MEET AUTHOR JILLIAN KENT!

Jillian Kent’s first novel in The Ravensmoore Chronicles, Secrets of the Heart, debuted in 2011 and held readers captive winning four stars from Romantic Times and first place in the 2012 Wisconsin RWA Write Touch Contest. Also, in 2012, Chameleon, the second book in the series found its way into readers hands and hearts with an, “I dare you to solve the ending,” challenge from the author. Mystery of the Heart, book three in the series is already grabbing the attention of readers who love a  romantic adventure. Jillian lives in Cincinnati, OH with her family and assorted critters.

INTERVIEW

S.S: How long have you been writing?

I’ve been studying and practicing the craft of writing since 1989. I unwisely chose to start this endeavor soon after the birth of my first child. It must have been some kind of hormonal imbalance. J However, I have to admit that I wrote for my high school newspaper and went to college to be a journalist but that didn’t last long.

S.S: Do you write full time? If the answer is no, what else do you do? If you are a full time author, what other jobs did you have in the past?

I feel like I write full time along with my day job. I’ve been a social worker for 33 years and have been counseling nursing students in a hospital based college for the past 18 years. I can honestly say I love both my jobs.

S.S: Tell us about the moment you finally felt like a “real author.”

That would have to be when I signed my first contract in 2010. That experience was both exhilarating and terrifying. I then knew I had to follow through with this long time dream or look like a fool.

S.S: Who has been your greatest supporter as an author?

My husband, who is also a social worker has been an incredible support and encouraging me to pursue my passion. He’s always been a wonderful guy.

S.S: Why suspense? Do you write in any other genres? If so, what?

I’ve always loved movies and books that keep me on the edge of my seat. I’ve always wanted to know how someone would extract themselves from a seemingly impossible situation. Love movies like, The Fugitive, Frequency, the Hitchcock films. Books like Rebecca, Jane Eyre, and other mysteries too. I believe I’m a mystery/suspense writer at heart, but I love a romance too so I blend it all together.

S.S: How does your faith play into your writing?

I like to see how characters respond in varying situations to their faith. Sometimes I delve into that a little deeper and sometimes not so much. My faith is very important to me and I think a lot about it more than talk a lot about it so in that way my characters ponder their faith issues at times.

S.S: If you couldn’t write, what else would you want to do?

I would continue working the day job and I would increase my reading for fun. I read a lot related to researching my books, which diminishes the time I have to read for the pure joy of reading. If you mean what else would I do for a living I would probably go into private practice with my husband, after we retire from our current day jobs, and work toward helping other couples have strong marriages. We’d have two pet therapy dogs with us to help break the tension.

S.S: Tell us about your current release.

I love this book. Of course I like all my books but I think because this is the last in the series I have a special appreciation for it. I call it my Indiana Jones novel. It’s based in part on the legend of the Holy Lance, the lance that the Roman soldier used to pierce the side of Christ to be certain he was dead. The Bible doesn’t go into detail about this but it’s been very interesting to research and see why there is so much interest and speculation about this lance. Today, to the best of my knowledge based on extensive research, Austria, The Vatican, and Armenia believe they have pieces of the original Lance of Longinus or The Spear of Destiny as it is also known. Hitler was obsessed with the lance and there are thoughts that it resides in Antarctica.

The novel centers on the youngest of Lord Ravensmoore sisters, Mercy who wants to be a doctor like her big brother, but in the time of the regency that is an impossibility, or is it?  She meets Vincent St. Lyons who is returning from a secret quest for the Prince Regent. Unfortunately for Mercy she’s washed up on the shore of Northumberland.

S.S: Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I accidentally discovered history about The Spear of Destiny when I was watching Brad Meltzer’s “Decoded” program on The History Channel. I wanted to learn more about what was being discussed. What was true and how much of this was legend and why. And then close to the same time I saw Noah Wyle playing in an episode of, The Librarian, called, “Quest for the Spear.” So I decided to write my own story and Mystery of the Heart is that story.

S.S: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from your story?

1) Trust God.

2) Pursue the passions and gifts that God has bestowed on you.

3) Don’t take anything at face value. Explore legend and history and compare it with the Word for the sake of Truth.

S.S: Who is your favorite character in this book and why?

I really can’t choose a favorite. As a creative I think our characters are all a little piece of us. They come from our minds, good and bad. I love exploring character and discovering why each does what he or she does.

S.S: Who is your least favorite character in this book? Why?

Same as above. Even the difficult characters or villains allow me to grow and explore. I love the unloveable characters I create.

S.S: What are you working on now?

A proposal for another regency book and possible series.

S.S: A tough question: Where do you want to be career-wise in five years? Ten years? 

My answer today may be different then my answer six months from now. However I will make the attempt. In five years, God willing, I will be 63. I hope to write one excellent book a year, so I hope to have five more books completed if not published. I will probably explore the waters of publishing my own novels or at least short stories and novellas possibly related to the books I have written. In ten years I’ll be 68 and that sounds really scary. We don’t know what life will bring our way but I’ll dream big and say I hope to have ten more books under my belt, not be burnt out, possibly teaching about the craft, which I just love and writing full time after retiring from my day job if we’re allowed to retire then. <GRIN>

S.S:  Now let’s get a little personal. Name two things on your “bucket list” that you haven’t done yet.  

I want to go to Australia with my hubby and enjoy a wonderful vacation and I’d love to live in the lake district of England for a month with my entire family.

S.S:  What is the silliest thing you have ever done? 

I’m wondering why this is such a hard question for me to answer. I’m sure there must be many silly things. I remember trying out for a play once in 7^th grade and making an utter fool of myself. I do not have the acting or singing gene and I certainly didn’t have it back then. I don’t even know where I got the guts to attempt such a thing.

S.S: What is the hardest thing you have ever done?

Raising a special needs child.

S.S.: Where can readers find you on the internet?

www.jilliankent.com

http://jilliankent.blogspot.com/

http://justthewritecharisma.blogspot.com/

@JillKentAuthor on Twitter

I also write and coordinate The Well Writer column for the Christian Fiction Online Magazine. http://www.christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/ Click on the Brilliant tab. Bonnie Calhoun has a great sense of humor.

S.S.: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us? 

Just an encouragement for anyone reading this, published or unpublished. Dream big! God wants good stuff for you. Thanks for having me.

Jillian is giving away an entire set of her Ravensmoore series. It includes Secrets of the Heart, Chameleon, and Mystery of the Heart! Just leave a comment, along with your contact information, and Monday we'll pick a winner!