just a fluke. But then I remember how much I love writing and telling stories through my characters.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
Read of course. What writer doesn’t read? I also love spending time with my husband and friends, playing with our dogs, riding my motorcycle (2006 Honda Shadow Aero) and walking dogs at the local humane society. Last year I became a Mary Kay beauty consultant, which I absolutely love! It’s such a fun job, and I’ve met so many great people through it. I also co-host a podcast called Coffee and Aliens with some of my friends every two weeks. www.coffeeandaliens.com

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
Can I get back to you when I figure this one out? *laughs* Seriously, I have to be very organized. I’m a list-maker. I write everything I have to do in a list. I actually have several to do lists – my long, general list, my writing schedule, which is on a white board in my office, and a list for my Mary Kay business. Recently I’ve been trying yet another list – the Six Most Important Things list. This is a list of – you got it – the six most important things I must get done today. I make it most every night before I go to bed, or sometimes a day or two in advance. It seems to be helping me keep my sanity.

Did you have a moment when you realized you were meant to be a writer?
Not where I realized I was meant to be, but where I wanted to be, yes. I’d been part of a writing group that met weekly and did short freewriting based on Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones. After some time away I went back, and everyone was focused on writing a novel to be published. The thought had never crossed my mind, and I felt a bit out of place. I kept going though, and eventually decided to turn an old short story into a YA novel. It never saw the light of day, but that’s when I realized I really wanted to be published.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
As cliché as it is, don’t give up. Don’t let anyone discourage you. Chances are they’re just jealous you’re doing something they can only dream of. And let that first novel go. You can work on it forever and a day and it will never be perfect. At some point you just have to stop and let it out into the world. I still think of things I wish I had done differently in Divided, but it’s out there now and no changing it. Just move on and make the next one even better.

After this book, what is next?
I have two more books planned right now, though I don’t plan to stop writing anytime soon, if ever. The next one will be a standalone psychological thriller called Burning Darkness. I wrote it for National Novel Writing Month 2012 and need to edit it now. I hope to release that in March of next year. After that will be Deceived, the third book in the Elena Ronen series, which I plan to write for NaNoWriMo this year.






Blurb for RAVAGED (book 2)

Private Investigator - and fledgling witch - Elena Ronen is dealing with major fallout in the aftermath of her most recent case. She wishes being a witness in a murder trial was the least of it. But other covens of witches have become hostile towards her and her lover Vittorio, leaders of the St. Louis coven. In the midst of this animosity, Elena and Vittorio must put their own differences aside when their coven comes under attack. Will they be able to unravel their rival’s mysteries before their lives and the lives of those they love are irreparably damaged? Ravaged continues Elena’s story, which begins in Divided.



