Monday, July 14, 2014

Birthday Bash! - Day 2 - Jen Turano Interview


JenTuranoJen Turano is the acclaimed author of The Ladies of Distinction Series, published through Bethany House publishers.  Her second novel, A Most Peculiar Circumstance was chosen by Booklist as a Top Ten Romance for 2013.  Her fourth book, A Match of Wits, releases in July, 2014, while a new series, A Class of Their Own, will begin hitting the shelves in early 2015. She is a member of ACFW and makes her home outside of Denver, Colorado with her husband and teenage son. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor

Welcome Jen! I'm so glad you could take time out of your busy schedule to be with us today!

Your characters are all unique, strong, independent women. If you could choose to be one of them, who would you choose?
If I had to choose just one, it would have to be Miss Agatha Watson.  She’s a bit strong-willed, but has an amazing heart, and she’s just so…quirky.

The characters in your books often find themselves in exciting adventures and situations. Have you ever experienced anything you’ve written in one of your books in real life? If not, what is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Since I’ve never landed in jail, been shot at, or had the misfortune of visiting an opium den, hmmm….no, I have to admit I’ve never experienced any of the mayhem my characters seem to find themselves involved with all too often.  The craziest thing I’ve ever done would have to be…you know, I don’t think I’ve ever done anything really crazy – although I was once run over by a tractor as I was trying to direct the homecoming parade clear back in high school – no injuries to report there, thank goodness, and then…nope, I think I’m completely unlike my characters and have led a rather adventure-free life.

Your books all contain a Christian message or theme that runs throughout the story and is developed in each character (which you do very well, by the way!). How do you choose what that theme will be and how it will be represented in the story?
I never know what Christian message is going to end up on the pages of a book when I first start writing it.  They just pop up while I’m writing, and I’ve learned to simply go with them.  In “A Most Peculiar Circumstance,” I had no idea it was going to be about judgment, but then, before I knew it, my fingers were flying over the keys and there it was.  I truly do believe God chooses what message He wants me to write, and I’m certainly not going to argue with Him. 

Here are a couple fun questions:
What fairytale character did you dream of being and why?
I always adored Cinderella.  She’s just so down and out, her relatives are mean to her, but then…she gets her dream in the end.  Plus, she has that delightful way with animals…too adorable. 
What is the craziest hairstyle you’ve ever had?
When I was back in high school, Pat Benatar was all the rage.  So I decided I wanted my hair cut just like hers.  With album cover in hand (and yes, that does date me, doesn’t it?) I headed off to the hair salon.  Well, I should have run right out the door when I saw the stylists conferring with each other on how exactly to perform that particular cut, but…I was young and stayed in my seat.  The next thing you now, the sides of my hair had been shaved and the top…permed.  My hair is super curler, the last thing anyone should try on it is a perm.  I looked like a poodle, and as my hair grew up – it wouldn’t stay flat, it just grew upward – not a pretty sight.
If you could choose one super power, what would it be and why?
I’d love to be able to fly.
This or that?
Chocolate or vanilla?
Vanilla – chocolate gives me a horrible headache.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee, but only really early in the morning
Coke or Pepsi?
If it’s diet – Pepsi – If it’s regular – Coke.

Thank you so much for having me today, Shannah.  I’m honored you wanted to learn more about me and I appreciate the opportunity to be on your blog!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions! I really appreciate it!

Check out my reviews of Jen's books: Ladies of Distinction Series

A Match of Wits (Ladies of Distinction, #4)

54 comments:

  1. Your interview gives perspective about the author and your interviews of each book gives the first on look about the books. Want to jump in and read the books.

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    1. Would love to have you jump in and read one of my books:) Thanks for stopping by today and good luck with the giveaway:)

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  2. I so love Jen Turanos books. They are so unique. I love the humor most of all. Laughter is good medicine! :)

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    1. Thank you so much! Good luck with the giveaway.

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  3. Jen, I'm glad you've never been in jail, been shot at, or visited an opium den...Lol...But I'm also glad we get to go along for the ride as your characters do. :) Thanks for the interview!

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    1. You're very welcome, Jennifer, and I'm fairly glad I've never been in jail as well, although the experience of that...well...:)

      Wishing you all the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  4. I enjoy the humor in Jen's book. I was wondering what kind of adventures she had in her life from the adventures of her characters.
    Becky

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Becky! Perhaps someday I'll get as adventurous as my characters, but for now, I'm pretty good with just living the adventures in my head.

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  5. I agree wholeheartedly about your review of "A Most Peculiar Circumstance" when you stated that: 'Jen Turano has such a way with words. This fast-paced book is packed with humor, witty dialogue, and intriguing characters.' Her writing style hooked me from her first book and I've enjoyed the ones that followed. Thanks for a chance to win her newest offering.

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    1. Thank you, Amy! So glad to learn you enjoy my work:) Good luck with the giveaway.

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  6. This looks like another great book. I have read her others and look forward to this one.

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    1. Thank you so much for dropping by today! Good luck with the drawing:)

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  7. Fun interview! I enjoyed the first two books in this series and am curious about Agatha's story!

    Melanie

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    1. Thank you, Melanie. Agatha was a super fun character to write - and she actually popped to mind when I first began thinking of the series, while I was vacuuming, strangely enough...

      Good luck with the giveaway.

