Fighting Prose Interview with Jensen Kristyne!

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.

Jensen Kristyne

is my interview this week!

How long have you been writing?

12 years!

If you've written several books, which is your favorite?

My favorite book that I’ve written, that’s been published, would have to be With You. I have one other that I love, but it’s yet to be revealed.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

This is such a cliche answer, but I would have to say Romance for both. Specifically stories that are enemies to lovers romances! There’s just something about the tension that builds between the characters that draws me in!

How do you get in the mood to write?

I always light a candle when I write and listen to white noise. There’s just something about the combination that helps me lose myself within the story.

How do your characters come together?

I am such a BIG outliner, that by the time I finish I’ve practically written the first rough draft of a story.

How do you get your ideas?

I draw inspiration from everything. Music, movies, phrases. I’ve even woken up from dreams when I get an idea just so that I can write it down before I forget!

Who do you admire most in the writing world?

There are a lot of people that I admire within the writing world! What I love the most is seeing the authors who started out self-publishing, who now hold titles on The New York Times Best Sellers list!

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I love to travel, eat yummy food, and spend time with my family.

Have you always been creative?

Oh I’ve always been creative! When I was younger I loved acting out plays with my little brothers, taking art classes, and singing.

Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Unfortunately I’m the type of person who gets distracted easily. With two kids, three dogs, and a hubby who travels a lot. My house is pretty chaotic, and because of that, writers block is something I struggle with often. The one thing I do that helps me, is to keep writing no matter what. Even if I hate it all and end up throwing it out, every word helps me find my way back to my story.

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

Writing is my passion and what I crave. So it’s easy for me to make time for it. For me, I love my characters and like it is in real life, the longer I’m away from them the more I miss them.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

I’ve always been a big advocate of telling authors to trust themselves. Like most people I am my own worst critic, so when I get in that mindset it’s hard to want to put yourself out there. To put your work out there for others to judge. But those are the moments when it’s important to trust yourself.

What is your dream writing location?

My perfect location is anywhere that’s quiet with a desk. I can write anywhere, but there’s just something about writing at a desk that sparks my creativity.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

The question that I get asked a lot is where I came up with the idea for Theo and Brielle’s story. And the answer is, it’s a combination of a lot of things. The original story it’s based off of is one that I wrote back in high school, but since then it’s grown into something so much more.

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

If I could bring one of my characters to life, it would be Enzo Selvaggio. If I could create the perfect guy who has it all, it would be him. Right now he’s a complete secret to my readers, but if you love Theo TRUST ME you’re going to love him! His story is coming soon. :)

What do you think makes a good story?

What makes a good story to me, is one that draws you in and makes you feel something for it and it’s characters.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A lot of people don’t know this, but I am an avid animal lover. Growing up I always wanted to be a Veterinarian, it’s one of the reasons I was a Veterinarian Assistant for a long time.