Jenna Miles interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

I’m the author of The Catch, a contemporary second-chance romance. I was born and mostly raised in Dallas, Texas, but I’ve lived in the San Francisco area since 2008. I’m married and have three funny, brilliant daughters who are 13, 11, and 9.

I’m a Registered Dietitian who used to provide nutrition counseling for people living with HIV / AIDS, and that work was incredibly rewarding. But recently I realized that my own “true north” lies in writing fiction, instead. So after many agonizing nights of lying awake and talking it over with my supportive husband, I decided to make writing my day job.

When did your love of books begin?

My love of books began pretty much from day one. Reading, literature, and the arts are very important in my family; they’re kind of our religion. As a child, I devoured all of the Ramona Quimby, Anne of Green Gables, and Laura Ingalls Wilder books. Later, I discovered Maya Angelou, Harper Lee, and the Janes (Austen and Eyre). 

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

I’ve been writing fiction since I could pick up a crayon. My first grade teacher, Ms. Betty Jo Bell, kept a copy of my magnum opus, Ronald and Donald, about two talking dogs, because she was sure I would be a famous author one day. l just can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be an author. 

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

It has been a bumpy road, full of starts and stops! As a youth, I listened to people who told me I could never make a living as a fiction author, so I pursued a more “practical” career path, instead. This, of course, left no time for my real passion – writing. 

Then, in 2012, my infant daughter suffered a stroke, and I quit my job to focus on her rehabilitation. In the process, I found writing so essential to my sanity that I would get up every morning at 3, just so I could write as much as possible before my girls woke up. And that’s how I cranked out my novel The Catch. 

Once I had finished it, I no longer had the time or energy for querying, so I chose to self-publish, instead. And then (surprise!) my marriage ended when I was six months pregnant with our third daughter. I had to go back to work and be a single mom of three girls under the age of four. That’s why I haven’t been able to return to writing, until now. 

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

If you’re not encumbered with adult responsibilities, don’t listen to people who tell you to pursue a more “practical” day job or to treat your writing like a side gig. Sure, being a financially successful author is kind of like winning the lottery, but someone has to win that lottery. So go ahead – live in a Harry Potter broom closet and eat ramen noodles three times a day. Do whatever it takes, but put in the time and effort every single day. It won’t come fast or easy, and it may never come at all, but it’s better than regretting that you didn’t try when you still had the chance. 

And if you do find yourself harboring those regrets, take inventory of what you can change to make writing more doable. It might require a shift in your priorities, lifestyle, spending habits, or even relationships. The important thing is to clarify your priorities first.

Tell us about your book/books:

The Catch is a contemporary second-chance romance, set in San Francisco in 1993, 2006, and 2012. So maybe I should say it’s a third-chance romance! It follows Julla, an aspiring marine biologist, and William, her working-class friend who attends her private school on a scholarship. They fall in love, only to find the realities of adult life pulling them apart and bringing them back together, again and again. But throughout, they are each other’s “one who got away.” 

I am so close to finishing the sequel to The Catch, which I intend to publish by the end of this year. And I’m also about halfway through a “midquel” of sorts, from William’s perspective. 

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

This community is full of creative, quirky souls like me! I love the passion, humor, intelligence, and enthusiasm. I’ve truly found my tribe! 

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

THANK YOU so much for trusting me with your time and your hearts! And thank you for making it possible for me to follow my passion by connecting you with yours.

Where can people connect with you?

Go to https://linktr.ee/jennamileswrite to find my website and all of my social links, and to buy The Catch. Feel free to email me at jennamilesauthor@gmail.com. Hearing from people absolutely makes my day, so don’t be shy!