Chapter 1 of DIVIDED (book 1)
“Ms. Ronen, I need you to help me find my daughter, and I’ve heard you’re the best.” Alexis Carmen pushed a photograph toward me across my office desk. A pretty young girl with strawberry hair that matched her mother’s smiled out of the photo.
“Please, call me Elena.” I wanted to put Ms. Carmen at ease.  Her brow furrowed, dark circles shadowed her honey brown eyes, making her porcelain skin look ever paler. A strand of hair strayed from her neat ponytail, which she absently tucked behind her ear.
“Elena. Courtney ran away two weeks ago.”
“Have you contacted the police?” I asked.
“Yes, but because she is of legal age, they won’t do anything.”
I reflected on the few years I had spent on the force, and could imagine how frustrated Ms. Carmen must be. Eighteen is such an arbitrary age to be considered an adult. Some eighteen-year-olds are completely incapable of taking care of themselves. Others - like me, when I was younger - are more mature than many in their thirties. “How old is your daughter?”
“Nineteen.” Her voice cracked, but not a single tear fell from her shining eyes. “The police referred me to you, actually. They said very good things about your ability to solve a case. Do you work with them often?”
“No, but I used to be a police officer.”
“Why did you quit?”
“I didn’t like all the red tape. I’d rather get something done than fill out stacks of paperwork.” I stood. “Would you like some coffee, Mrs. Carmen?”
“Ms. And yes, thank you. Black.”
The lack of sugar or cream matched the fit body beneath her slightly rumpled yet expensive looking business suit. I poured two cups of black coffee and handed her one. “Is there no Mr. Carmen?” I asked.
“No. But why does that matter?” She narrowed her eyes.
“Anything that can provide insight as to why your daughter might have run away could help. I’m sorry if it’s a painful topic.”
“I understand. I was always very focused on my education, but made one mistake that almost cost me my MBA. Do you have any idea how hard it is to complete graduate school while raising an infant?”
“I can imagine. Do you resent that hardship your daughter caused you by her birth?” I sipped my coffee and studied her reaction.
“Of course not!” Ms. Carmen straightened her shoulders and shook her head from side to side.
I raised an eyebrow.
“I admit it wasn’t easy, but I wouldn’t give up my daughter. I love her.”
“Do you have a good relationship with your daughter?”
“I did, for the most part. But then she started attending St. Louis Community College. That’s when the fighting began.”
“What do you mean, ‘for the most part?' "
“I was very strict with Courtney, and she often resented me for that, but she used to confide in me.”
“What did you fight over?” I made note of the name of the college.
“Her degree. I wanted her to do something that would pay well, but she’s always loved art. I know firsthand how important it is for a young woman to not have to rely on a man, and I don’t want my daughter to struggle. I was an art major, and ended up working fast food when I graduated. After a year, I went back to school for a business degree so I could make something of myself. I tried to tell her what I endured, tried to convince her to do better for herself, but she insisted on enrolling in the art program. And then she made new friends.”
“What kind of friends?” I expected her to mention alcohol or drugs.
“Freaks.”
I sat back in my chair, inadvertently putting more distance between myself and her.
She quickly glanced at my metal filled ears and the tattoo peeking from the sleeve of my scarlet blouse. “Forgive me. I mean Goths. I - I’m not used to - “ she stammered, looking down into her lap and biting her lower lip.
I sighed, having mostly gotten used to remarks about my style long ago. “Forget it. So you didn’t like her friends.”
“No, and she changed. She dyed her hair black, started wearing tons of dark makeup, dressed like a vampire.”
“So you fought about that as well?” I guessed.
“Yes. She started skipping classes. Her artwork became darker, more sinister. Then she ran away.”
“How do you know she ran away? Could she have been kidnapped?”
“No, her clothes were gone, as well as her art supplies.” She finally took a sip of her coffee, holding the mug in both hands.
“Have you contacted the college?”
“I have. Thankfully, I made her sign a waiver to let them release her information to me since she’s over eighteen. They said she hasn’t shown up to any classes in several weeks. I’m worried she’s getting into drugs or something worse.”
“Something worse?”
“Yes, I overheard her mention something about a coven while she was on the phone with one of her new friends. I’m afraid she’s getting into some kind of Satanic cult or something. I don’t understand what she meant by that.” She gripped the mug so tightly I feared she would break it.
“Did you hear her mention anything else that might help? Do you know any of her friends’ names, where they live, or where she hung out?”
“She was very secretive once we began fighting. I know one girl was named Miriam. Courtney’s car had broken down - I made her work to pay for her own car and insurance - so this Miriam picked her up every day. I have no idea where they went, though.”
“Can you describe Miriam?”
“I only saw her from a distance in the car, so, other than Goth, not really. I’m sorry, I realize that’s no help. She drove a Chevy Malibu that looked several years old. Black, of course.” Ms. Carmen paused, eyes closed.
“What else?”
“I heard her talk about someone named Elizabeth. She seemed to idolize her.”
I paused while writing this down. “Is there anything else?”
“I can’t think of anything. As much as we’ve fought recently, I love my daughter. I want her back.” Her face brightened just a tiny bit with hope. “I’ve heard that you’ve never given up or failed on a case. Can you find her?”
" 'Never’ is a bit of an exaggeration, but I’m sure I can find your daughter, Ms. Carmen. Try to relax.” I stood, walked around the desk, then handed Ms. Carmen a business card. “If you think of anything else that might help, please call me, anytime. I’ll call you as soon as I find anything out.”
“I’ll warn you, the picture might not be much help. She looks completely different now, especially with all the makeup she wears.”
I nodded. “I can’t guarantee she’ll come back home. As you discovered from the police, she is legally able to do what she wants, but I’ll at least be able to tell you where she is so you’ll know she’s safe.”
She nodded, grasped my hand tightly, then left.

Ms. Carmen’s comment about “freaks” almost made me refuse the case, but it was an easy one, and she had already written me a check twice the size a case like this usually cost. However, something nagged at my gut. Something told me this wouldn’t be as easy as it sounded.

This is what Jennifer's workspace looks like:


Author Links:

Your website?
www.jennifersights.com

Your blog?
www.jennifersights.com

Other websites?

Where can your book be found?
http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Sights/e/B00BSGI76O/

This post was made possible through:



Also, several of the authors have chipped in to do a massive giveaway - over $250 in cash and prizes! Here is the link to get the rafflecopter to include in your post (and you are welcome to enter as well!) http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OTNhYTMzNDQzYjc0NmU5ZjcyNjY5ZWJjOGVlOTFlOjI2/
Check out the rest of the schedule for the month!

