Writer's Life: Jennifer Shirk

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday will feature a romance writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

Today I'm blessed to host Jennifer Shirk. Jennifer writes Fun, Feel-Good Romantic Fiction. I adore her writing voice. Funny, heart-warming, and super romantic--her books will leave you smiling for days. Her latest release, Fiancé by Fate, released last week from Entangled Publishing's Bliss line! 

Let's get to it!

1.  What about writing makes your heart sing?

The very end—when it's all polished up and I feel I'm completely sick of the book and think it's complete and utter garbage. Then… I re-read it and I actually laugh or smile at what I wrote and think, "I wrote this? It's good!" LOL  And I get a rush of pleasure/accomplishment. I wish I could bottle that feeling.

2.  What is the biggest hurdle you're facing right now as a writer?

Literally, edits. I'm on my THIRD round with my editor! Ugh.

However, if you're talking big picture, I'd say a big hurdle I'm facing is the definition of sweet romance and how I exactly fit into it. I used to think sweet romance automatically meant clean romance but that isn't the case anymore. So, sometimes readers are looking for more from me than I'm comfortable giving. Therefore, sweet romance readers think I'm too "G" rated and perhaps Christian readers feel I'm too "PG". I feel in limbo and I'm not sure where I fit anymore.

3.  What do you do to fill your creative well?

Read! And read diversely.

And just putting my feet up and relaxing so my mind can drift helps too. J

4.  What are you working on now?

The second book in the series to Fiancé by Fate.  Right now it's tentatively titled: Wedding Date for Hire and will feature Sabrina's friend, Maddie. Then I hope to write a Christmas novella and maybe start a YA novel. Whew!

***

I wish I could bottle that feeling, too, Jennifer! It's wonderful, that feeling of accomplishment. I've noticed sweet romances are getting quite a bit more spicy. In fact, all romances in the last seven or eight years are heating up. It's a challenge to stay true to yourself and please readers, that's for sure. I love your books! And I'm always a sucker for a series, so it's good to hear you're giving Maddie her story. 

***

Their fake relationship is a twist of fate.

Sabrina Cassidy believes in fate. So when her fiance breaks off their engagement, she's convinced they'll get back together eventually. But fate was not on her side when it brought Jack Brenner into her life--and work. Frustrating, gorgeous, and cocky, Jack has an offer that Sabrina can't refuse. Not if it means getting the life she's always imagined.

Despite being one of the town's most eligible bachelors, Jack has a reputation that's working against him. He has to convince his father--and his company's board--that he's ready to settle down if he wants a promotion. 

But convincing Sabrina to be his fake girlfriend turns out to be the easiest part. What he didn't count on was their intense attraction and how easily their lie would escalate. Sabrina's still hung up on her ex, and Jack will never settle down.

But fate has other ideas...

***

About Jennifer ~

Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy-which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.

She writes sweet romantic comedies and won third place in the RWA 2006 NYC's Kathryn Hayes Love and Laughter Contest with her book, The Role of a Lifetime. Recently, her novel SUNNY DAYS FOR SAM won the 2013 Golden Quill Published Authors Contest for Best Traditional Romance.

She's also a board member for Straight Ahead Ministries, an organization involved in helping spread the gospel and aiding medical and pharmacy students in Russia. She resides in a beach resort in NJ, and when she's not involved in all the above, she's taking care of her most treasured possessions: her husband, daughter, guinea pig (Rocco), puppy (Sox) and four hermit crabs.

***

Guess what?? Jennifer is giving away a copy of  Fiancé by Fate!! Enter BELOW!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***

Thank you SO much for being my guest today, Jennifer!

What do you think? Are romance novels, even sweet ones, getting too spicy? 

Have a terrific day!

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Tis the Season: Interview with Jennifer Shirk!

Ho, ho, ho!!

Guess what? Jennifer Shirk has a new release!! Kissing Kendall came out this week through Entangled Publishing's Bliss line. Naturally, I needed to learn all about the book and the scoop on Jennifer's Christmas plans!

Let's get to it!

1.      Does your family have any holiday traditions?

Yes! We eat a meatless Christmas Eve every year. (I pretty much go meatless year round but for the family this is a big deal). We only have fish. And because my mom was a stickler for Lithuanian/Polish traditions, we have potato pancakes, herring, and sometimes pierogies with our main fish meal.

Another tradition we have is that we all are allowed ONE gift to open before we go to bed. (This is the kiddo’s favorite tradition because she NEVER lets me forget it) Be careful when you start that one! LOL

2.     Christmas shopping: are all the gifts bought, still working on it, or do you wait until Christmas Eve?

I am about 75% done (NOT wrapped…YET). I know. I’m anal. I never wait to the last minute for anything. It stresses me out too much!

3.     Do you bake Christmas cookies? What's your favorite holiday treat?

I DO bake cookies! At least 7 different kinds. That’s what I like to have for breakfast on Christmas Day while we open gifts. (Hey, don’t judge! It’s the holidays)

I make a brown sugar ginger crisp that is sooooo good with a cup of tea.

4.     You're a gadget gal--what gadget can't you live without this time of year?

Oooh gadgets…I recently bought myself one of those light-pro Christmas light guns, but I haven’t had to use it yet. LOL And I bought myself a YONANAS—to make desserts out of frozen fruits!

5.     What inspired your new book, Kissing Kendall, and where can we buy it?

 I wrote Kissing Kendall because I had enough people who read GEORGIE ON HIS MIND to ask about Brad’s story (Georgie’s brother). The problem was I wasn’t really thinking about getting him together with Kendall in a book because in the old book she was getting married to someone else! So I decided to make her a widow (yes, I can be evil) and thought I could grow a nice emotional conflict from that.

 ***

Jennifer, your YONANAS machine sounds pretty awesome. I love fruit smoothies, so I know I would love frozen whipped fruits too. :) I'm jealous of your Christmas shopping progress. You're motivating me to get mine done. I don't have much time left! And of course I wouldn't judge the cookie breakfast. It's my favorite type of meal! ;)

 

***

 

Jennifer has graciously offered to give one lucky commenter an ebook copy of KISSING KENDALL! Just leave your e-mail address in the comments to enter. The contest is open until midnight of Friday, December 14, 2012. Winner will be notified by e-mail.

 

**Must be from the United States and at least 18 years old to enter.**

 If you’d like to purchase KISSING KENDALL, it is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

KISSING KENDALL

Kendall Grisbaum is finally taking charge of her life—pouring her heart into opening a new bakery business and even allowing her best friend Georgie to play matchmaker for her. Trouble is, the one guy she secretly wants is Georgie’s older brother, Brad.

Brad can’t seem to get his little sister’s best friend out of his mind. He and Kendall used to be close friends, too, though they drifted apart years ago. But as a local policeman, Brad can’t help but play protector, looking out for Kendall. And when he offers to help her renovate her new bakery space on the side, their attraction flares back to life.

Amid the temptation of doughnut muffins and blueberry cobbler, a new temptation draws them both closer. Can two friends take a chance on love when it means risking everything?

***

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

Have a fabulous day!

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WSG:10 Caffeine Alternative by Jennifer Shirk

Writer's Survival Guide 10: Caffeine Alternative by Jennifer Shirk

This week's writer's survival guide post is from one of my favorite writers/bloggers--the lovely Jennifer Shirk. I asked Jennifer to share one of her health tips with us today because she's very open about her commitment to fitness. I want her secrets! When I exercise 4-5 times a week and make an effort to eat plenty of fruits and veggies, I stay at my healthy weight. But more often than not, I slip into old habits and find five extra pounds creeping on.

Jennifer has found a really cool way to get her coffee fix and add nutrients to her diet, and I'm excited she's sharing it with us today. So here goes!

***

Hi, all! Jennifer here.

I’m so excited to be part of my friend Jill’s new blog segment today!

I’ve been on a health kick now for well over two years. (I guess it’s moved beyond just being a “kick”) LOL

But recently, I’ve cut down my use of caffeine. Yep, that means COFFEE too, for all you coffee addicts—er, lovers out there!

I had gotten myself to a point where two cups of coffee were not enough and was even becoming sluggish in the afternoons, needing a little cup or even a cup of tea to get me through the day. Not only that, but if I didn’t have that cup of coffee in the morning, I would get a migraine by late morning. Ugh! I didn’t like the “dependence” I had on it at all.

Did you know?

