Author Interview: Jen Nadol

Today, I have Jen Nadol! Her debut novel, The Mark was just released on January 19! I've heard nothing but great things about her book!

How did you come up with the idea for writing The Mark?
It was a total “what if…?” I’d written one (completely unpublishable) book, knew I wanted to try again and was tossing around story ideas when I hit on “what if you knew it was someone’s day to die?” Right away I could see a story unfolding.

As an author, what are your strengths and what are you weaknesses?
I *think* dialogue usually flows pretty easily, description less so, but readers might tell me otherwise. I guess I’ll have a better sense when reviews start coming in (yikes!). In terms of work habits, though, I’m pretty disciplined which helps a lot. I have a set number of hours free to write each week and I’m usually able to get right to it in that time.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?
Omg, what’s NOT my favorite thing??? I love everything about it. Its something I’ve always wanted to do and still have to pinch myself that I’m actually getting a chance to.

How are you and Cassie alike? If not, differences?
My mom told one of my sisters that Cassie’s just like I was at sixteen. I don’t know if I’m still like her and think I was probably a lot brattier when I actually was sixteen, but I guess there’s a lot of “me” in her. As for differences, well, there’s the obvious one…

Do you have any "must-have's" while you write?
My computer and private space. I can’t really focus with distractions like TV or music. I’m definitely not one of those write-at-Starbucks authors.

What are you most proud of? Scared of?
Proud: Not quitting after my first lousy book. Scared: Reading aloud. To people. Who are all watching me.

What is your favorite book?
Only one? Impossible! A few I re-read regularly: The Stand (Stephen King), The Dark Fields (Alan Glynn), The Secret History (Donna Tartt), The Last Ship (William Brinkley) – I think my cousin Jake has commandeered this so I’ll have to get a new copy - also, I just read The Hunger Games and will probably go back to that again and again. I also loved Wake (Lisa McMann)…see? I could go on and on and on…

Lastly, is there anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks so much for having me and good luck with the blog!

Thanks so much Jen! Be sure to check out The Mark!