Jenifer Jennings Interview 2025

Congratulations, Jenifer on your upcoming release of Leading Philippi. I know readers will love this one. Let's get to know you better.

How were you first inspired to write “Leading Philippi,” your newest release?

The inspiration for Leading Philippi came while I was preparing to teach a new women’s Sunday School class. As I went through my old study notes on Philippians, I became fascinated by Epaphroditus, a man Paul mentions in chapters 2 and 4. Paul gives him five titles, more than anyone else in his letters, and I kept thinking, who is this guy, and why would he risk his life to serve Paul?

Before I knew it, Epaphroditus’ story took over my summer, and I wrote 45,000 words in just a few months. Not exactly the best timing since I was already behind on another book, but by God’s grace, I managed to finish that one on time and return to Epaphroditus this year. His story ended up inspiring a whole new series that brings some of the lesser-known people in Paul’s letters to life.

Did you have any difficult moments in writing it? (writer’s block, an emotional scene, other) How did you deal with them?

Every writer faces difficult moments. The real question is, “Will you work through them or let them stop you?” I’ve learned over the years to give myself grace. Instead of fighting those moments, I ask why they’re happening. Prayer is my first go-to. Sometimes I’m just not ready to write a scene, or I need more clarity from God or His Word. There have been times I’ve skipped a scene only to be inspired the following Sunday during a sermon.

Other times, I’ve been close to burnout without even realizing it. When that happens, I give myself a day off. I might do something outside the house, or tackle an author-related task like creating social media posts or updating financials. That way, I’m still being productive, but I’m giving my brain a different kind of workout.

What’s different about writing and publishing biblical fiction? What advice would you give aspiring authors of biblical fiction?

I think genres are like dialects of a language. There are general rules all writers need to follow, but each genre has its own expectations. For Biblical fiction, one rule stands out: never contradict what Scripture clearly states. There are plenty of “gray” areas where imagination can run wild, but what the Bible says should remain black-and-white.

My best advice for aspiring Biblical fiction writers is to study, study, study your Bible. Get to know God, His Word, and the people in it. You’ll find those pages dripping with stories waiting to be explored through fiction. At the same time, be careful with theories and traditions. Just because someone wrote it down doesn’t make it Biblical truth. Some long-standing “facts” about people or events actually contradict Scripture. In other words, don’t let historical gossip sneak into your story.

How did you go about researching for a historical story set so far in the past?

Researching historical fiction, especially so far in the past, can be tricky. The upside is that when solid evidence is scarce, I have more freedom to fill in the gaps with fiction. There’s a lot of archaeology and theory out there, and sometimes the evidence even contradicts itself, which is enough to make a writer’s head spin.

As with much of my writing, I bring it all to the Lord in prayer. He knows my heart and intentions better than any reader ever will. My main process is always the same: I lay down God’s clear Word as the foundation, add building blocks of historically accurate, verified research, and then use fiction as the decoration that brings the story to life.

You’ve said (on your website in the About section) that your imagination doesn’t stop. How do you reign it in to create a cohesive story? Do you have any tricks or disciplines that help you focus?

An overactive imagination has given me countless story ideas, and I pray it is a well that never runs dry. When I first started writing, staying on one story was a challenge. My imagination would spark five others before I had even finished a few pages.

Over the years, I’ve learned to bridle my imagination like a stallion and ride it through the Biblical countryside. I had to decide early on who was going to control the journey, my imagination stallion or me. Thankfully, we have formed a bond that lets me complete book after book. That said, my stallion still likes to take me on side quests from time to time. I give him some slack, but redirect him when deadlines approach.

One trick that works best for me is keeping a Google Doc with all the current titles of my series. Whenever my inspiration stallion gets distracted with a scene or piece of dialogue for another book, I make a note under the corresponding title. That way, my imagination stallion stays content, and I stay on track to meet my deadlines.

What were the steps you took to learn about self-publishing? Do you have suggestions for a writer just starting into the world of self-publishing?

Many people think you just write a book and everything else magically happens. The truth is far from that. Typing “The End” is just the start.

When I started, I didn’t even know self-publishing was an option. I assumed that if a publisher didn’t pick up your book, you weren’t meant to be a writer. Terrifying thought. My first self-publishing attempt was memorable for all the wrong reasons. I published a book that hadn’t been edited, not even by me. A few copies sold before I was advised to take it down. I vowed never to self-publish again.

Then, I got a short story published with a small house, only to have the publisher close during release week and see zero royalties. Frustrated but undeterred, I returned to self-publishing with a plan. I took classes, talked with experienced writers, and learned how to edit, market, create covers, write blurbs, and survive failure. I was so blessed to have incredible writers who poured into me, and I try to pay it forward as much as I can.

Self-publishing is not for everyone. It offers freedom but comes with heavy responsibility and hard work. My best advice is to find a mentor early and learn all you can.

How many books have you published at this time? How often do you try to release a new book?

I currently have seventeen published titles across four different series, all in the Biblical fiction genre. If you had asked me when I first started writing whether I would ever reach double digits, I probably would have laughed and maybe cried a little from disbelief.

My release schedule changes from year to year. Some years, I have only managed one book, and in one particularly ambitious year, I released three. Lately, two books a year has felt like a comfortable rhythm. Heading into a very busy season, I expect to release just one book in 2026, though I will re-evaluate afterward to see if I can get back to two per year. I am a planner, but I have learned to plan for chaos and grace periods.

Which of your leading characters would you say is your favorite? Why?

Being asked to pick a favorite leading character feels a little like being asked to choose a favorite child. I love them all for different reasons. Rebekah, the lead in her series, is the Bible character who first sparked my desire to write. Mary of Bethany, one of six women in my Faith Finders series, helped me see Jesus through the eyes of those who walked with Him. Salome, the youngest sister in the Siblings series, helped me find my voice while she found hers. Even Epaphroditus in “Leading Philippi” taught me about real faith in the face of fear. I don’t think I could choose just one.

