Getting to Know you Thursday with Jen Stephens.

Welcome to getting to know you Thursdays with Jen Stephens.  Welcome Jen its been great getting to know you.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in a small Ohio town where I developed a passion for writing at an early age. I participated in Young Authors contests in grade school, wrote my first novel in high school, and wrote dozens of poems and short stories in between. I majored in elementary education with a concentration in English and the humanities at the University of Toledo. I live in the Nashville, Tennessee, area with her husband and two beautiful daughters. I teach third grade at a Christian school and am very active with the youth in my church. A member of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Nashville Christian Writers Association, I write in my “spare” time. My first novel, The Heart’s Journey Home, released Feb 1st.

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

When I was a pre-teen I loved the Sweet Valley High series. I didn't do a lot of reading because I wasn't (and still am not) a very fast reader, but I loved stories and make-believe so the love of fiction was always there. 

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

I love writing Christian Women's Fiction with a touch (or more) of Contemporary Romance and that is really what I primarily read, too.

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

As I said earlier, I didn't do a lot of reading as a kid because I was a slow reader, but I will tell you that my daddy used to write bedtime stories for me. My parents were divorced so I didn't get to see him that often and when I did he would add a chapter. I still have that book even though my daddy's been passed away for 9 years, so I guess he's an "author" that's influenced me!

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

My very earliest memory is of wanting to be an author. I wanted to be an author from the moment I figured out how to write a story I knew I wanted to write for a living. Unfortunately I was told to decide to become something else because I'd never make any money from being a writer. Sad, huh?

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I got involved in my local writer's group, a very important step for anyone wanting to be a writer. One of the other members had just started her publishing company and she believed in my work enough to work with me, help me hone my craft and learn more about the industry.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

What I decided to become because I wouldn't make any money at writing - a teacher. I've been teaching for about 10 years and have spent the last 5 years teaching third grade at a small Christian school which I absolutely love.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I love playing with my girls (ages 8 and 5) and I really enjoying cooking.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

We went on our first trip to Disney World this past December and had a blast! We can't wait to go back! I also would love to someday go whale watching in Alaska and visit Pearl Harbor.
(Jenny here would love to go to Alaska sometime myself)

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

Well, there are lots of interesting famous people that I'd like to share a meal with, but the truth of the matter is that I really would love to have a meal with my husband and two daughters because they are my family, the people I'm most comfortable with, and who love me unconditionally . . . even if I get food stuck in between my teeth! :o)

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will
be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

I can be found @ www.jenstephens.net

The Heart's Journey Home just released in February and here is a brief synopsis: Three years after Kate Sterling’s heart was shattered by the unexpected death of her husband, home is about loyalty and practicality. So she packs up what is left of her life in Nashville, Tennessee, and moves back to Harvest Bay in north central Ohio with her young daughter. Expecting her hometown to be the same sleepy little community she grew up in, she discovers that some things have changed.
First, Adam Sullivan, the once goof-off jock she avoided in high school, breaks down her initial defenses and becomes Kate’s confidante. Having experienced hardships of his own, he understands her in a way no one else can. He is gentle, insightful, compassionate . . . and miraculously makes her broken heart perform acrobatics. But in order for their relationship to grow closer, Kate not only has to get past the pain of losing her husband, but she also has to deal with the fact that Adam is not a Christian. With her own faith on shaky ground, does she have the passion and fire to lead someone else to Christ? Then Kate learns the town’s doctor is expanding his office and her brother-in-law, Nathan Sterling, is leaving his successful Vanderbilt practice to accept the open physician position, and she finds her head spinning. At first it’s almost like having a piece of her husband back . . . until Nathan confesses his love for her, leaving her emotions torn.

It isn’t until Kate suffers another devastating loss that she finally understands that the God who loves and cares for her has given her a second chance at love. Now she must make a decision: Is God leading her to a love linked to the past . . . or to one who will walk with her into the future? Which road will Kate take on  The Heart’s Journey Home. 

The Heart's Lullaby is scheduled to come out in Fall of 2011