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  8. I think it's funny that she likes Pepsi if it's diet and Coke if it's regular. I am a Pepsi person. I think the flavor is so much better! :)

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    1. I've always been a little odd, Jaquelyn:) Good luck with the giveaway, and if you win, hope you enjoy a nice Pepsi while you read the book!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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    2. I am a coke girl, all the way! The best coke in the entire world is a Large McDonald's coke in a Styrofoam cup! :D

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  9. I am so excited to read Agatha's story. I can not wait. Every time I open a Jen Turano book, I know I will laugh, until I cry reading the adventures the characters find themselves in. God has truly blessed Jen with a wonderful gift and I am grateful she has shared that gift with us.

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    1. Hi Dora! Great to hear from you today:) Hope you have a fabulous week.

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  10. I have read her 2nd book but I have more of Jen Turano's books in my never-ending tbr pile.

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    1. I think I have that same pile, Rebecca. I'm in the middle of a first draft though at the moment, which means I don't read much fiction - I tend to start mimicking what I'm reading, which means...well...no need to get into what happened when I was reading a thriller once except to say - a crazy killer showed up in one of my light-hearted romances. Don't think my editor was exactly thrilled about that one:)

      Good luck with the giveaway!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  11. Thanks for the interview ladies! I know I read the first novella and the first book in this series, would love to read this one.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for leaving a comment, Patty. Good luck with the giveaway and I hope you have a great week!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  12. Love her books! Def can understand about the hair style. Mine was when people thought I needed a perm. I dont do perms! I cant take care of a perm! Love Jen's writing style. Mary

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    1. Hi Mary! Those pesky perms can really cause people some problems:) Thanks for stopping by and good luck with the giveaway.

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  13. This interview was interesting. Never really thought about if the author had been in any of the situations they write about...

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    1. Thank you, Deanna - Shannah sent me some fun questions, which I certainly appreciated. Good luck with the giveaway!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  14. I love that you let God choose the message for your books. I am just learning about your books, but I think I just may be a future fan!! Ronnalord(at)msn(dot)com

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    1. Hi Ronna,

      Thank you so much for stopping by:) And, I would adore it if you became a fan of my work:)

      Wishing you all the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  15. Thank you for stopping by, Kate. Delighted to you learn you've read my first book! Good luck with the giveaway.

    All the best,

    ~ Jen ~

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  16. I've read several of Jen's books and really enjoy them. In August, my book club will be reading and discussing A Change of Fortune. I really like her characters and the witty banter between them. I'd love to win A Match of Wits.
    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. Thank you, Pam! So excited to learn your book club will be reading A Change of Fortune. Eliza's story will always be near and dear to my heart, especially since I came up with the idea of it while scrubbing the shower. It was a very productive cleaning day!

      Good luck with the giveaway!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  17. Thank you for the post, interview, and giveaway. Jen is such a fun writer to read.

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    1. Thank you, Amy! Good luck with the giveaway and hope you have a great week:)

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  18. Before I ever finished book one in this series, I knew I had found another author to add to my favorites list. And I haven't been disappointed; I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series! These books are so much fun to read that I find myself laughing out loud quite often -- and making my brothers wonder if I've lost my last marble, I'm sure. ;) Almost from the very beginning, I have been super excited to read Zayne & Agatha's story. I can't wait to get my hands on this book!! :)

    Keep up the great writing, Jen! We're loving it!! :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Aerykah! I'm honored to be considered for that enviable favorite list:) Good luck with the drawing, and have a fabulous week:)

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  19. Fun interview, enjoyed reading it and learning a little about Jen. I haven't read any of her books yet, but they have been on my "to read" list for awhile now. Can't wait to read one!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by this evening, Janelle. Good luck with the giveaway!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  20. Fun interview. Hope to read this because it looks great!

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    1. Thank you so much, Sonja! Good luck with the giveaway and I hope you have a wonderful week!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  21. Loved the interview!!! The hairstyle story is hilarious. When I went to my junior prom I had a professional style my hair. He curled the whole thing (I also have very curly hair already), and then proceeded to pull apart the curls until I had one huge bouffant! I cried all the way home, then my sister in law came to the rescue and restyled it. I had tons of compliments on my hair that night--with the new style!

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    1. Hi Gabrielle,

      I do believe we met briefly at ACFW last year, so yes, I remember the curls - love the story about your bouffant - because, honestly, girls love to go to prom with super big hair:)

      Have a great week!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  22. I always enjoy author interviews and this one is a gem! So interesting her Coke/Pepsi preferences.
    And thank you for providing links to the relevant reviews!

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    1. Hi Cassie,

      Thanks for stopping by and reading the interview:) Hope you have a fabulous week!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  23. We have her book, "A Change of Fortune" in the church library. Everything you said about the book is so very true.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  24. I loved "A Change of Fortune", and I'm excited to read "A Match of Wits". Thanks for this opportunity to win a copy!

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  25. I love Jen's books and would love to read another!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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  26. I haven't read one of Jen's book yet... They sound really good and I love the covers...

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  27. I haven't read anything by Jen Turano yet, but her books sound wonderful. I'm going to see if our local library system has any of her work. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  28. I haven't read any of Jen's books but would love to!

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  29. Great interview! I love Jen's books and can't wait to start this one!

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  30. I will pick "A Match of Wits" by Jen Turano. as the one I like most. This sounds like a very interesting story. Two people who will capture your attention. And, I think most people would enjoy it. I know from your interview that I want to read it. Maybe I can win it. Thanks for your interview with Jen. I enjoyed it. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  31. I have FOUR of her books on my TBR shelf! She sounds like a great author. I will have to read them soon! Thanks for the giveaway. :)

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  32. So I really enjoyed the interview. It was fun to learn more about the author and makes me even more anxious to read her books!

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