A Little Something about Jensen Kristyne:
Jensen Kristyne is a Texas-based Author of YA and Adult Romance Novels, and Fantasy. When the twenty-something-year-old mother of two and three fur babies isn't reading and writing, she enjoys playing video games with her husband, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Questions and Answers:
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
My love for writing came shortly after the release of the Twilight movie. I had never read leisurely before that movie came out, and when it did, I quickly bought the series and read it all. But it didn’t stop there. That entire summer I spent my days reading non-stop, until I eventually picked up my laptop and started writing one day. Ever since then, I can’t stop.
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
Typically, it takes me around three months to write a complete first draft if undisturbed. But lately, with two kiddos, those three months have slowly transitioned to four, sometimes even five.
3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I am that type of person where I need to have tunnel vision while writing or I easily become distracted and lose my train of thought or motivation. So, I try to write as much as possible, which thankfully being a stay-at-home mother allows me the advantage of doing.
4. What would you say is your unique writing quirk?
I have to have my writing playlist playing while I outline, but while writing I can only listen to white noise, or I can’t focus on the characters voice. It’s so silly.
5. Whether it be traditional, self, or story book apps. How’d you find the publishing process?
I first started out by writing on a site similar to Wattpad called Protagonist. I would write and submit chapters weekly, but the site closed shortly before 2012, I believe. From there I moved to Wattpad, then made my journey through to self-publishing right around a year after.
6. How much of your writing process involves research in your subject matter or plot?
Oh, a ton. I’ve even gone on a couple ride along’s with detectives, and interviewed teachers and other professionals in my characters field. It’s one of my favorite parts about writing.
7. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book during the summer before my sophomore year of high school. I believe I was around 16.
8. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I read, a lot. Like, non-stop. I have the Kindle Unlimited app and average around 21 books a month. I love reading.
9. What does your family think of your writing?
They’re all super supportive of me and my writing. They don’t always read some parts because, well, they don’t call it Romance for nothing. But they are always happy to help support in any way they can.
10.What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself in creating your books (characters, location, plot)?
I have a love for the bad boys… to an extent. Mostly I write the more innocent “bad boy”. Whereas the bad boys I love to read about are usually found in bully romances, dark romance, and Harems.
11.What is it you particularly like about the genre you write?
I love the push and pull the two main characters go through leading up to their final moment where they realize they’re meant to be together. I love the angst, the conflict, and all the bickering fights and sweet moments in between.
12.Do you have any suggestions to help others become writers? If so, what are they?
Just keep writing. I know it sounds pretty self-explanatory, but it’s so important. It’s always easy for writers to stay trapped in the outline and planning mode that they forget to actually write their story. Or they outline so much that by the time they get to the writing part, they’ve lost their drive and inspiration to write it. So just keep writing! You can always go back and plan later.
13.Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Oh yes! I hear from my readers almost daily. It’s honestly one of my favorite parts about being an author. I love connecting with them and feeling like my characters have made them feel something. It’s also a great motivation boost when you’ve got a handful messaging you daily for the next book. Lol I love it!!
14.Do you like to create books for your target audience?
I do, but I also like to switch it up sometimes. My last book, With You, was calmer compared to what I have coming up. I’m really excited and can’t wait to see what everyone thinks.
15.What do you think makes a good story?
Following a structure. Where it is important to actually write your story, at first. It’s also equally as important to go back and make sure your story follows a path and a journey that is relatable for your readers, and true to who your characters are. It’s easy to get swept up in a random idea somewhere in the middle of it all, but in the end, if it doesn’t fit your storyline, it has to go.
16.How do you handle writers block and what do you tell other aspiring authors who may be fighting or fearful about hitting that wall?
I keep writing. Again, it sounds easy enough, but sometimes it’s hard to feel the drive to write when inspiration is lacking. But writing is like any other skill, it’s takes time and practice to perfect. The more you do it the better you are. If you’re lost, try looking at your problem from a different angle. Or try writing something completely new. It’s not always what you want to be doing, but eventually your inspiration will come back. And if not, it may not have been meant to be!
Final Note:
Jensen Kristyne is another author where I am guilty of Fan-Girling over. She is phenomenal at storytelling. She adds just the right amount of steam without it overpowering the story. She creates character you love and learn to love. I like how she makes the bad boy relatable and how she makes the sweet girl - not so sweet like saccharine. I finished reading her debut book With Him just last week and I have to tell you - Theo is a good runner up to my own Jake from my very own book - Class of '95. You'll just have to read both of our books to see why I make this correlation.