Ask the Author: Jennifer Oberth
Answered Questions (3)
Jennifer Oberth
Hi John, thank you for your question. Technically, I only have one novel published, "Masked Rider: Origins," so you could always start with that one.
But if you're referring to which story/series I would recommend to a newcomer, I'd say the Ella Westin Mysteries. They're fun, solid, cozy mysteries, and I've published six of them (currently working on the seventh). So if you enjoy the series, you have plenty to sink your teeth into.
Also, that series starts out with short stories and they are currently novella-length, so again, that's an easy one to start with and get to know my style.
But if you're referring to which story/series I would recommend to a newcomer, I'd say the Ella Westin Mysteries. They're fun, solid, cozy mysteries, and I've published six of them (currently working on the seventh). So if you enjoy the series, you have plenty to sink your teeth into.
Also, that series starts out with short stories and they are currently novella-length, so again, that's an easy one to start with and get to know my style.
Jennifer Oberth
Hi John. I can't think of a direct experience that I've had that has made it into any of my books. I tend to combine different aspects of life I've endured or combine different characteristics of people I've met.
I do include more generalized facets of life. The type of humor in my books is the exact same as my family's - both sides, actually. When in bad situations (whether sudden or long-term), my family makes jokes. When I was a small child, a bunch of us were in the living room while my Grandpa was painting outside the window. We all watched in horror as the ladder fell over and Grandpa very slowly fell. All the adults burst into laughter before running for the door. (Grandpa is, to this day, fine!) My family also points out the elephant in the room when, I suspect, other families would politely pretend it isn't there. Maybe that's why I lean toward writing stories with a strong family element and strong family bonds. (The family that laughs together - even at one another - stays together.)
So, quick answer to your cool question, no, not really. Of course, now I'm thinking of what I can include in my next book that I've actually lived through!
Now, there is one tiny exception to all of this. In my Masked Rider series, Jack Westin sighs a lot. That is because my mother sighs at me all the time, in complete and utter exasperation. Most of the time I have no idea why. So I use that when Jack is dealing with his six adult children.
Oh, and there is one character in one of my books that is my sister, a little exaggerated. I have a lot of fun with that character!
Thank you, John, for making me reminisce about some things I could include in my stories - and probably be so kooky that my readers would assume I made it up!
I do include more generalized facets of life. The type of humor in my books is the exact same as my family's - both sides, actually. When in bad situations (whether sudden or long-term), my family makes jokes. When I was a small child, a bunch of us were in the living room while my Grandpa was painting outside the window. We all watched in horror as the ladder fell over and Grandpa very slowly fell. All the adults burst into laughter before running for the door. (Grandpa is, to this day, fine!) My family also points out the elephant in the room when, I suspect, other families would politely pretend it isn't there. Maybe that's why I lean toward writing stories with a strong family element and strong family bonds. (The family that laughs together - even at one another - stays together.)
So, quick answer to your cool question, no, not really. Of course, now I'm thinking of what I can include in my next book that I've actually lived through!
Now, there is one tiny exception to all of this. In my Masked Rider series, Jack Westin sighs a lot. That is because my mother sighs at me all the time, in complete and utter exasperation. Most of the time I have no idea why. So I use that when Jack is dealing with his six adult children.
Oh, and there is one character in one of my books that is my sister, a little exaggerated. I have a lot of fun with that character!
Thank you, John, for making me reminisce about some things I could include in my stories - and probably be so kooky that my readers would assume I made it up!
Jennifer Oberth
I used to write by the seat of my pants a lot more than I do nowadays. I'm actually planning for the next three Ella Westin's. (I'm going to write them in November.) I outline but I call it "my version of an outline" because it's not very detailed and I tend to skip a lot. I basically jot down notes I want to appear in the book or don't want to forget to include - pieces of dialogue, having a character follow the clue to this (wrong) destination, humorous moments and so on.
Having said all that, I sometimes don't follow the outline at all because the characters know what they want to do and when I force them, it doesn't work. When I follow them, it's a fun ride.
Thank you for asking!
Having said all that, I sometimes don't follow the outline at all because the characters know what they want to do and when I force them, it doesn't work. When I follow them, it's a fun ride.
Thank you for asking!
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