Find a Christian store

Interview with Jennifer Delamere

Jennifer Delamere loves history, travel, and winter sports, but not necessarily in that order. She considers at least two of these joys to be influential in her stories and her success as a Historical Romance author. Her latest release is The Artful Match, book 3 in her current series published by Bethany House.


Welcome, Jennifer, and congratulations on your latest book. What message do you hope readers take away from this story?
A theme that runs through all my books is that with God there can always be a new beginning. Because of God’s grace and mercy, mistakes or events in the past don’t have to prevent us from forging a new future. Many of the characters in this series overcome significant tragedies and find their way to new and better lives. This is true for Cara as well. She is suffering from the guilt of a terrible mistake, plus she is desperate to step out from the shadow of her successful sisters. Surprisingly, she finds her answers in the place she least expects. Another theme in this book is the joy of discovering the real purpose for the gifts and talents God has given you.

What do you see as most significant to your publication journey? What would be the greatest moment of your writing/publishing career thus far?
I would say that the most significant event so far is the one which led to my being published at all. It was when I attended a 2-day workshop by Blake Snyder, author of a popular book on screenwriting called Save the Cat! Shortly after that book was published in 2005, authors realized its storytelling concepts could be useful for writing novels as well. At the time, my interest was in screenwriting, so I went to one of Blake’s workshops, which he would hold for small groups (10-15 people). Once there, I discovered that everyone else at the workshop was a novelist! Most were published and had successful writing careers. That’s when I began to consider the idea of becoming a novelist and to become involved with writers’ groups. By applying what I learned from Blake, I was able to sell my first completed novel.

How do your faith and spiritual life play into the picture and affect your storytelling?
I think my Christian world view is quietly inherent in my storytelling. As the Bible says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” I hadn’t initially set out to write Christian fiction, but I soon discovered that what is so intrinsic to my life was going to flow out in my writing. Also, my books are set in the Victorian era, a time when faith in God shaped the world view of the vast majority of people. I couldn’t write from my characters’ viewpoint without including how their beliefs shape their decisions and actions. To be sure, I also include how advances in science and technology were rapidly changing the world around them, challenging their faith at times. I see this as similar to challenges we face today, and I hope I can show that God’s truths are eternal, unchangeable, and always reliable.

This is the 3rd book in your London Beginnings series. What have you learned from writing a series?

It was a challenge to find the balance between developing an overarching storyline and also having each book read as a satisfying standalone. I did not want to frustrate the reader with too many cliffhangers. On the other hand, I also know not everyone will read the series in order, so I did my best to avoid major spoilers.

I’ve also learned that after spending so much time with these characters, I care for them so much that it is sad to leave them! However, I’m now in the happy process of falling in love with a whole new cast of characters.

You traveled a lot as a child, and you grew up as the youngest child of a Navy pilot and journalist. How did those experiences shape your career as an author, and has any of that appeared in your novels?
This London Beginnings series has heroines who are learning to start over again in a new city. That is something I can definitely relate to, after moving so much growing up. It can be daunting to be thrust into new situations, and stressful to leave behind familiar people and places. But it can also develop a love for travel and seeing new places, which is what happened for me. That adventuresome spirit comes out in some of my characters, while others long for a stable home and more grounded life.

What led you to choose the genre in which you write?
My first attempt at writing was a contemporary romance. However, I soon found I was more at home writing historical fiction. When I switched the story I was working on from modern America to 1851 England, everything began to click. It became my first published novel. I’m a big history geek and love reading history books. I’ve always been fascinated by the Victorian era, so by choosing that timeframe I have found a way to spend time there, so to speak, which I’ve really enjoyed.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
Reading is naturally high on the list. I also enjoy watching movies (usually documentaries or romantic comedies). My husband and I enjoy day hikes in our local area or in the mountains. We’ve also done a lot of downhill skiing, although in the past few years we’ve opted for trips abroad instead.

Share something about yourself most readers might not know.
I have always wanted to be a screenwriter. In college, I studied films and filmmaking. I’m fascinated by the movie-making process, and I’d love to be involved in that someday, either as a writer or in some other capacity.

What books are on your nightstand right now?
I generally have one nonfiction book and one novel going all the time. Right now the books on my nightstand are Improbable Patriot, by Harlow Giles Unger, and Far Side of the Sea, by Kate Breslin.

Finish this statement: In the future, I will…
Continue to write stories that inspire and entertain many wonderful readers! I’m so thankful for all the doors God has opened for me to do this.

Any parting words?

I’m so grateful to be a part of this community of authors that inspires, motivates, mentors, and supports one another. Writing may be a solitary endeavor, but when it comes to the learning the craft of writing and the business aspects of publishing, no one has to feel like they are out on their own. I encourage all authors and budding authors to take advantage of opportunities to be with other authors and industry professionals and learn all you can from them.

___________________________________

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having an active imagination and a flair for the dramatic. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning author and speaker who works in the health & wellness and personal development industries, helping others become their best from the inside out. She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have a daughter and son, and a Shiba Inu-mix named Nova. She has sold over 20 books so far, three of which have won annual reader's choice awards. She is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. www.amberstockton.com.




For more great interviews, visit our Author Interview Archives.

ACFW Members, click here to apply for an author interview!


Developed by Camna, LLC

This is a service provided by ACFW, but does not in any way endorse any publisher, author, or work herein.