Interview with Beverly Jenkins
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Beverly Jenkins is the guest of the blog today!! I’m so thrilled to have had the opportunity to interview her!
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t wearing your author hat?
My most favorite thing to do when I take off the author hat is read. Due to all the writing projects on my plate, I rarely get the chance to kick back with a good book. I’ve been an avid reader all my life and not being able to treat myself whenever I want is something I miss.
What is the most recent book to make you cry?
I’ve not read any books that have reduced me to tears, but have had books take my breath away. The most recent is the Broken Earth trilogy by N.K. Jemisin.
What would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal? Why?
I’d choose the statue of the resting Buddha. I use it as my Twitter avatar because it reminds me to stay calm, and not let the craziness of the world overwhelm me.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
For me, writing a character no matter the gender is made easier when I focus on him or her as a real person. Writing them as characters can result in them showing up on the page as caricatures, not living breathing human beings.
How do you select the names of your characters?
I get the names of my characters from various sources. When I’m writing historicals, I often consult the Bible because many people of that period did. For more contemporary work? I’m a huge sports fan, so names on the backs of jerseys are very helpful.
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I do hide Easter Eggs in my books.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It takes me about six months to do a first draft.
What does Black History Month Mean to you?
Black History Month is a reminder that the country does a poor job in teaching its true history. In a perfect world, there would be no need for a designated month because the history of all people of color would be routinely taught in the schools.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently trying to finish the book my editor is patiently waiting on so that I can curl up with The Stone Sky, the third and last book in the The Broken Earth series.
If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?I’d advise my younger self not to worry about the future, it always takes care of itself.
Do you have any tips or hacks that help you stay organized in life, writing or social media?
I’m so disorganized in all aspects of my life that if anyone has any hacks for me, let me know. 😊
Do you relate more to one of your characters than the others?
I try and relate to all my characters because if I don’t, readers won’t either.
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