Caffeine is the most commonly used mood-altering drug in the world

Caffeine use can be associated with several distinct psychiatric syndromes: caffeine intoxication, caffeine withdrawal, caffeine dependence, caffeine-induced sleep disorder, and caffeine-induced anxiety disorder

With regard to cardiovascular health, caffeine produces modest increases in blood pressure, and concerns have been raised about a role of caffeine in cardiovascular disease

Large caffeine doses (200 mg or greater) may produce negative mood effects. Although generally mild and brief, these effects include increased anxiety, nervousness, jitteriness, and upset stomach

**more info from the John Hopkins School of Medicine

I know. Doom and gloom. But don’t get me wrong. I still drink coffee and enjoy it. However, I’ve modified it a bit by adding an herbal organic coffee to it called Teeccino.

Energy is the reason why many people drink coffee. With Teeccino, people experience an energy boost that comes from nutrients, not stimulants like caffeine. It’s a blend of Mediterranean herbs, grains, fruits, and nuts that are ground and brewed to taste like coffee.

Cool, huh?

I really enjoy it. Right now, when I make a pot of coffee, I blend coffee with Teeccino in about equal parts, so I’m only getting half the amount of caffeine I would normally be drinking. And I don’t feel tired at all. In fact, I have more energy now than I ever did—which is way better for me and my writing. J

Thanks for having me, Jill!! It’s nice to get healthy together!

***

Thank YOU, Jennifer, for sharing this with us. I can't wait to try it! I have had trouble with the jitters and the afternoon energy crash. When I cut down on my caffeine, I notice a difference, but even when I switch to decaf, I'm not getting the health benefits of a product like Teeccino. Love this!

Everyone, Jennifer has a new book, Sunny Days for Sam, out right now, and not only has she graciously offered to give a copy to one lucky reader, she's also throwing in a package of Teeccino! To enter the contest, simply include your e-mail address in a comment below. I'll announce the lucky winner on Friday (winner will be alerted by e-mail also.)!

Sunny Days for Sam released April 6, 2012 through Avalon Books. Available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble and a library near you! Also, be sure to check out Jennifer's fun blog, Me,  My Muse, and I.

Sunnyva “Sunny” Fletcher is a firm believer in fairy tales. With the recent debt she’s acquired, the hope of something magical happening in her life is the only thing keeping her going. She needs a job fast. So when Sunny learns the sexy new vacationer in town is looking for a nanny, she starts to believe she just may have a fairy godmother after all!

Internet guru Sam Calloway is only in town for the summer and needs a nanny for his two small children. However, the beautiful and inexperienced Sunny is not exactly the kind of caregiver Sam has in mind. It doesn’t take long for Sunny’s tenderhearted and bubble-blowing ways to soon have the children—and Sam—enamored with her. She’s a dream come true. But after what Sam’s been through, he’s stopped believing in fairy tales long ago.

Sunny manages to work her way into Sam’s closed-off heart, but at the end of the summer, will the workaholic dad go back to his life in New York City, or will he decide his days are much sunnier here with Sunny?

 ***

Thanks again, Jennifer!

Are you addicted to caffeine? Or do you try to avoid the stuff? I'd like to hear your tips!

Have a wonderful Monday!

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5 Easy Questions with Jennifer Shirk!

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or  best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Jennifer Shirk!

I've followed Jennifer's fun, quirky blog, Me, My Muse, and I, for years. It's like heading over to your best friend's house for a cup of tea and a brownie--it just feels right. Jennifer has two "fun, feel-good, romantic fiction" books out: Georgie on His Mind and The Role of a Lifetime, and later in this post you'll learn how you can enter to win a copy of The Role of a Lifetime! Woo-hoo!

Let's get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

Water. (I know, boring. But you asked.) After I read how good water is for you, I’m now hooked. However, if I’m out in a nice restaurant or bar, you would find me drinking a Stoli Doli for sure!

2. Any pets?

Yes, four hermit crabs. What the? Yes, hermit crabs are the way to go if you want low maintenance, except I think I need to get a heater for them this winter.

3. Dream vacation?

Portofino or Rome, Italy. *sigh* I’ve never been to Europe, but since my hubby is Italian (half) we’re planning on going there first. Someday…

4. What are you listening to right now?

Music? Ha! My kiddo has the TV cranked to an insane volume and it’s on the Disney channel.

5. What's for dinner?

Mexican black bean lasagna. (It’s my one day a week to pretend to be a vegetarian.) The hubby and kiddo dubbed themselves “meatatarians” but they do enjoy this recipe.

