Jennifer Gladen

Jennifer, Thanks for stopping by and visiting with us today.

 

1.What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

Quiet, busy and .... short.

2.  How do you think others would describe you?

That's hard to say. Those who I'm close to would describe me as silly. I can't help it, I'm a kid at heart.

3.  Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

You mean there are other things besides writing? My Catholic faith and spending time with my family tops the list.

4.  Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

We have:

1 cat:

Mickey: This is our first cat and the "diva" of the family. She thinks she's the only animal that lives here and everyone else is passing through. She  decides who pets her and when. If you’re busy, it doesn’t matter. She will sprawl herself in front of the computer , book or whatever else you’re doing in order to get attention.

Her latest trick now is communicating when she’s hungry. She will meow until she is fed – even if you’re already filling her bowl. Occasionally she will push her bowl onto the floor if you don’t move fast enough.

We had two other cats as well who are no longer with us. This does not help Mickey’s “diva complex”.

A dog:

Scooby: he looks nothing like Scooby-Do. In fact, he's a black, 10 pound Chihuahua /Rat Terrier mix. He was a Father's Day present to my husband. Scooby is very affectionate and follows me everywhere. Lately he follows anyone who appears to be going to bed. The dog loves to sleep. 

5.  What is your most precious memory?

My most precious memory is our family trip to Disney World in April of 2005. My middle child, Jacqueline, is a liver transplant patient and the Make a Wish Foundation granted her wish to go to Disney World.  Everyone from the M.A.W. Foundation to every staff member at Give Kids the World Village we stayed at, to every staff member at Disney World made Jackie feel like a star. For once, her illness caused her joy instead of pain.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?
 

I was a teacher at an elementary school. All the teachers were to make an appearance at the 8^th grade dance. While I was getting ready, I put a hole in my last pair of stockings. There was no time to hit a store. My only option was to wear knee-highs. I wore a long skirt - but a-hem - unfortunately a student noticed.  *blush*

7.   If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

In addition to writing I teach children. I have taught kindergarten and second grade. Currently I’m a head teacher in an infant room at a child care center.  

8.      In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Jennifer Gladen, children's author, is survived by her husband and three children. She loved to write and has an extensive collection of stories, articles, poems and books for children. She founded and ran My Light Magazine, a Catholic Magazine for children.

When she couldn't teach children by working as a  teacher due to her obligation to her children's medical conditions, she chose to teach children through her writing. Family members say that she can rest peacefully because her work will continue to reach and teach children.

Jennifer Gladen the writer:

9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

I realized I was a "real" writer once I allowed myself to think it. My first publication was a poem in a Pro-Life newspaper. The editor gave my poem a half -page spread and included my bio. Once I saw that in print, I thought, "Wow - just like a real author!"

10.  What is going on with your writing these days?

My first book, A Star in the Night,  was released September 2010 through Guardian Angel Publishing and Teresa’s Shadow came out in October 2010. My 3^rd book , Angel Donor, is under contract  this summer.  In addition to these books I founded and run a Catholic Magazine for Children titled My Light Magazine.

11.  Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

A full writing day now occurs only on the weekends.  During week nights, I visit a work in progress for an hour or two before heading to bed.

First I get on the computer and check any mail (could there be an acceptance this morning?) I check my calendar and make sure there's no appointments for the day. I've missed many of my own doctor appointments because I've gotten too wrapped up in the writing world.

Then, to get my brain working, I check to see if I have anything new to update on my website or blogs.

I then move on to revising a current work in progress.

I'm in three critique groups, so I usually have a manuscript any given day to critique.

After lunch I review one of my "almost ready to go out" manuscripts. I begin market research to find out which publisher might best fit my book.

On days that I'm ready for a submission, I prepare my cover letter, envelope and manuscript for mailing.

12. Why do you write?
 I write because I love it. There's nothing more satisfying to me than creating a world, characters and situations.

13.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

Currently, I'm most inspired by J.K. Rowling. She created a whole entire world and characters that you just love. She stuck with her creativity, stayed true to her story and characters, and her books did well for it.

14.  How do you define your writing?

My writing is a gentle, yet fun teaching tool for our children.

15.  In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

I'd be happy if someone came across one of my books, and nostalgic feelings arise.  "I remember that book. What a great story."

Jennifer Gladen the details:

16.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

WEBSITE:  http://www.jennifergladen.com/

BLOGS:       

http://jgladen.blogspot.com/

http://randomthoughtsaboutgod.blogspot.com/  http://mylightmagazine.blogspot.com/ 

17.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?

Sure. Readers can reach me at jens_creations@jennifergladen.com

18.  Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

A Star in the Night

Teresa’s Shadow

Coming Later: Angel Donor

Check back at my website often for updates on news about my current works in progress.  http://www.jennifergladen.com/

19.   For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

You will hopefully experience the story along with my characters. A Star in the Night provides a unique experience for David, my main character, on a special Christmas Eve.

In conclusion:

20.  Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?

I write with a purpose: To share my characters' world with my readers. The stories the characters provide are gateways to the imagination. I do write nonfiction also. So far, it has only shown up in articles. But again, I write these not to just write about something. I write to share what I've found fascinating.  My article, "Fulfilling a Destiny," is an article about caterpillars turning into a butterfly. I wrote about that when I saw how wondrous it is for life to change right before our eyes. To fully understand what my writing is about, feel free to visit my webpage: http://www.jennifergladen.com/

 

 Jennifer, 

Thanks so much for taking the time to tell us more about you and your stories. 

Make sure to stop by tomorrow and see what Virginia Grenier has to say on Heidi Thomas's blog.

heidiwriter.wordpress.com