Jenna’s Comments (group member since Sep 01, 2010)

Jenna’s comments from the Tess Gerritsen Fans group.

Have you ever been reading a Tess Gerritsen book and had a question? Leave some question suggestions and I'll send some of them off to Ms. Gerritsen.

October 1, 2019: THE SHAPE OF NIGHT US release!

August 25, 2019: Intervale, NH
7 PM

Cold River Radio Show

Theater in the Wood, 41 Observatory Way, Intervale, NH

What is that one book that shows the side of each of their personal stories? What do you love about each?

For me Dinner really brought Rizzoli to the forefront first with her looks and demeanor. And then For Maura, The Memphisto Club really showed her raw side and how she truly felt about her biological mother.

MidnightScarf wrote: "Playing With Fire sounds good to me, I got a copy quite awhile ago but never had chance to read it :-)"

me either, let's do it!

What would you like to read? Thought we'd start doing a group read and discussion again! I was thinking perhaps her newest book Playing With Fire.

Honestly it doesn't matter. Though their personalities are similar on the show you really have to look at the books and tv series separate or you wont enjoy the show. It is based off of the books but they did make some changes. The books are better but the show is good too!

Yes there will! What else would you like to see?

She's pretty busy and says herself she has a hard time keeping up with social media. ill mention it though.

A few people sent in some questions, and Tess answered! Enjoy!


1. On average, how long does it take to write a novel?

About a year. It depends on whether I'm under a contracted deadline, which tends to speed me up. Without a deadline, I'm happy to take two, even three years to write a book.

2. Did you ever consider using your initials instead of your full name in order to get more sales?
(I've heard that by making the name and gender anonymous, more people are likely to buy the book).

There've been times when I did consider that strategy. For instance, with my SF space novel Gravity, which seemed to appeal more to male readers than to females, I might have been helped by hiding my gender behind initials. (I've heard many a male reader tell me that that they don't trust female writers to get high-tech details right. Arghh.) I've never tried hiding my identity under a pen name, but I just might try it for my next novel, which is completely different from anything I've done before.

3. Does writing help you relax or make you stressed?

Writing is very much work for me, which means it's often stressful. Especially when I'm having trouble moving a story forward.

4. If you could swap lives with any of your characters for a day, who would you be and why?

I'd feel most comfortable swapping lives with Maura Isles because she's so much like me. Using science to solve mysteries would be right up my alley. I don't think I could cope with being Jane Rizzoli. I'm just not tough enough!

5. If you could send some advice to your past self, what would you say?

"Don't waste so much time surfing the internet!"

6. Which of your book groupings (i.e. Rizzoli and Isles, Medical Mystery, Romantic Suspense) do you favor writing?

I've loved every single genre. Each has been a challenge, but each has also been fun to write. My favorites though have been my two historical mysteries (BONE GARDEN and PLAYING WITH FIRE.) Not only because the historical aspect was a challenge, but also because of the sheer emotional impacts those two novels had on me. Both those stories moved me to tears.

7. How did you get into writing?

,When I was 7 years old I already knew I wanted to be a writer and I wrote my first "book", which I bound together with needle and thread. All through college and medical school, I wrote short stories and articles, but it was only when I went on maternity leave with my first son that I finally sat down and started writing in earnest. After I sold a few novels to Harlequin Intrigue, I left medicine and I've never looked back.

8. Do you have a manuscript that you have written that was not published, that you wish would have been?

All my unpublished manuscripts should stay unpublished. I'm grateful they never saw the light of day.

9. If you weren't a writer what other career would you venture on?

I would love to be a composer. Or filmmaker. Or archaeologist. Actually, I can't choose.

10. Do you allow others to read your chapters before you are done with them or do you prefer to polish things and finish them before people read them?

I don't let anyone see my manuscript until it's finished and polished. My husband is my first reader, and then off it goes to my agent and editor. I hate letting anyone see my work in progress, because I know the stories and the characters are bound to change.

That's cool! Cant wait!

Just try and go in with an open mind. It is different than the books. Personality is similar but they did take some liberties.

Hi guys! So i am working with Tess Gerritsen to bring some author content to the group. I am going to be doing some Q & A, some interviews, and want to know what you would like to see!

Please respond to this with any questions you have for her, things you'd like her to discuss in an interview, or what other types of content you'd like to see.

Thanks guys!!!

I know. I live in Pennsylvania and still so far!

Chin up though! IM working with her for Q & A, some content, and interviews.

What makes you like Rizzoli in the books and Dislike her in the series? Though I feel in the series niether Maura nor Jane look as they should I felt their characters were pretty close to personality of the book. I do prefer the Maura and Jane in the books but appreciate how close the series tries to get considering the liberties they took elsewhere. You really have to view them as separate entities to like the show.

February 17-18: Savannah, GA
Tess to appear at the Savannah Book Festival

Details to come.

December 8, 2016: Bangor, Maine
Bangor Public Library

Talk and signing.

6 PM

www.bangorpubliclibrary.org

This thread is to discuss your favorite or least favorite characters. Tell us why you love or hate them and feel free to ask questions!

Jenna

I know! It's been a long time. Had alot happen personally but now im more determined to be here a couple times a week and moderate like a champ! Updated some lists, add a poll, etc. Thinking we should start up the group readings again.

Hi guys! Been a long time! Sorry one of your moderators went MIA! We moved to Pittsburgh and the past few years buying a house have crept up on me! Im doing freelance book cover design now, along with being a freelance book critic (still working a 9-5 in admin but what can you do?) Anyways! Let me reintroduce myself!

My name is Jenna Arthur. Bibliophile, 30, living here in Pittsburgh PA. Ive always loved books! Ever since I can remember. I love book cover art, collecting antique books, reviewing books....i also love cooking and movies, and anything nature and natural, including activism and making my own natural body products.

Ive loved Tess's book sine college. The moment I read my first book from Tess I was hooked! I love the rizzoli and isles dynamic! I have read the rizzoli and isles books but still have the others to read! Im getting ready to ready Playing with Fire.

If you have any questions or comments dont hesitate to ask or drop me a line!

Thanks to Dustin for keeping up the blog in my absence!