***

Jennifer, hermit crabs are the one pet I've been able to prevent from entering my home. The kids are experts at pushing my "let's get another pet" button. It's sad, really! Your dream vacation sounds extra special since your hubby is part Italian. I hope you can make it happen soon.

Disney and I are not on friendly terms right now. If I have to hear that song with monsters in it one more time--maybe by the star of Ant Farm?--I'm borrowing an air-soft gun and shooting our television. But I will say, your dinner is making the "meatatarian" in me drool! I'll take anything with layers of gooey cheese! Thanks so much for being my guest today.

***

Sandra Moyer has a good reason to distrust actors. She was once married to one who left her and her child. However, she’s desperate for publicity to help her struggling preschool. Hollywood playboy Ben Capshaw’s request to access her classes to prepare for a role is an offer she can’t refuse.

Sandra second guesses herself on that decision until she sees Ben in action with the children. Her apprehension turns to wonder, and then to feelings she’d thought were closed off forever. Yet how can she trust that what she’s seeing is real?

As a boy, Ben learned that acting was the answer to everything. The role he’s up for now will enhance his career and, he’s sure, secure his happiness. But spending time with Sandra and her daughter stirs up emotions that—for once—aren’t pretend.

Ben’s ready for a lifetime role as husband and father—if he can convince Sandra not to typecast him.

***

Here's your chance to win a copy of The Role of a Lifetime. Head to Goodreads, linked here, to enter! Contest deadline is October 16, 2011, so don't delay!

***

Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy-which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.

She writes sweet romances for Samhain Publishing and Avalon Books. She's also a board member for Straight Ahead Ministries, an organization involved in helping spread the gospel and aiding medical and pharmacy students in Russia. She resides in a beach resort in NJ, and when she's not involved in all the above, she's taking care of her most treasured possessions: her husband, daughter, and four hermit crabs.

For more information about Jennifer, head to her website, her blog, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Who has spotted Christmas decorations in stores? Anyone counting the days until Christmas yet?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Scared of Social Media? Get Over It!

Social media can be intimidating. I often talk to unpublished writers who are on the fence about starting a blog, joining Facebook, or getting on Twitter. And I understand. We can't afford to waste hours dabbling on building a platform if the hours we spend ultimately yield no results.

I've been active on my blog, Facebook and Twitter for a long time, and I still search for advice that works.

But here's a true story of how simple and effective social media can be.

Our example starts with Goodreads. I recently joined this book lover's site after more than a year of considering it. After all, it was one more place I would have to devote precious minutes to on a regular basis. Also, I would need to figure out how it works and take time to set up an account. But I signed up, and promptly saw the super-funny, lovely blogger, Jennifer Shirk. I sent her a friend request and noticed the title of one of her "currently-reading" books, We are Not Alone: The Writer's Guide to Social Media. We talked via direct message about it, and I mentally tucked the information away.

Enter Twitter. Last summer, I'd come across Kristen Lamb (@KristenLambTX). She sent me a direct message, and I ended up checking out her fabulous website. The whole transaction left a Godiva chocolate taste in my mouth so I added her to one of my Twitter lists. Shortly after the online chit-chat with Jennifer on Goodreads, I noticed a retweet of one of Kristen's blog posts about social media. I went to the link and realized Kristen Lamb was the author of the above book! Her blog post, Blogging Part 6--Maintaining Your Sanity and Your Blog, was awesome. I mean it. Awesome. It's linked; go check it out.

As soon as I connected Kristen Lamb as the author of the social media book, I sprinted to Amazon and ordered her book--after re-tweeting her blog post, of course.

A variety of social media sites connected me with people I've never met, and influenced my decision to purchase a book. If I didn't have a blog, I wouldn't have found Jennifer Shirk. If I hadn't gotten the courage to join Goodreads, I wouldn't have noticed the book on Jennifer's list. If I hadn't made an effort on Twitter, I wouldn't have come across Kristen Lamb's blog and ultimately bought her amazing book on social media.

These connections matter. Do you want people to purchase your books? I just purchased one based entirely on social media. That's power, people.
So if you're scared of social media, don't be. It works. You aren't a sixteen-year-old in ill-fitting clothes hugging the wall at a high school dance. You're you. Make an effort to be friendly, and see where your social media efforts take you. You might be surprised!

Have a terrific weekend!

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