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Cara Rosalie Olsen - Shirley @ Creative Deeds Reads
Helen Boswell - Laura @ Little Read Riding Hood

Monday, September 2, 2013

Addison Moore - Heather @ SupaGurl Books
Jennifer Collins - Ren Reidy @ A Little Bit of R&R
Sophie Davis - Angela Pratt @ I Feel the Need, the Need to ReadJennifer Miller - Chandra Haun @ Unabridged Bookshelf 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Chelsea Fine - Maliha Khan @ Anonymous Interests
Marianne Morea - Syreeta Eili @ Hardback Book Hotties
Marquita Valentine - Alyn Love @ Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Ali Cross - Shannon O'Donnell @ Book Dreaming
S.R. Johannes - Kate Tilton @ Kate Tilton's Blog

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Chris Buecheler - Lucy Taylor @ Lucy's Lit Lovin' Blog
Mary Ting - Mindy Fangedmom @ Forbidden Book Reviews
Stacey Marie Brown - Amy McGlone @ Turn the Page
Amos Cassidy - Laura Greenwood @ A Reader Lives A Thousand Lives

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Christi Snow - Shauni @ Bodice Rippers
Megan Curd - Jodi Murphy @ Butterflies, Books and Dreams
Jennifer Sights - Jodie Pierce @ Jodie Pierce
Susan Quinn - Kelly Fox @ Kindle and Me
Allie Brennan - Peggy @ Le Book Squirrel
Jennifer Snyder - Denice Cordero @ Books Mystify

Friday, September 6, 2013

Ella J. Phoenix - S.M. Boyce @ S.M. Boyce
Cindy C. Bennett - Alexandra Lindé @ Lexie LaserMichele G. Miller - Megan @ Paper Book Princess
Tawdra Kandle - Lauren K. McKellar @ Lauren's Written Word
Melainie Rose Huff - Crystal Allmon @ Out There Reviews

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Teresa Lynn Tolles - Lori @ Contagious Reads
Alyssa Rose Ivy - Jackie @ No Bent Spines
Cindy M. Hogan - Chelsea @ Book Blogger Paradise
Jenni Moen - Dani Sanchez @ Just Booked
Michelle Madow - Becca @ BS Book Reviewers

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Amber Kallyn - Noemi Stude @ Wild Wordy Women
Thomas Amo - Marianne @ Boricuan Bookworms
Claire Riley - Shauni @ Tea and Book
Jessica Scott - FranJessca @ Book Lovin' Mamas
Michelle Muto - Alice Ramos @ All Things in the Cloud Sweet

Monday, September 9, 2013

Amelia Hutchins - Dina Given @ Read, Love, Lust
Danielle Torella - T Spry @ Hooked on Books
Mike Hartner - Tammy Hall @ Tammy's Tea Time
Tia Bach - CoCo White @ Book Kraze

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Tiffany Carmouche - Makayla @ Makayla's Book Reviews
Kit Rocha - Ellen Widom @ The Book Bellas
Jill Cooper - Mami Jarman @ Word to Dreams
David James - Lynsey Newton @ Narratively Speaking
Amy Maurer Jones - Erin Lindsey @ Paws & Print

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Desi DeOrto - Alii Shah @ Alii's Book JungleTiffany King - Gabrie Johnson @ Rampant ReadersMorgan Wylie - Jackie McPherson @ Sated FaeryJulie Coulter Bellon - Dawn @ Dawn AllenAmy Queau - Elizabeth @ The Novel Tease

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Andrea Heltsley - Grace Fonseca @ Grace Books of Love
Devri Walls - Donna & Melanie @ Book Passion for Life
Julie Revezzo - Caroline Clemmons @ Caroline Clemmons
K.A. Last - Toni Lesatz @ My Book Addiction
M.R. Merrick - Danielle Young @ Consuming Worlds

Friday, September 13, 2013

Andris Bear - Mickey @ I'm a Book Shark 
Devyn Dawson - Megan Curd @ Megan Curd
Nicole Taylor - Reanna @ Phantasmic Reads

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Destiny Ford - Yara @ Once Upon a Twilight
Donna Faz - Gaele Hince @ I am, Indeed
K.A. Tucker - Jamie Birdwell @ Alphas, Authors, Books, Oh My!
Nikki Jefford - Katrina Tinnon @ Bookish Things and More

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Angeline Kace - Catarina @ Reading and Things
Elizabeth Sharp - Christine Marquette @ My Bookopolis
Kait Nolan - Jamie Johnson @ Fantasy Book Chick
Pendragon Inman - S. Cu'Anam @ Cu's Author Spotlight

