Heather Jensen Interview

I discovered Heather Jensen on twitter recently and she was kind enough to share her writing and life experiences with us here at Eye on Ashenclaw. Heather is a speculative fiction author that writes about vampires and musicians! Check out the interview below:

First off, tell us a little bit about you

I live in Southern Utah with my husband and my son.  When I'm not writing or fulfilling my usual mom and wife duties, I love going to concerts, playing Halo on the Xbox with my husband, and playing guitar in a band with some friends. We call ourselves Kicking Pigeons. 

Tell us about your books

The Blood And Guitars series is really based on my desire to fuse two of my favorite things together into one: vampires and music. I began writing the first book back in high school, which was way before Twilight came out and the vampire books flooded bookshelves. Although that's showing my age a little, I think the fresh perspective I had gives a unique edge to my vampires and the series.

You can get the first book, Blood And Guitars, at Amazon in paperback or for Kindle here:

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-And-Guitars-ebook/dp/B00529IDZS/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

The second book in the series, Immortals And Melodies, is available for Kindle here:

http://www.amazon.com/Immortals-Melodies-Blood-Guitars-ebook/dp/B0086GMMAQ/ref=pd_sim_kstore_9

I'm planning to release the third and final book in the series, Fangs And Fame, this year.

When did you start writing?

I've been writing stories for as long as I can remember, but I wrote my first fantasy novel, The Rift, while I was in high school.

Why do you write?

It's cheaper than therapy.  ;)

What would be your choice for a superpower?

This is such a great question. I've always wished I had the ability to project the things I've dreamt about in my sleep onto a TV screen or something the next day so I could show other people. I have some really crazy, fascinating dreams and I can never explain them right. Being able to project something from your mind onto a screen so you could share it with others visually.

Who is your favorite author?

I can never pick just one, but I especially love Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. She was published at thirteen, and her books inspired me to start writing when I was younger.

What are you reading now?

I'm just starting Vaempires: Zombie Rising by Thomas Winship. I loved the first two books in the Vaempires series.

Who is your favorite character to write?

The Blood And Guitars series is written in dual points of view from Trey and Aurora. I love writing them both for different reasons. Aurora is fun to write because she's an unusually powerful  vampire for someone her age, but she has this sensitive creative side to her that allows her to make beautiful art and to connect on a deep level with Trey. Trey is fun to write because he knows exactly who he is at any given moment, and in any situation. Even though he's a famous musician with hordes of fans, he's about as level-headed as anyone can be. It's always interesting to throw him into strange situation and see how he'll come out of it. Also, his relationships with his band mates are fun to explore.

Do you have a writing process?

I really only require my computer and my playlist. I do my best writing when I have the perfect soundtrack playing in the background. Oh, and in the morning, I'll usually have a cup of hot chocolate at my desk with me. I'm a plotter, but my writing often steers me in directions I couldn't have foreseen.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Write, write, write. It's the only way you can get to know who you are as an author, and what your voice is. Also, write what you're passionate about.  You don't have to be an expert at something to write about it. Do your homework. Sometimes research can be a fun part of the process. Also, be grateful for any constructive criticism you get and always strive to grow.

What inspired you to pursue writing?

I've always been a writer, even if I didn't realize that's what I was. My husband has always been a huge source of inspiration and support for me. He makes it easy to believe I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?

I'm a huge fan of The Walking Dead. I also really enjoy Psych, Castle, and Bones. I love almost anything Joss Whedon does, but especially Firefly. Also, since I'm outnumbered by the boys in my house, there's always room for another super hero movie.

When not rocking out or playing video games, Heather Jensen can be found here:

Author Website www.heatherjensen.info 

Facebook www.facebook.com/BloodAndGuitars

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/theedgeofwords

 Please join me and the other amazingly talented authors over @ Skulldust Circle where we have formed a Writer's Circle that must be seen--a collection of brilliant, up & coming independently published speculative fiction authors with much to give both now and in the future!

All of my work can be found on AMAZON -- Kindle versions here

See you in Wothlondia! Cheers!

Please visit MY HOME PAGE to enjoy an extended reading experience, see direct links to purchase my full length novel, Covenant of the Faceless Knights, the short stories: Wothlondia Rising, and to see what else Ashenclaw Studios, LLC has in store in the future!

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