Jenny Bromham interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

I'm a freelance writer, developmental editor and creative writing teacher currently living in Madrid with my husband and three daughters. For the last few years, I've focused on writing for middle grade and young adult readers, but a shortlisting in a romance novel competition earlier in 2021 has opened new doors into the world of romance writing. My story in 'More than Mistletoe' is my first published romance.

When did your love of books begin?

Like most authors, I've always loved books. My mum always prioritised reading bedtime stories to my brothers and I when we were kids, so before I could even read, I'd already been exposed to a wide range of stories and poetry. Once I learned to read, I loved Enid Blyton's books, the Oz series and 'Choose your own adventure' books, and then I branched out reading the classics, horror stories, romance novels, fantasy (basically anything and everything) as I got older.

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?  

Growing up, I always wrote, but the idea of being an author seemed unrealistic and inaccessible. Through my 20s, I stopped writing, but then in my 30s I signed up to do an Open University Creative Writing course, and I realised how much I'd missed it. I got a Distinction, and my tutor was incredibly encouraging about my prospects of being published. That was a major turning-point, and I realised being an author was more than a dream – it was achievable.

How have you found the process for becoming an author?  

The process is a rollercoaster. Over the last 10 years, I've had literary competition success, agent rejections, freelance writing success, and more agent rejections. I've signed with an agent and then we parted ways. I've been mentored, and I've been the mentor. Basically, you never know what's round the corner. Being a writer means a life of uncertainty, but also so much excitement and fun!

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?  

Write for the love of writing but also learn your craft! I used to think writing was purely an organic process, but I have several manuscripts that will never move beyond a folder on my laptop because they lack structure, pace, character arcs – basically, they were fun to write but would be terrible to read! Reading writing craft books is a game-changer. Jessica Brody's 'Save the Cat Writes a Novel' is a great place to start. Also, read widely within your genre. It will give you an insight into the current market, but it will also inspire you with new ideas.

Tell us about your book/books:  

'More than Mistletoe' is an anthology of 12 festive short stories. I met the other 11 authors when we were shortlisted for a Christmas Romance Novel competition earlier in 2021. We realised we had a golden opportunity to pool our storytelling skills to create an anthology of diverse, festive, uplifting stories. We became 'The Christmas Collective' and 'More than Mistletoe' is our first book. It features contemporary rom-coms, historical romances, stories with a twist of magic, and classic heart-warming romances.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?  

Book people are the best people! Over the last ten years, I've connected with successful authors, aspiring writers, agents, editors, book coaches, reading groups, writing groups as well as a whole world of wonderful bookish people through Twitter. The reading and writing community are welcoming, supportive and inspiring, all joined by a love of books and an eagerness to get more stories out into the world.

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?  

Firstly, Merry Christmas from myself and the other Christmas Collective authors. And secondly, thank you so much for reading our anthology. This book was brought about by our love of Christmas, and we hope it brightens your day and fills you with Christmas spirit as you read.

Where can people connect with you?  

You can connect with me through Twitter (@JennyBromham) and you can also find me and all the other wonderful 'More than Mistletoe' authors through The Christmas Collective (@ChristmasCo2021) on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.