That said, I have a soft spot for my minor characters. In the Servant Siblings series, Hiram started as barely a thought about the people who rose from their tombs when Jesus came out of His. Hiram quickly became one of my favorites and helped rescue the series while I was drowning trying to finish my Master’s degree. In Leading Philippi, two others stole my heart. Luke kept trying to grab more stage time, to the point I decided he’ll get a cameo in every book because I just enjoy him too much. And then there’s Shira, who danced onto the stage of my mind fully formed and full of personality. She made such an impression that I gave her a short story that will go out to my newsletter readers before release week.

What is your writing routine? For example, how many hours per day/week do you usually write? Do you give yourself a goal? Deadline?

I love a good routine, and I would have a perfect one if life didn’t keep barging in. For a long time, I wasted energy fighting the chaos instead of working with it. Our family motto has become, “Make a plan, stay flexible,” and that applies to my writing life too. Each week, I plug in family commitments first, then carve out writing hours around them.

I’ve learned that forcing myself to write every single day is a fast track to burnout. God modeled rest for us all the way back in Genesis, and who am I to argue with the Creator of the universe? For me, Saturdays are for errands and catch-up, Sundays are for rest and refreshing, and weekdays are for words. Some weeks that looks like a chapter a day. Other weeks, it’s a few hundred words and the satisfaction of showing up for my family or another calling God has placed in front of me. Either way, I count it a win.

Do you have any special preparation you do before a writing session?

I wish I could say I had a special ritual that magically flipped my brain into writing mode. Truth is, I’ve tried a few, but I always ended up spending more time preparing to write than actually writing. These days, I keep it simple. I grab a glass of water, clear my inbox, give my ads a quick check, and then I open the file and dive in. Nothing fancy, just showing up and doing the work.

What non-writing hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

Life is about balance, so I try to have hobbies outside of writing. In different seasons, that’s looked like different things. When I was pregnant with my youngest, I learned to crochet, and I still love picking it up in the evenings when my hands aren’t begging for a break.

This year, I challenged myself to read more and even started a monthly TBR check-in on social media to keep myself accountable. My only rule was to start with the books already on my pile. When I began running low, my sweet husband encouraged me to add titles to my wish list and then surprised me by buying several for me.

Outside of that, I keep things simple. I go on walks with my neighbor a few times a week, support my two kids through busy school seasons, and cheer on my husband as he finishes his degree and shifts careers. I’ve also been teaching Sunday School at my church for nearly two years, which lets me repurpose some of my writing research into lesson plans. And one of my favorite new traditions is hosting a monthly family movie night where I cook food inspired by the movie. It’s a fun, creative challenge and a sweet way to make memories while my kids are navigating the ups and downs of teenage years.

What are 3-5 of your favorite fiction books? Or what is on your nightstand waiting for you right now?

Most of my favorites fall in the Biblical Fiction genre, especially anything by Mesu Andrews or Tessa Afshar. Lately, I’ve been having fun with the Disney Twisted Tales series. I grew up on '90s Disney classics, so seeing those stories reimagined has been fascinating. My favorite so far has been Go the Distance by Jen Calonita. Meg from Hercules has always been one of my all-time favorite characters, and Jen did a phenomenal job with Meg’s backstory and giving her a complete arc.

On my side table right now are two of Naomi Craig’s books that will finish a series I was gifted. I also recently treated myself to three Twisted Tales titles featuring my top three Disney favorites: The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Mulan. The stack is slowly shrinking, which means it’s about time I started adding more to my wish list.

Write and answer 1-3 questions you wish I would have asked.

What has been the most meaningful feedback you’ve received from readers?

It always blesses my socks off when a reader tells me that after finishing one of my books, the very next thing they did was pick up their Bible and read about the person or events. I’m always striving to draw people back to Scripture, and when someone says they’ve read a passage a hundred times but it only came alive for them after reading my book or hearing me teach, my heart practically does a happy dance. That’s the moment I know God’s Word is truly alive and active for them.

What do you hope readers carry with them after finishing “Leading Philippi”?

After a reader finishes “Leading Philippi” I pray they wipe away a joy-filled tear, pick up their Bible to read Paul’s letter to the Philippians, and be reminded that the same God who worked through people like Paul, Epaphroditus, and the early churches is that same God that wants to work in and through them in whatever season of life they are in.

Where can readers connect with you?

I enjoy connecting with readers through my various social media platforms, which can be found by searching @authorjeniferjenings on Instagram and Facebook. I also recently reworked my YouTube channel, also @authorjeniferjennings, to feature recordings of my Sunday Bible lessons. The women in my class loved the lessons so much that I was asked to record them. In making them public, my prayer is that they will be an equal blessing to others.

The other biggest way I connect with readers is through my monthly newsletter, which anyone can sign up for by going to my website, www.jeniferjennings.com. Newsletter subscribers get free short stories, giveaways, devotionals, and often hear about behind-the-scenes things before social media. I share prayer requests and praises and many readers also reply with prayer requests or share how God has blessed them, which is such a gift.

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Terri Lynn Thompson writes fiction that demonstrates God’s beauty in the muck of life—where light breaks through darkness and hope rises out of hard places. Her recent novel, Story Magic, is the first in a three-book series. Each one features a real nonprofit organization that Terri discovered through her family’s foundation: H. G. Clay Foundation (www.hgclayfoundation.org). Journey to Thélo is a YA Fantasy novella, in which Peter discovers the benefits of life in the light and learns to fly.

Find Terri at linktr.ee/terrilynnthompson.