Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start writing.
When I was a kid, my dad read out loud to my younger siblings and me every night before bed. This experience built up a love of stories in me. I guess it was only natural that I started making up my own.
Tell us about your books.
King’s Warrior, Second Son, and Yorien’s Hand are the first three books in the Minstrel’s Song series. The fourth and final book in the saga – Minstrel’s Call – is finished and currently in edits. I am hoping for a late 2017 or early 2018 publishing date.
They are a fantasy tale following the main characters on their various adventures.
I also have a short novella retelling of Beauty and the Beast called “Stone Curse” that won a spot in the Five Enchanted Roses collection in 2015.
How did you go about getting published?
I sent out a few queries to agents and publishers, but quickly realized that I only had so much time in my life to write. I have four young children and I homeschool them. So, I could either spend my time writing query letters (which I hate) or writing more books (which I love). It wasn’t too hard after that to decide to go the self-publishing route. Especially since I have an extremely supportive family that created a small publishing company to help me out with editing and cover art and marketing.
What is your writing process? Do you have a time, day or place you like to write?
I tend to write whenever my kids are taking their afternoon naps, or after they are in bed for the evening. Some mornings I get up before everyone else in the house and write… but I have a 2 month old right now, so sleep is a rare commodity.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Full-time job, pets, hobbies?
I am a full-time stay at home, homeschooling mom of four. I have very little time for hobbies… but I love rock-climbing, swimming, horseback riding, going for hikes, biking, reading, and hanging out with friends. I just don’t get to very often!
Any advice for authors about book covers?
Don’t spare any expense on your book cover. I know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover… but that doesn’t mean readers don’t. A beautiful or unique cover is your introduction to a new reader, you need to make sure it’s as good of a first-impression as it can possibly be.
Any marketing tips you’d like to share with other authors?
Slow and steady wins the race. The best thing you can do to market your current books is write more books!
What’s your favorite book?
He Whistles for the Cricket by Gwen Walker
What are you reading now?
The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher
What’s your next book project?
I am currently working on book 3 of a new series called The Turrim Archive. It is an all-new fantasy adventure with a hint of steampunk. I am very excited about getting the rest of the series finished and into the hands of my readers!
Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Jenelle Schmidt Amazon Profile
Jenelle Schmidt’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account
Instagram Account