Jennifer Schultz's Blog
September 2, 2019
Research, Research, Research
Doing research for the thrillers I'm writing has been fun so far. (Yes, I'm still writing fantasy as well, but enjoy thrillers, too.) Mary Higgins Clark has been a good study, as well as Gregg Luke and David Baldacci.
July 22, 2019
Book Review
Hermana by Becca McCullochMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is amazing on so many levels. McCulloch's ability to transport the reader into the story and paint such a vivid picture of the Dominican Republic and her people is incredible. I flew back in time to relive parts of the mission I served for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in a way that I haven't been able to do since I returned.
Even if you aren't a member of this church, or if you are but haven't served a mission, this book will still draw you in. Lannie's devotion to her beliefs is truly commendable. "Hermana" is a great way to get an idea of what it's like to serve. Although I didn't share all of the same experiences that Lannie did, the "feel" of missionary service is found on every page.
Be ready to run the emotional gamut if you read this book. There are joyous triumphs and painful defeats, but through it all, hope blazes bright. This is a book I will read again and again. Thank you, Becca McCulloch, for writing it. It truly warmed my heart.
View all my reviews
July 14, 2019
Fabulous experience as an author
The past three days I attended the Sidewalk Sale in Logan, Utah as an author. It was such a wonderful experience! I was able to meet so many great people and spend time with author friends whom I admire greatly. In addition, we sold our books, signed them for those who purchased them and had an absolutely amazing time!
Some of the people who bought copies of Shadowcaster also agreed to take a photo with me. They're posted on my Facebook author page (@authorJenniferSchultz) if you'd like to see them. There are so many likeable, inspiring people out there from all walks of life. It was an experience that I'll never forget (unless I get Alzheimer's Disease; no promises there). :)
Some of the people who bought copies of Shadowcaster also agreed to take a photo with me. They're posted on my Facebook author page (@authorJenniferSchultz) if you'd like to see them. There are so many likeable, inspiring people out there from all walks of life. It was an experience that I'll never forget (unless I get Alzheimer's Disease; no promises there). :)
June 21, 2019
It's the Little Things
Lately I've been thinking about the little things in life and how they so often lead to bigger things down the road. Our responses are key to how smooth or bumpy the trail of life is on our journey.
For example, do we express gratitude when someone does something nice, like smile or hold a door for us? Are we one of those people who simply expects other to do things for us and when they don't we automatically assign them to the "jerk" category?
I think that having a "gratitude attitude" - I love that phrase!" - is incredibly important to our well-being. If we can learn to look for - and openly appreciate - the little things that make our lives unique and wonderful, then our journey through it will feel much more smooth.
One thing that I appreciate so much about a well-written book is its ability to transport me into another time and place. This allows me to see through another's eyes, broadening my perspective a little more each time I read. I believe that my love of reading helped prepare me to live on other continents and among other cultures. There were so many things to love but I never would have experienced them if I hadn't been willing to open my eyes to the small and simple wonders these other places offered.
My challenge to you this week is to look around. Find a simple thing that you'd normally overlook and consider it in a new light. Share your observation with someone; I'd love to hear it!
For example, do we express gratitude when someone does something nice, like smile or hold a door for us? Are we one of those people who simply expects other to do things for us and when they don't we automatically assign them to the "jerk" category?
I think that having a "gratitude attitude" - I love that phrase!" - is incredibly important to our well-being. If we can learn to look for - and openly appreciate - the little things that make our lives unique and wonderful, then our journey through it will feel much more smooth.
One thing that I appreciate so much about a well-written book is its ability to transport me into another time and place. This allows me to see through another's eyes, broadening my perspective a little more each time I read. I believe that my love of reading helped prepare me to live on other continents and among other cultures. There were so many things to love but I never would have experienced them if I hadn't been willing to open my eyes to the small and simple wonders these other places offered.
My challenge to you this week is to look around. Find a simple thing that you'd normally overlook and consider it in a new light. Share your observation with someone; I'd love to hear it!
May 24, 2019
Naming a character is like naming a child: it's for life so pick a good one!
