Long before I had the pleasure of reading Jennifer Hubbard's poignant novel, The Secret Year, I developed admiration and respect for her through her insightful and encouraging blog entries. If you haven't already read her debut novel or become a follower of her blog, I strongly recommend you do both.
Jennifer was gracious and kind enough to take a moment to answer a few questions here.
On Writing:
Favorite thing about writing a first draft: It can be as sloppy, rambling, or weird as necessary. There are no rules. It doesn’t have to be good until later!
Best thing about writing for kids and/or teens: The books we read when we’re young stay with us. Young readers have an enthusiasm for books that is amazing and refreshing and very satisfying.
One word that describes your path to publication: Roller-coaster. (I think many writers would choose this word!)
If I could have two dream careers, I’d be an author and a: philanthropist.
On Life:
Best thing about being a child: Being allowed, even encouraged, to play.
Worst thing about being a child: You have so little control over your life, yet everyone keeps telling you how great you have it.
Best thing about being a teenager: School vacations, especially summer; having close friends; having so many possibilities for the future
Worst thing about being a teenager: Acne and homework
Most memorable teen moment: One of the most memorable was standing on the football field at graduation, trying hard to believe that: 1) the sun was shining even though we had dared to have an outdoor ceremony; and 2) high school was really over.
A quote I live by: Do not wait until you are thirsty to dig the well.
My dream vacation: An around-the-world trip that hits mountains, desert, ocean, and forests.
If you'd like the chance to win a copy of THE SECRET YEAR please leave a comment below and check back next Wednesday to see if you're the one.
Jennifer R. Hubbard is the author of the young-adult novel, The Secret Year, and the forthcoming Try Not to Breathe. She blogs at http://jenniferrhubbard.blogspot.com and http://writerjenn.livejournal.com
This looks wonderful! I love your comment about first drafts. I just wish I could convince myself to let go and love it the same way. Too often I get put off by that "aw...this sucks" demon and start picking at it before I'm done with the whole draft. I have a problem giving myself permission to suck. But...I think I can learn!
ReplyDeleteAngelina, I love your questions! Thanks for sharing this!
You're welcome. I'm wrestling with a first draft right now, too!
ReplyDeleteI liked the best and worst things about being a child
ReplyDeleteOh, I've had this one on my to-read list for awhile.
ReplyDeleteFrom now on I vow to try and let myself be sloppy, rambling, and weird in my first drafts!
I'm sort of shocked I haven't read this yet. Oh, the vagaries of the To Be Read list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview & contest! This is on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview, I'm definitely adding this to my TBR-list!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! I'd love to read this one.
ReplyDeleteYes, I need to embrace the first draft messiness and ramblings!
ReplyDeleteTotally relate to the roller-coaster comment. The messiness that I know will be my first draft scares me. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYep, totally agree with the roller coaster comment. I don't think there's another career in the world that can make you excited, panicky, teary, happy, and mad all at the same time.
ReplyDeleteJennifer's blog is one of my favourites! I haven't read this book yet, but I've heard a lot about it and it sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI think Jenn struck a chord with all us working on those sloppy first drafts.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, Angi! thanks.
ReplyDeleteI've heard great things about this book! Love the quote to live by.
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