Q&A with Jennifer Harlow
Jennifer Harlow is the author of two mystery series – the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad (“Mind Over Monsters” and “To Catch a Vampire”) and her newest, Midnight Magic (“What’s A Witch To Do?”) . She spent her restless childhood fighting with her three brothers and scaring the heck out of herself with horror movies and books. She grew up to earn a degree at the University of Virginia, which she put to use as a radio DJ, crisis hotline volunteer, bookseller, lab assistant, wedding coordinator, and government investigator. Currently she calls Northern Virginia home, but that restless itch is ever present. In her free time, she continues to scare the beejepers out of herself watching scary movies and opening her credit card bills.
What are the best books you’ve read recently?
I’ve been going through a biography phase as part of my “Get classy, b**ch,” New Year’s resolution. I’ve learned about Zelda Fitzgerald, Dorothy Parker, Lord Byron, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and zoomed though every biography on Charlotte Bronte I could get my hot little hands on. I think I’ve read about six now. She had such a fascinating life that was so much stranger and more dramatic than anything ever written.
What was your favorite book as a child?
I was obsessed with the “Goosebumps” series. I read every single one growing up. They were perfect for a girl who loved to be scared but had an overactive imagination. I’ve always loved monsters and vampires and evil people (at least in my entertainment). I so wouldn’t have my writing career without those books.
Why do you enjoy attending book festivals, either as a presenter or audience member?
I love to learn about how others got started, their process, their dealings with the world of publishing, all of it. You get to sit in an audience and hear expert storytellers tell stories. What’s better than that?
Have you been to the D.C. area before? If so, what is your favorite thing about it?
I lived here for a few years as a child then moved back right after high school. I do love going to the museums. My favorite is the Spy Museum with their interactive exhibits. Check it out if you have time.
What is the most difficult, or challenging, aspect of being a writer?
The constant rejection. Even now with three books out and even being an Amazon best-seller I get rejected ALL THE TIME. The writing part is wonderful. I get to work in my Pjs, you can’t beat the commute, and you get to play with your imaginary friends all day and boss them around. But the rejection is brutal. I usually spend a few hours moping on the couch watching The Real Housewives of Wherever, then sit up, thrust my fist to the ceiling and in a pirate voice for some reason I say, “I’ll show you, ya bastards! Grr! Argh me mateys.” Then get back to my desk to work. So it does serve its purpose. The one piece of advice I always give aspiting writers is, “Never. Give. Up.” It served me well.