One of my all-time favorite authors, Terry Brooks, shares his method for coming up with names in his book "Sometimes the Magic Works." By the way, this is an excellent field guide for a writer. I have a pocket notebook and pen that I carry with me everywhere. Whenever I hear a name that I really like - whether for a person, place or thing - I write it down in the little notebook. It doesn't matter if I don't want to use it for current projects, I still hang on to it for future possibilities. This little notebook becomes a naming reference guide for me.
I've also heard that some people research baby name lists, which can be very inspiring as well. Personally, I don't do that for two reasons: (1) I get distracted by all the cool or quirky names listed and their meanings; (2) there are so many that I feel like I'm searching for a needle in a haystack. If I'm looking for a name with a certain feel or meaning, I can easily search for that specific meaning online rather than slog through a document.
One reason I like the notebook is because it already contains names that have stood out to me for whatever reason. Since it already has a "filter" of my approval (which is why it's in the notebook), I don't get lost or distracted. I already know what's there, if that makes sense.
Naturally this technique can be adapted to a smart phone, tablet, etc. The point is to use something to store names that you will carry with you always and is easy to reference.
That's what works for me. Feel free to share thoughts and feelings about what might work best for you.
I've also heard that some people research baby name lists, which can be very inspiring as well. Personally, I don't do that for two reasons: (1) I get distracted by all the cool or quirky names listed and their meanings; (2) there are so many that I feel like I'm searching for a needle in a haystack. If I'm looking for a name with a certain feel or meaning, I can easily search for that specific meaning online rather than slog through a document.
One reason I like the notebook is because it already contains names that have stood out to me for whatever reason. Since it already has a "filter" of my approval (which is why it's in the notebook), I don't get lost or distracted. I already know what's there, if that makes sense.
Naturally this technique can be adapted to a smart phone, tablet, etc. The point is to use something to store names that you will carry with you always and is easy to reference.
That's what works for me. Feel free to share thoughts and feelings about what might work best for you.
May 20, 2019
New Stumbling Block
What do you do when your biggest stumbling block to writing is your loyal cat? He's my biggest fan and sometimes my biggest impediment. Every time I sit down to the computer to write, he gets in my way, literally. As in, he walks on the keyboard, stands on it, swats my hands when I use the mouse or lays on my arms so I can't type. Maybe he's my biggest critic as well, LOL!
The reason I'm getting this much written is because he decided to take a food break. I'm grateful to have him - he's the first cat I've not been allergic to - but since I'm new to cats, I've still got a lot to learn.
Has anyone else dealt with a pet who's completely jealous of your time and sees what you're doing as a distraction from giving him/her attention? If so, how do you deal with it? :)
The reason I'm getting this much written is because he decided to take a food break. I'm grateful to have him - he's the first cat I've not been allergic to - but since I'm new to cats, I've still got a lot to learn.
Has anyone else dealt with a pet who's completely jealous of your time and sees what you're doing as a distraction from giving him/her attention? If so, how do you deal with it? :)
May 7, 2019
Why I Love to Write
My earliest memories of writing usually involve my imaginary horse Lightning Bolt. It was elementary school and everything was written in pencil. Since I was (and still am) enamored with horses, I drew them as well. I have to say that I got to be pretty good. I illustrated my stories as I went along.
Since we lived in a city and didn't have horses at the time, Lightning Bolt and I had all of our adventures on paper. That was fine with me. He was much less expensive to care for that way! :) There was no limit to our adventures. We could do whatever we wanted for as long as we wanted and it didn't matter what time it was or what the weather was like. In our stories, everything was perfect.
I think the reason I love writing so much can be summed up into one word: freedom. When I write, the world comes alive with possibilities. Naturally I do my homework or write from experiences, but I can explore. I'm free to dive into different cultures, lands, times, even mindsets. The world - even the universe - is open to me.
When I write, I learn and stretch and grow in ways that aren't possible for me via other avenues. When I write, I soar, and that makes me happy.
