Jenny B. Jones ~ Interview + Giveaway

Today author Jenny B. Jones is telling us about her new book, I'm So Sure. She has offered one autographed copy of this book to one lucky commenter.

Welcome, Jenny! Tell us a little about yourself.
Here it is Twitter style:
I write, teach, buy shoes, read People mag, luv 2 laugh, have a mentally challenged cat.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
My first book, In Between, came out in 2007. My sixth book, I’m So Sure, came out in early November.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be?
Ha. I’d be afraid to make the comparison myself. I’m not really sure whose books mine are comparable with.
I write YA and “big girl” romance. I like to write with humor, quirky characters, and there usually is some kissing in my books. I like to write about important issues to teen girls or women (depending on the book), but I like to approach it with some laughs and balance the dark with light.

In your own words tell us a little about I'm So Sure.

This series is about Bella Kirkwood, a sixteen year old Manhattan socialite who is living the sweet life in New York City. Until her mom remarries and moves the two of them to rural Oklahoma. Bella’s life is turned upside down as she inherits a step-family and has to etch out a new identity in a school that can’t wait to see her leave. Stuck on the school newspaper, Bella falls into crime solving and falls for her editor. Both keep her running.

In I’m So Sure, book two of the series, Bella is all settled in Truman, Oklahoma. Sure, she misses Manhattan, designer clothes, and her dad. But she was making new friends at Truman High and almost enjoying her work on the paper. Then her stepdad, a semi-pro wrestler signs the entire family up for a reality TV show and now her life is being splashed across tabloids and broadcast news.

As if having a camera crew following her around isn’t bad enough, Bella soon discovers a conspiracy against the Truman High prom queen candidates. And the closer she gets to the answer, the more danger she’s in.

As her relationship with Luke teeters between friendship and romance, Bella’s ex-boyfriend Hunter reappears and vies for Bella’s attention. Denying allegations of a love triangle, working to solve the prom queen mystery, and trying to keep her cool on national television finally motivate Bella to start talking—and start listening—to God more.

Blurb:
Think you're having a rough week? Bella's stepdad, a semi-pro wrester, just signed the entire family up for a reality TV show. Bella's first thought: Kill. Me. Now.

My review HERE.
What made you want to write this story?
This book is about how what is presented as reality—often isn’t. Like all the airbrushed photos teen girls have to look at and think, “I should be that skinny. My skin should be that perfect.” In this age of hair extensions, PhotoShop, and plastic surgery, it’s easy to get a skewed mental picture of yourself. Even reality shows are often scripted. God is our ultimate truth. I wanted to tell a story about a girl who has to rely on God to discern the much-needed truth. Nothing is what it seems in I’m So Sure, and Bella has to trust God for all her answers.

What research did you have to do for this book?
The book revolves around a reality show, so I had to research that a bit. I also needed some technical-computery information and relied on a friend of mine for that. Facebook and Twitter are also great places to recruit research help for anything that comes up.

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?

Hmmm, Bella is probably an older version of Selena Gomez. And her love interest Luke Sullivan has always been Smallville’s Tom Welling—though a younger model.

What are you working on now or going to write next?

I’m currently writing a romantic comedy about a couple who are thrown together by a fake engagement. Initially they can’t stand one another, but of course, life continues to throw them together. Like Just Between You and Me, it’s not a YA, but it’s still teen appropriate.

This spring So Over My Head, the third book in A Charmed Life series, hits the shelves. In this story, the circus has come to town. Bella must go undercover to solve the murder of the Betty the Bearded Lady.

How can readers get in contact with you?
I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and you can always find me at www.jennybjones.com. Definitely check out my blog where we do giveaways and have a ton of fun.

What are you currently reading?
Great question. I just read Kate DiCamillo’s The Magician’s Nephew and loved it so much, I’m reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, also by DiCamillo.

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
I would be a dog. Because they are so in the moment and so into whatever it is they are doing at the moment—like running or catching a ball. They are so joyful and simple. I live near a dog park and love to just watch them. Totally calming.

FAVORITES:
TV show, and/or movie?
I don’t watch much TV (I’m boring like that), but right now my TV show that I do stop for is Castle. It’s about an author who finds inspiration by teaming with a police detective. I also love American Idol.

Place to go on vacation?
Nothing is more relaxing than the beach. But my favorite vacation that I’ve taken recently is Ireland. Such a great place. Amazingly friendly people, good food, and beautiful scenery.

I'm So Sure released November 2009.
You can read the first chapter here: http://www.jennybjones.com/

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*USA residents only, please*

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of I'm So Sure! To enter: Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win), and please specify that you want to be included in the contest! *If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.* The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment if you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest. The contest will run from today (Nov. 27) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Dec. 3). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 4th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner. Good luck! Thanks for visiting.