Jennifer Rickard Interview
The Indie Book Butler Interview.
Indie Book Butler: Let’s start things off with an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself for those not already aware of you and your work.
Jennifer Rickard: My life has always revolved around my family and my corporate job. It took me 6 years to have the courage to finish and publish Wake Up, my first book. Then when circumstances gave me the opportunity to stay home for 6 months with no job; I completed and published Sebastian’s Curse. I am an avid reader of everything imaginable but my love is Romance Novels. I married my high school sweetheart and we have been together for over 30 years. My two children are grown and living their lives with minimal interference from me. 
My purr-kids, Jasper and Ninja, keep me company while writing.
IBB: You’ve got twenty words to tempt us to read your book(s). What would you say?
JR: Enjoy comedy, sarcastic wit and lots of steam in your romance novels then you need to see what I offer.
IBB: Where do you like to write?
JR: Anywhere but home. There are just too many distractions and my will to block them out is non-existent.
IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?
JR: The songs of Maroon Five always get me into the writing mood. For some reason, I can feel Adam’s angst and emotion as he sings fuels my creativity.
IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?
JR: Match Me if You Can by Susan Elizabeth Phillips was the first book I listened to on audio that had me laughing out loud, I was hooked to her style of writing from then on. Anything by Carly Phillips as well. I love the wit and the sarcasm that their character possesses.
IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?
JR: Learning that perfection is not always the goal. My first book, Wake Up, took almost six years to complete because I kept re-writing and changing every little detail.
IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?
JR: I would love to create a series that takes on a life of its own. The kind of books that bring joy, anger and anticipation for that next read. You know the books that you start in the morning and lose track of time because it is that good.
IBB: Have you received a favorite review of your work?
JR: Yes, I got one on amazon that showed me the reader understood what I was trying to do. They understood the female dynamic of the friendship. Here is what is said:
“First and foremost I liked the characters. You have three female characters who get caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse detective work and yes, there are plenty of fireworks–and not just gunfire! The narrative moves quickly and sensibly and the dialogue is witty and Rickard does a good job of producing three different personalities with her three strong females leads. A good book! Five stars!”
IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?
JR: Knowing when to stop writing was the hardest. I have worked out a system that I try to follow to control that overwriting-editing impulse. During each writing session I have a three-step method:
- Free flow write and get it on the paper regardless of the grammar and spelling.
- Then I read the passage I wrote from bottom to top to look at grammar and spelling.
- Finally, I read it from top to bottom while taking notes.
IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?
JR: I try to read many different genres and as often as I can. The varying topics help me to draw inspiration for my characters and helps me to improve my vocabulary.
IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?
JR: Finding one that knows your voice and won’t edit your book to the death of your voice. Sometimes perfect grammar can restrict your characters.
IBB: If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?
JR: I would say thank you to both for even having an opinion about my writing. In addition, I would ask the one that loves my writing to let me know, my author’s heart would sing knowing, I love getting feedback on my characters. To the hater, I would say read someone else–there are too many authors out there to read something you hate.
IBB: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
JR: Just take that next step no matter how daunting it might seem.
IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?
JR: The second book in both The Friends series and the Flirting with Danger series.
IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?
JR: My husband is the one that brings my vision to life. He has experience in photoshop and other design programs. I have used Fiverr before for covers and not been impressed.
IBB: How often do you read? What genre?
JR: I read daily. Most of the reading is Romance Novels, but I read a mix of Self-Help, personal growth, mystery, fantasy and Romance.
IBB: Before we let you escape, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…
JR: The Shard by Jane Shand is a YA book whose main character, Nalani, was delightful, and the mystery and secrecy of her ‘gift’ was a unique tale. I am currently reading Court of Ruins in the Fallen Fae series by Jenna Wolfhart.
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.
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