Book Summary
The Healing Heart is a quirky, fun, funny work of contemporary romantic fiction that follows Jamie Hansen as she tries to move on in life after losing her husband, Paul, to a heart attack. Jamie is prepared to simply live her life and be grateful for what she had while she had it. She doesn't have any expectations for another chance at love, so she is blindsided when she literally runs into handsome real estate broker, Conley Michaels. Join Jamie on her crazy, introspective, exhilarating, maddening, flirty, self-doubting, madcap roller coaster ride toward love! Because, Jamie will find out, when it comes to love, lightning truly can strike twice!1. What was your inspiration for this book? My dear father inspired The Healing Heart. In March of 2102, Dad passed away; multiple myeloma, a very painful form of cancer, was the cause. I hadn't written anything substantial in years, allowing the fervence of life to take precedence over something that truly completed me. After dad's passing, I snapped out of it. At the risk of sounding cliché, life is just too short to not utilize your gifts and talents to their fullest. June of 2012, I began writing, and I didn't stop. Thus, The Healing Heart was born.
2. Would you classify your writing as plot driven or character driven? I feel that my writing is character driven. Plot is extremely important, obviously. But, in my eyes, you reach your readers through your characters. A book can have plot oozing from it, but if your reader cannot relate to, pull for, and simply enjoy its characters, then as an author, you've lost that reader.
3. Can you tell us a little about your main character? My main character is Jamie Hansen. She is a woman everyone should pull for! She is both strong and vulnerable, dealing with the challenges life throws at her with humor and grace, yet showing insecurities that anyone would relate to.
4. Without giving away too much, tell us a little about the main conflict in this book.
5. What do you hope readers take away from this book? I hope readers take away the fact that we all deserve love, we should all embrace every opportunity life provides us, and it's perfectly okay to give ourselves up to the notion of happy endings. Life is not always rose-tinted, but our entertainment can be!
6. What song best describes your writing style? Fantastic question! King Creosote's, "I'll Fly By The Seat Of My Pants" could sum up my writing style. Now the title of this song is hilarious, but the lyrics are beautifully poetic, just to let you know. I am very organized and a perfectionist in all other aspects of my life. But with my writing, I surrender and let the writing take over and go where it wishes. In essence, I fly by the seat of my pants.
7. Night Owl or Early Bird? I am definitely a night owl! I am so much more productive later in the evening. I read a quote once, "If the good Lord wanted us to see the sunrise, he should've scheduled it later in the day." I totally agree with that! hahaha
8. Skittle or M&Ms? M&Ms for sure! I am a chocoholic! Although, there is something to be said for sour Skittles...
9. Who are your favorite authors? Oh wow, this is a difficult question! As much as I am a writer, I am absolutely a reader! I appreciate so many authors out there; it is amazing to witness individual talent and creativity. As far as the big guns go, I adore Jules Verne, Aldous Huxley, Edward Bellamy, Michael Crichton, H.G. Wells, C.S. Lewis, Gregory Maguire, J.R.R. Tolkien--this list could go on and on. Now on to an equally important group of authors, my indie community! These indies aren't as well known as the above, but amazingly and equally gifted! These favorites include A.M. Khalifa, R.W. Webb (and his many personas), C.S. Janey, Samuel Morningstar, Gary Henry, Destiny Allison, John Davis, Jon Herrera, Darlene Kuncytes, Thomas Gray, J.L. Forrest--I know I'm forgetting way too many! I have been introduced to a wealth of talent in these people, as well as an awesome support network! I love them all!
10. Can you tell us about any future projects? Yes! I have so many ideas rumbling around in this head of mine, but the big one now is my current work in progress, The Steps to Karma. I am so excited about this book! It's another contemporary romantic fiction work about a gal, Karma Clark, who walks away from her burnt-out life and into a completely new one, in St. John, USVI. I also plan on writing an alternate ending for The Healing Heart as a short story--sort of a companion piece. My readers can choose their favorite ending! Finally, after these, I'm getting involved in a secret collaboration, which I CANNOT WAIT to dig into! :)
Meet Jennifer Howard
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Great interview. Jenn always brings a smile to my face by her quirkiness and sense of humor. And then there is the serious side of Jenn. NOT!!!! Congratulations Jenn on your success! Love ya, Aunt B
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