Monday, September 16, 2013

Penelope Reece - Lori @ Romancing the Dark Side
Katie Hayoz - Eileen @ Singing and Reading in the Rain
AnnaLisa Grant - Jacqueline Driggers @ The Book News JournalElle Chardou
 Mari Brown @ Keeping it Real Book Blog

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Phoebe Lane - Jen Smith @ Random Jendsmit
Kandy Kay Scaramuzzo - Sue London @ Writing Insight
Ashley Lavering - Justine Vandale @ Shelves of Books BlogElle Strauss - Calla @ Read Books and Live Green

Wednesday, September 18, 2012

Priya Kanaparti - Francine Soleil Pinpin @ The Bookworm in Boots
Karen Hooper - Jennifer  @ Boricuan Bookworms
Elyssa Patrick - Jackie @ No Bent Spines
Bailey Ardisone - Mary Smith @ Book Nerds Across America

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Raine Thomas - Annmarie @ Fandom Fanatic
Erin Keyser Horn - Emmalee @ Little Read Riding Hood
Belle Whittington - Nicola Horner @ Endless Reading

Friday, September 20, 2013

RaShelle Workman - Kendall McCubbin @ Book Crazy
Kendall Grey - Jamie Degyansiy @ Addicted to Heroines
Felicia Tatum - Kris Seek @ The Book Beacon
Beth Michele - Melanie Kozak @ Mommy's Late Night Book Up

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Rebecca Ethington - Jaz @ Fiction in Fiction in Fiction
Kimberly Stedronsky - Cremona @ Mythical Books
HJ Bellus - Lisa @ A Life Bound By Books
Bethany Lopez - Tyhada Reads @ Tyhada Reads

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Renee Carlino - Yvette Cervera @ Nose Stuck In A Book
Kristi Strong - Stacey @ Illustrious Illusions
Heather Hildenbrand  - Christyn @ The Book Cafe
Bonnie Paulson - Zee Hayat @ Zee Books Blog

Monday, September 23, 2013

Renee Peterson - Meagan @ Inside the World of Books
Laura Elliot - Casey Peeler @ Hardcover Therapy
Jessie Lane - Charlotte Lynn @ A Novel Review
Heather Killough-Walden - Author Amelia Hutchins @ Erotica Book Club
Boone Brux - Shawnie Nicole @ Book Pages & Dripping Ink

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen - Gabi Bahr @ Gabic Reads
Laura Smith - Chandra Haun @ Unabridged Bookshelf
Heather Lyons - Jessica @ Lovin' Los Libros
Breena Wilde - Chrisy Fletcher @ Reading Past My Bedtime

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Sarah Ross - Brianna Lee @ Brianna Lee Book Reviews
Lila Felix - Mandy Hessong @ The Book Mom's Reviews
Heather Self - Kathryn Grimes @ TSK, TSK, What to Read?
Dani Hart - Michele G Miller @ Author Michele Miller Blog

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Sarah Dosher - Tess Watson @ My Pathway to Books
Rebecca Rynecki - Natali @ Pretty in Pink Books and Reviews
Liz Long - Becky Paulk @ Book Bite Reviews
J. Elizabeth Hill - Jasmine & Megan @ The Book Groupies

Friday, September 27, 2013

Sean Hayden - Jessica @ Jess Resides Here
L.M. Augustine - Jessica Baker @ Just a Book Lover
J.L Bryan - Kelsey Wentworth @ Kelsey's Cluttered Bookshelf
C.A. Kunz - Tamara Beard @ Tamara's One Stop Indie Shop
Chelsea M. Cameron - Nat @ Seeking Book Boyfriends

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Shannon Dermott - Holly Harris @ Words Fueled by Love
M.E. Franco - Charity Parkerson @ The Sinner Author
Jason Letts - Tiffany Riach @ Book Infatuation
C.J. Ellisson - Melanie Marsh @ Fang Freakin' Tastic Reviews

Sunday, September 29, 2013

M.R. Polish - Angie Edwards @ Books 4 Tomorrow
Jean Booth - Jennifer Greeff @ Battery Operated Book Blog
Cameo Renae - Amber McCallister @ The Wonderings of One Person

Monday, September 30, 2013

S.M. Boyce - Mandi Kaye Ottaway @ Never Too Fond of Books
Magan Vernon - Amy Logg @ The Reading Realm
Jen Wylie - Azahara Arenas @ Living in Our Own Story
Chelsea Camaron - Carrie Stadtler @ Books, Coffee, and Wine


Please thank Jennifer for joining us! Please check out her sites and books!

Keep Writing!
Jodie Pierce

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