Jenny B. Jones is here!!!
2 July 2010
Anybody who even semi-frequents this blog knows that I’m a huge fan of Jenny B. Jones’ books. Jenny’s latest YA novel, So Over My Head came out in May (or May-ish, anyway) and you should totally check it out.
And because she’s a super sweet lady, Jenny agreed to answer a few questions for me.
Jenny, not only are your books funny, but so are your blog posts, Tweets, and status updates. It’s obvious that humor comes naturally to you. But are there days where it feels more forced than others, and how do you deal with that?
Wow. Thank you so much. I think humor is just the filter I sift everything through—thoughts, actions, responses. Even funerals provide sources of irreverence in my head. Lately I’ve realized that if I’m not writing in my comfort zone of humor, that my book is suffering. It’s my sweet spot. I think it’s the same for all of us—whatever God has gifted you with—a heart for people, a listening ear, a knack for working with your hands—if you’re disconnected from that gift and not using it, you’re not being the most effective, and odds are, you’re not exactly in your happy place.
There are definitely days, or even seasons, when I can’t think of anything funny. Usually I’m on the tail end of a deadline or edits. Or unloading the dishwasher. Or doing taxes.
You’re now writing young adult books and adult books. Are there any differences in the process? And do you ever find yourself more in the mood to work on one or the other?
The two genres have more in common than not. My women’s rom-com (romantic comedies) and YA are both about girls who are wrestling with dilemmas, are far from perfect, struggling with their faith, and still don’t understand boys. The only difference is a decade or two in age. And one of them doesn’t have to deal with zits or curfews. (The trade-off being the teen doesn’t have to put up with house payments and Miss Clairol.)
I tend to want to work on anything but the book I’m supposed to be finishing. So when I’m writing YA, I’m missing the Rom-Com. When I’m pounding my head on the desk over a women’s story, I’m thinking about the fun life of a teenager. And when I’m on deadline for both, I’m thinking about cleaning the garage and rearranging my spice cabinet. I live in a perpetual state of “The Grass is Always Greener…”
On top of cranking out books like crazy, you’re a teacher. How do you manage this? Any time management tips you’d like to offer?
I’m the last person you want to ask about time management. I think the important thing for me has been to give myself permission to let things go. If I’m on deadline, do I care if I could write the entire Constitution in the dust on the coffee table? Nah. Do I care if I threw out a skillet instead of taking the time to wash it? Nah. Do I care if I can’t remember what the inside of the shower looks like? Actually, yes. I do. Because that would just be gross.
When you interviewed me on your blog, you asked me this question and I absolutely loved it: You just inherited ten million dollars from a long-lost (and now deceased) relative. What is the first thing you buy for someone ELSE?
I ask this same question of my students every year. I usually get answers like, “I’d buy a homeless guy a Snickers and then go spend the rest of my money.” It’s heart-warming moments like these that compensate for the minimum wage a teacher makes on her paycheck.
I think I’d buy my family members new houses and cars. It’s time everyone got an upgrade. Then, of course, they would love me so much, they’d invite me over for dinner. A lot.
Your most recent book, So Over My Head, is the final book in the Charmed Life series. I’m sad to be saying bye to Bella. Are you? And what will you miss about her?
I’m definitely sad to wrap that up. I’m already getting a lot of emails asking about book four. But Bella’s story is done, and it’s time for new characters. By book three, I am usually tired of being in the same town with the same characters, and I’m running out of ideas. But usually by the time the last book hits the shelves (about a year after it’s written), I’m missing my characters and thinking about what they could be up to.
I’ve really enjoyed writing Bella Kirkwood. She’s girly and fashion savvy, but yet she went through a humbling process over the course of the series. And humbling a character is always fun. I always get attached to my supporting cast, so I’ll miss crazy, say-anything Ruthie and the professional wrestling oddities that became part of Bella’s family. But new is fun, too, so I’m definitely looking forward to the next series and creating a new cast of characters to get attached to.
Best/worst/most embarrassing high school memory?
Ugh, you know I always ask this question of people, too, but I never have an answer myself. I was the girl who had an embarrassing moment practically every day (and still do. . .), so I don’t really remember them. I think I’ve blocked them all out.
My best memory was probably a collection of moments. I grew up in a really small town (and when the rain would fall down…) so I knew everyone in the entire high school. Our parents knew each other. Our grandparents. . .you get the idea. So every day was fun. I loved high school. Loved hanging out with friends who were basically family. I don’t miss the homework, the girl drama, the boy stress, or the pink and blue eye shadow, but those were awesome days.
And worst memory? Oh, a girl has to have some secrets. . .
Guys – READ JENNY’S BOOKS. This weekend. You can read samples of all her stuff on her web site, where you can also find her “zippity” blog.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
This was a fabulous interview, Jenny and Stephanie! I would go through so many pots and pans with that philosophy—rather than letting them pile up until my cabinets have emptied onto my counters, which is my current method of time management. ;-)
I read and adored JUST BETWEEN YOU AND ME, though I haven’t read your YA stuff yet. Love your style and voice!
Posted by Roseanna White on 2 July 2010