Fighting Prose Interview with Jenna Michaud-Bonyadi
Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds. This week I’m interviewing Jenna Michaud-Bonyadi who is a non-fiction author trying out her fantasy fiction chops!
How long have you been writing?
Since I could form sentences. I didn't get serious about publishing a book until last year.
Of the books you’ve written, which is your favorite?
I wrote a non-fiction book that was published last year. My favorite is my current WIP because it is a fantasy fiction/speculative fiction novel.
What's your favorite genre to read? Write?
So, related to the last question...fantasy fiction/speculative fiction is my favorite genre. I read from all genres though. Maybe the only thing I haven't really read are westerns? I went through a romance phase in high school but I also read a ton of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I read all of the Clan of the Cave Bear series and even went to a book signing for the last one (still have the signed copy!). One of the first stories I remember writing was about a fantasy world and I even illustrated it! I gave it to my mom and grandma who of course thought it was fantastic. They really encouraged me to read a lot and write. They are both avid readers and would share the books they were reading with me even though I was quite young.
Tell me about your process: how do you get in the mood to write? How do your characters come together? How do you get your ideas?
So, related to the last question...fantasy fiction/speculative fiction is my favorite genre. I read from all genres though. Maybe the only thing I haven't really read are westerns? I went through a romance phase in high school but I also read a ton of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I read all of the Clan of the Cave Bear series and even went to a book signing for the last one (still have the signed copy!). One of the first stories I remember writing was about a fantasy world and I even illustrated it! I gave it to my mom and grandma who of course thought it was fantastic. They really encouraged me to read a lot and write. They are both avid readers and would share the books they were reading with me even though I was quite young.
How do you get in the mood to write?
I pretty much have to be alone. Sitting in stillness with no distractions for even a few minutes before writing anything. I meditate. Sometimes people misunderstand that word. Just going outside for a walk with no agenda. Being in nature and just being present.
How do your characters come together?
I am not exactly sure. They just come to me and they evolve over time. An idea will come and then I explore it. The characters reveal themselves as the story progresses.
How do you get your ideas?
I let my imagination run wild. I notice things, in life, around me or in my thoughts. Then if one excites me or intrigues me I play "what if".
What do you admire the most about the writing world?
Tom Robbins for his writing style and opening my mind to the possibilities for storytelling. Stephen King for his unmistakable style and iconic storytelling. I feel like I should have a female author to admire but alas, none is coming to mind. Maybe I need to read more work by women writers? Maybe female writers are under-represented???
If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?
My "day job" currently is business & marketing for my husband's dental practice, managing a vacation rental on our ranch, and caring for a whole bunch of fur kids. To relax, I go trail riding or do some gardening.
Have you always been creative?
Yes, I have always had a creative side that needed to be expressed. I am not a painter, but I enjoy creating art. I would love to learn how to weld! I love three dimensional art.
Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?
I think writers give too much power to the term writers block. I don't let my mind go down that path. Sometimes the worlds flow more than others. You just keep going. Don't let panic set in. I mean, if you have a deadline, I can understand feeling pressured. I re-read what I have written and think about what my characters want, what is in their way, what would they do next? Asking questions about my characters helps me move forward.
For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?
Well, I am sort of just starting out myself. So I would give the same advice I give to myself. Don't give up. Just keep writing. Even if what you write at first isn't great. Keep going to find your voice. Don't be afraid of rejection. There will be people who don't like your writing and it's ok. Find the people who do. Find your audience.
What is your dream writing location?
Anywhere there is peace and quiet. I like being surrounded by nature, trees, open space. I live in a somewhat rural place and like it that way. If I was to go somewhere to write, I would choose a cabin in the woods but somewhere with little or no snow.
In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?
When are you going to finish it? lol
If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?
Kala the black unicorn in my current WIP "The Unicorn Seekers". Because he is a black unicorn, duh?
What do you think makes a good story?
Suspense. You have to care about what happens next and not be able to predict it. Yeah, those two things. And a sense of humor.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a veterinarian or marine biologist.
“Thank you for letting me interview you and Good Luck with everything, Erica! ”
If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!
Thanks for reading!
XoXo-
Colleen