Since we lived in a city and didn't have horses at the time, Lightning Bolt and I had all of our adventures on paper. That was fine with me. He was much less expensive to care for that way! :) There was no limit to our adventures. We could do whatever we wanted for as long as we wanted and it didn't matter what time it was or what the weather was like. In our stories, everything was perfect.
I think the reason I love writing so much can be summed up into one word: freedom. When I write, the world comes alive with possibilities. Naturally I do my homework or write from experiences, but I can explore. I'm free to dive into different cultures, lands, times, even mindsets. The world - even the universe - is open to me.
When I write, I learn and stretch and grow in ways that aren't possible for me via other avenues. When I write, I soar, and that makes me happy.
May 2, 2019
Using your interests to discover new talents
Hello, there. This week I had a wonderfully unexpected surprise. My best friend from high school shared with me a "then and now" book that she's compiled about the history of the town where she lives. It's got photos and historical bits of interest, and I'm hooked.
My friend has never before - to my knowledge - desired to become an author. However, she was raised with a love of history. She has taken that passion and turned it into something remarkable. I feel a longing to see this place that I've come to know through her research and dedication. I knew it was there before but now that I know more about it, I yearn to experience it for myself.
I'm proud of her for taking this passion and turning it into a project that can be shared with others. She's taken a leap into a new land and I applaud her for it.
The takeaway is this: develop your passion and turn it into something wonderful, something you can be proud of, something that is uniquely you. I truly believe that God gave us gifts for a reason. He wants us to use them to the benefit of ourselves and others.
My hope is that today you will do some soul-searching about yourself. What is your passion? What would you like to contribute to improve yourself and bless the world we live in? I'd love to hear your thoughts, your triumphs, your discoveries, even your set-backs.
Until next week, my friends. Vaya con Dios.
My friend has never before - to my knowledge - desired to become an author. However, she was raised with a love of history. She has taken that passion and turned it into something remarkable. I feel a longing to see this place that I've come to know through her research and dedication. I knew it was there before but now that I know more about it, I yearn to experience it for myself.
I'm proud of her for taking this passion and turning it into a project that can be shared with others. She's taken a leap into a new land and I applaud her for it.
The takeaway is this: develop your passion and turn it into something wonderful, something you can be proud of, something that is uniquely you. I truly believe that God gave us gifts for a reason. He wants us to use them to the benefit of ourselves and others.
My hope is that today you will do some soul-searching about yourself. What is your passion? What would you like to contribute to improve yourself and bless the world we live in? I'd love to hear your thoughts, your triumphs, your discoveries, even your set-backs.
Until next week, my friends. Vaya con Dios.
April 24, 2019
Upcoming books
Hello,
I have saved two drafts of posts for this blog, but once I save them I can't seem to access them again. So, I guess I won't do that anymore. I promise I really have been writing on here, though. I haven't forgotten you!
Here are some updates on future books:
Emergence
This is Book 1 of the Szenshalion series. I've completed the book and am now in the cover design/prep for publication phase. Yes, I'm very excited!! I've had some good feedback from beta readers on this book so am looking forward to releasing it!
I'm also writing the initial draft of two other books, one a thriller and one a fantasy. The second book in the Shadow Wars series, which will be called Dreamcaster, is in the works as well.
As you can see, I've got a lot on plate -- outside of full-time work and full-time family -- so that's a definite factor into why I'm so slow with releases. Thanks for hanging in there with me!
I have saved two drafts of posts for this blog, but once I save them I can't seem to access them again. So, I guess I won't do that anymore. I promise I really have been writing on here, though. I haven't forgotten you!
Here are some updates on future books:
Emergence
This is Book 1 of the Szenshalion series. I've completed the book and am now in the cover design/prep for publication phase. Yes, I'm very excited!! I've had some good feedback from beta readers on this book so am looking forward to releasing it!
I'm also writing the initial draft of two other books, one a thriller and one a fantasy. The second book in the Shadow Wars series, which will be called Dreamcaster, is in the works as well.
As you can see, I've got a lot on plate -- outside of full-time work and full-time family -- so that's a definite factor into why I'm so slow with releases. Thanks for hanging in there with me!
