Say 'hi' to author Jennifer Eaton

What's the name of your newest release? 

Connect the Dots is a Christmas short featured in the anthology  For the Love of Christmas.

Where did you get the idea for this story? 
I actually struggled coming up with what I considered an original idea for this story.  What I did was start with the words Dear Santa.  It seemed a little cliché to me, so I crossed it out and wrote “Dear God” and the story just flew from my fingers from there.

How long have you been writing for? 

I started writing seriously when I was in High School.  I took a twenty year vacation in the real world, but I missed it too much, so here I am, back again!

Do you imagine a particular person you know or have seen when creating your main characters? 

No, not at all.  My characters just develop with the needs of the story.  I have never based them on another (real) person.

Of all the characters in your books who is your favourite and why? 

Earlier this year, I set aside a novel I have been working on for some time just to give myself some distance, but Harris Stanton from this novel still seeps into my mind from time to time.  He is probably the most complicated character I have ever written, and I can’t wait to get back to his story.

When writing, are you an ‘in the moment kinda gal’ or do you follow a strict

plan? 

I used to just go with the flow, but I then had too many scenes to edit or delete entirely, which is heartbreaking.  Now I am plotting first, and it has worked out wonderfully for me.

What are you reading at the moment? 

Tee Hee.  Actually, I am reading Make Believe, which is another anthology that I am featured in that was released this month. The fantasy stories in it, all based on the same picture, are amazing!

If you could be anyone for a day, who would that be? 

I try not to think about who I’d like to be, because what you see on the outside of someone is never the truth.  Everyone has problems, and if you see someone with a perfect life, the truth is that they probably have just as many problems as you do. (If not more)

What would be your last meal if you were on deathrow? 

Several pounds of Snow Crab Legs followed by chocolate covered chocolate.  The expensive stuff.  Yeah… Yum!

Where do you like to shop? 

Lately… on line.  If I have to go to the store, I am usually trucking three grade-school kids with me, which is rarely fun.

Complete this sentence; I’m indifferent to… people who are too quick to blame others for their problems or people who give up.  If you believe in yourself, anything is possible.

What does Christmas mean to you? 

Christmas, of course is the birth of our savior, but it is also a time of peace and giving.  It is a time for happiness and cheer.  Unfortunately, people look to the material for their happiness, but happiness can be found within, and with your family.

Thanks for the interview, Jennifer, fellow author and chocaholic! A twenty year break from writing is a long time. It illustrates that the love of writing is part of your makeup and no matter how long you avoid it or take a break from it, you will always find yourself tapping at those keys again. 

Random commenters will receive ebook copies of either "For the Love of Christmas" or "Make Believe" so don't be shy and let us know what you're thinking! 

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Jennifer Eaton lives on the East Coast USA with her husband, three boys, and a pepped up poodle.  She hosts an interactive website www.jennifermeaton.com aimed at making all writers the best they can be. 

Her Dystopian novelette “Last Winter Red” is available as part of the “Make Believe” Anthology from J.Taylor Publishing. 

Her Christmas Romance “Connect the Dots” is available as part of Still Moments publishing’s “For the Love of Christmas” Anthology. 

Both are available in ebook format from Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com and Smashwords

Last Winter Red:  In search of a husband, Emily leaves the safety of the city and risks her life stepping into the outside world.  What she finds there will question the foundations of everything she believes in.

Connect the Dots:   Jill has no idea what she wants for Christmas, but when it looks like her best friend Jack is going to get exactly what he asks for, Jill makes a Christmas wish that will change both of their lives forever. 

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5832197.Jennifer_M_Eaton

http://www.amazon.com/Make-Believe-ebook/dp/B00ACMPEGQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Christmas-Still-Moments-Publishing/dp/1481192043/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356286653&sr=1-1&keywords=for+the+love+of+christmas