Be careful about encouraging people too much....they just might do it! I've known Jennifer Osufsen for several years, though we've never met in person. We hail from the same hometown and have mutual friends, which Facebook generously pointed out. The rest is history.
I took a liking to Jenn right because we share so much in common: couponing, recipes, making things from scratch, sewing, and the list could go on and on. Just about anything that has to do with the old ways of life. We also has a gaggle of little girls between the two of us. My two and her three. But then she went and added two boys to her brood. I'll stick with two.
If being a stay-at-home mom of five children, baking and cooking from scratch, homeschooling, and maintaining a garden weren't enough, she confessed to me her burning desire to write. And that's where the encouragement came in. She used to say, "When I find the time, I will write." She has since discovered that you will never "find" time to write, you must "make" time to write. Now there's no stopping her.
This blog isn't about selling books, though I do hope you click on over to Amazon and get a copy of her debut novel. This blog is about celebrating an AUTHOR AGAINST ALL ODDS! That's Jenn. A husband, five kids, homeschooling, and whole household to run couldn't keep her from her dreams. Whatever your dream is, Jennifer Osufsen is inspiration that passion, determination, and some wicked time management skills are all you need to make your dreams come true.
Let's meet this remarkable writer, my friend, Jennifer Osufsen:
Jayna: When did you first discover that you
were a writer?
Jennifer: In fourth grade
our class went to the library one week, and I selected The
Hound of the Baskervilles. It was
the first book I remember falling in love with. Most of the language
was above my grade level in comprehension at the time, but I still
recall being amazed that words could convey such vivid images to my
brain. From that day on, I knew I would be a writer. My love for
the written word is woven into my being.
Jayna: I totally agree that words have the ability to come alive. Tell me, how much of yourself do you write into
your characters?
Jennifer: Good golly, a
tremendous amount! I like to select choice morsels from my own self
and implant them in my characters; but I would never pattern a
character soley after myself. By picking and choosing various
personal traits, I can write firsthand feelings into my characters.
I also choose to put some of my less desirable characteristics into
my antagonists. It’s a good way to delve into my weaknesses and
get to their core.
Jayna: When I read Mercy Springs, I knew exactly which parts were the "real Jenn," but I do know you pretty well. Tell us about the kind of books you
enjoy reading.
Jennifer: Books that
transport me out of my hectic mind and into another place and time.
I have a soft spot for romances, but nothing too explicit. That’s
like peeking into someone else’s bedroom (or kitchen or laundry
room or what have you) and it’s a wee bit much. I’ve read
everything from science fiction and fantasy to chick lit; although
chick lit is probably my least favorite genre. And oh, time travel
books. Love ‘em! And historical fiction as well. I used to joke
around and say, “Books with tiny print and narrow margins,” but
then I quickly realized I wasn’t joking around. I like books that
can be doorstops or weapons in a pinch.
Jayna: There are distinct elements of fantasy in your book. Mercy Springs isn't traditional Christian romance. Speaking of fantasy worlds, how do you keep your sanity in this
crazy fast paced world of ours?
Jennifer: I am extremely
selective about the extra-curricular activities, both for myself and
for my kiddos. We choose to spend as much time together as a family
as possible, but make room for one or two sports or other
undertakings. My husband and I have learned to say “NO!” to the
world when it seems like it’s running our lives. As for myself, I
take an hour before bed and read. It helps me decompress and let go,
for just a little while. Most of all, when I’m feeling out of
control, stressed, or simply overwhelmed – which tends to happen
with having five children, homeschooling, and writing novels – I
take comfort in the words from my Lord.
Jayna: I understand. And I totally admire the way you juggle so many things, so efficiently. Let's talk about your life post-publication. You can say that you're a published author now. In what ways has being published
changed your life?
Jennifer: I have allowed
myself to let go of my “wordy babies”, the novels that I pour so
much of myself into. In publishing, I get to see my thoughts in the
hands of others. It is all at once terrifying and exhilarating. I’m
still not used to signing books, and I’m constantly trying to find
the exact words that are both meaningful and personal. Overall, I
would say that I have gained more confidence and a desire to write
even more.
Jennifer, thank you so much for your time and sharing a little background with us.
Friends, if you would like to connect more with Jennifer, she operates a blog and a Facebook fan page. Here are the addresses to locate those:
Jennifer Osufsen Author
Official Website of Jennifer Osufsen
Now let's discover the debut work of Jennifer Osufsen:
After personal and professional tragedy, physician midwife Cora Thomas flees the Missouri District of America, seeking asylum and safety in the idyllic Texas town of Cotton Springs. She hopes the quaint community is a new beginning, a place to heal and plant roots. A home where she is not an underground Christian living in fear for her life.
A logging accident leaves Cotton Springs’ prodigal son, Ben Tucker, in the care of the feisty new red-headed doctor. The attraction is undeniable and bewildering. But his rejection of God’s existence and Cora’s steadfast faith collide, leaving him with more questions than answers. And a heart desperately in need of healing.
Missouri District deputy Gordon Wilkes is on a witch hunt. He holds Cora accountable for the death of his wife in childbirth. And no border will stop him from exacting his revenge.
MERCY SPRINGS is a love story blooming beneath the towering trees of east Texas, under the canopy of grace and mercy, and in the shadows of lurking danger.
Jennifer grew up beneath the tall yellow pines of east Texas, but currently resides in the northwoods of Minnesota. Writing allows her to escape into a world devoid of dirty dishes, mounds of laundry, sticky floors, and piles of toys. Most of the time you'll find her spending time with her best friend and husband of fifteen years, or with the five hooligans she birthed.
Book Two of the Republic of Texas series is in the works, and should be published near the end of the year.
