A Change of Fortune Giveaway and Interview with Author, Jen Turano

Welcome everyone! Today, I want to introduce you to a wonderfully talented author, and my Seymour Agency sister, Jen Turano! Jen's debut novel, A Change of Fortune, was recently released from Bethany House. I've got to say, once I picked up her novel, I couldn't put it down - a totally delightful read! She is an author to be watched. Like me, Jen is represented by the awesome, Mary Sue Seymour.

Author, Jen Turano

THE GIVEAWAY - Jen has generously offered to give away a copy of A Change of Fortune, and I'm throwing in a Starbucks gift card to one lucky winner. To be entered in the drawing, all you have to do is answer Jen's question at the end of the interview, or for those who have trouble commenting on Blogger, leave your answer on my Facebook Author Page. The winner of Jen's book and the gift card will be drawn at random next Sunday, December 2, 2012, at 9pm CDT, and announced on next week’s blog post. I just love the cover of A Change of Fortune! Check it out!

Before we get to the interview... I will announce the winner of last week's giveaway. The winner of Stacy Henrie's debut novel, Lady Outlaw, and a $15 Starbucks gift card is...Sarah Forgrave! Congrats to Sarah! I will contact you this week for your address. 

Now to the interview... 

Welcome Jen! So glad to have you here!

Thank you so much for having me, Loree.  It’s an honor.

Your spectacular debut novel from Bethany House is titled, A Change of Fortune. How long have you been writing novels? Is this your first?

I wish I could make the claim that A Change of Fortune was my first book, but alas, that isn’t quite the case.  I’m afraid some of my early attempts were, well, horrible.  I have six books that are languishing in my computer, and these books will never, ever, see the light of day.  They’re riddled with POV and plot problems, but I was fortunate in that agents and editors took the time to write critiques to me as they sent their rejections, some of which were rather scathing in nature.  After I got over the initial reaction of “ouch,” I forced myself to really think about the points the agents and editors were making, and I realized that if I was ever going to get published, I was going to have to up my game.

The book is a work of historical fiction. What is the inspiration behind the book?

Funny you should ask that because this particular story actually flashed to mind while I was scrubbing the shower, which really isn’t a very inspirational task in the least.  There I was, waiting for my scrubbing bubbles to do their thing and…Eliza suddenly waltzed into my thoughts.  She stayed there all day – but since my house was an absolute disaster, I couldn’t very well stop cleaning, so I grabbed a stack of post-it notes and scribbled down thoughts as I mopped and dusted.  By the time I finally turned off the vacuum cleaner, the story was set.

I love when plots come about while doing ordinary things like cleaning…fun hearing your tale. They say that there is a bit of each of us in all of our characters. Which character in the book is most like you, and why? 

I think the character most like me would have to be…probably Agatha Watson.  She gets into outlandish situations almost by accident, and that happens to me all the time.  She’s also independent and quirky, and I’ve always been a little different.

Is there a sequel or series planned?

There are four books in The Ladies of Distinction series – and that is actually sort of a tongue in cheek description of the series, because my characters, while obviously high society, are anything but typical young ladies of that time.  The second book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, will release to market in June, 2013.  That book is Miss Arabella Beckett and Mr. Theodore Wilder’s story.  The third book – currently untitled, is coming out in November, 2013 – it is Miss Felicia Murdock and Mr. Grayson Sumner’s story – and then the fourth, Miss Agatha Watson’s story, will release in 2014.

What do you read for enjoyment, Jen?

I read a wide range of genres, from romance to suspense, to thrillers, and even fantasy.  My favorite authors are Julia Quinn, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and J.K. Rowling. 

What is your favorite cure for a sweet tooth? Have to ask this one!

This is a huge bummer for me, but I can’t eat sweets.  Ever since I had my son – and that was almost seventeen years ago – candy, chocolate, and anything with too much sugar in it gives me a headache – it’s a crying shameJ  I can’t even eat cake anymore – which makes it very difficult when my birthday comes around because everyone always brings me cake – and then I have to watch while everyone else eats it.

I’m sorry to hear sugar gives you headaches. I sometimes get migraines from pop or certain sodas. Well, I must declare that you have been so “sweet” to come by for a visit. It really has been a pleasure, Jen. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit, and I hope to have you back again on the release of your next novel.

Thank you so much for having me, Loree.  It was a true pleasure.

Now, Jen has a question for you—

I’m beginning work on a new series – and I need a fabulous name for a meddling grandfather who wants nothing more than to see his grandson well-married. The story is set in 1885 New York, and this grandfather is a self-made gentleman who has a rather gruff nature.   Any suggestions?

Names are fun! Here's my two cents, Jen. I googled "gruff" boy names and came up with - LOL - are you ready for this? - GRUFF - as a name. Babycenter.com defines the name Gruff as:

GRUFF

Gender: Boy

Origin: Welsh

Meaning: Lord, prince

I'm trying to imagine my son as Gruff Huebner. LOL! There's my suggestion! ~ Loree

    

For more information on Jen and her books, you can find her at:

jenturano.com

On Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor

Stop in and "like" her page!

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree