Interview with author Jenny Knipfer

Jenny Knipfer lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken, and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling. Spending many years as a librarian in a local public library, Jenny Knipfer recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability. Her education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions. All of Jenny Knipfer's books have earned five-star reviews from Readers’ Favorite, a book review and award contest company. She holds membership in the: Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, Wisconsin Writers Association, Christian Indie Publishing Association, and Independent Book Publishers Association. Jenny Knipfer's favorite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set. She deems a cup of tea and a good book an essential part of every day. When not writing, Jenny can be found reading, tending to her many houseplants, or piecing quilt blocks at her sewing machine. Her new historical fiction, four-part series entitled, Sheltering Trees, is set in the area Jenny grew up in, where she currently lives, and places along Minnesota’s Northern Shore, where she loves to visit. She is currently writing a four-part novella series entitled: Botanical Seasons and a three-part fantasy series entitled: Retold Fairy Tales. Keep current with Jenny by visiting her website at https://jennyknipfer.com. Ways to connect with Jenny via social media, newsletter, and various book sites can be found on her website.

Jenny Knipfer, How many hours a day do you write?

Jenny Knipfer: This varies and fluctuates with my health. I like to spend an hour or two a day writing. However, I have Multiple Sclerosis, and fatigue—among many other symptoms—governs my days.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Jenny Knipfer: I have seven published novels. I have three more coming out this year, and I’m currently writing another one.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Some novels only took me a few months to write, but my writing time has decreased as my health has. The book I’m writing now has taken over 10 months to write so far.

Jenny Knipfer, Where did you get the idea for your recent book?

I got the idea for the novel I’m writing now, entitled The Regal Pink, from a book of Grimm’s fairy tales. It’s based on the old Grimm’s tale called The Pink. It’s a little-known tale but has an interesting plot, and I found myself wanting to retell the tale. So I am.

Jenny Knipfer, How did you develop your plots?

I start with a premise and something the main character has to triumph over, then I ask myself what the main character wants and what or who will keep them from it. Often I develop plots from real life. They can be sparked by my own experiences or another’s. I enjoy writing multi-layered plots with at least one good twist.

How do you select the names of your characters?

Many are names I’m familiar with or have liked. The characters seem more real to me then.

If you didn't write, what would you do for work?

I am retired from my work as a librarian and a floral designer due to my disability. Although I’ve always been a writer, I didn’t start writing novels or pursuing publication until after I had to quit my jobs.

How did you get inspired to write your recent book?

I’ve always loved fairy tales and wanted to retell some.

Jenny Knipfer, what is your favorite childhood book?

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Do you read your book reviews?

Sometimes.

How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I realize that every reader will have their own opinion about my work, and not everyone is going to like it. If I do a good job of honing in on my target audience, the bad reviews should be few and far between.

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I’ve been blessed to become friends with many different authors, most in the same genres that I write in, Christian Historical Fiction and Christian Historical Romance. As a writer, I’m always learning, from other authors and through various online writing groups.

What's your advice for aspiring writers?

Join some in-person or online writing groups. Do your homework. Define your target audience. Solidify the perspective you’re writing in, if writing fiction. Read up on how to market your book. Read, write…repeat many times! Don’t be afraid to work hard, edit, and make your book the best it can be.

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

A good editor is always worth it! Next important is cover design. Pay a designer to help you come up with a professional-looking cover for your genre and title.

What's the best thing about being a writer?

I get to do what I love! That and meeting other writers and readers.

Will you have a new book coming out soon?

Violet’s Vow releases May 6th. On Bur Oak Ridge is set for July 29th, and By Broken Birch Bay is coming in November. Follow my Amazon author page to be notified of new releases: http://www.amazon.com/Jenny-Knipfer/e/B07QV9HPH4

What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, Goodreads, etc.) and link(s)?

I am most active on Instagram @jennyknipferbrave and Facebook @jennyknipfer.writer and my FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/402738713921985/ Jenny Knipfer always look forward to readers connecting with me on sites like Goodreads and BookBub. All the ways to connect with me can be found on my website at https://jennyknipfer.com/.

What do you want to say about our website?

It looks like a great place to discover new authors Jenny Knipfer ! Thank you so much for featuring my author interview! Read Also : An Interview with author Jennifer Brozek An Interview with author Julie Gianelloni Connor