SquawkRadio Comments

Um, Jenna, I forgot to ask you for the details on that secret handshake???

Great interview!    Jenna, you’re such a hoot!

Unfortunately, the only question I have, you can’t answer...yet.  *PHILIP*...’nuff said.  LOL!

Jenna forgot to mention that she has also tried to kill me on several occasions. NEVER stand too close to this girl when she has an umbrella in her hand. Or was that me...?

Did I not tell you guys Jenna is a class act?  I have found her site incredibly useful both as a writer and a reader.

If you haven’t already gotten and read “From London with Love” please go and do so NOW!  Don’t worry we’ll wait right here.

And Jenna, I apologize for not going on and on about the book but fear not....I’ll make sure everyone knows it ROCKS!!

Can’t wait for more books and pearls of wisdom....especially that ‘secret handshake’!

Yay....Jenna’s herel!!  Get used to aspiring writer love, Jenna...you are an amazing support for us. 

That said:  get used to reader love, Jenna...you are an amazing escape for us.

I have a personal question--exactly how and where do you find your energy?

Hi Jenna! It’s so great to see you again—I had the privilege of meeting you at the NJRWA conference last year, and you were just as inspiring then as you are now. I will definitely be book marking THE PASSIONATE PEN ASAP.

BTW, you look fabulous as always—but I think I liked you better as a blonde! <VBG>

Welcome Jenna.

One lesson I have learned is Squawkers never lie. They recommend the best authors and new books.

That being said, I will be looking for From London With Love today.

Enjoy your day with the chicks. They are a lot of fun.

Ann

Thanks to Teresa for introducing Jenna. I am going out tonight on a “book hunt”, which I do once a month to try and find something new.  Now I know what I’m looking for!!

Hi Jenna!  I will definitely be ordering FLWL.  It sounds great!

As an aspiring writer who is trying to start her first book, THANK YOU, for such a wonderful website. 

And from a devoted reader of historicals THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for your promotion of that genre.  I was in our local Wal-mart last evening trying to pick up some new books and I cannot tell you how frustrated I was that there were not any new historicals on the shelves this week.  The majority of the space was taken up by contemps.  Nothing wrong with contemps, just not what I read.  And when they do get the historicals in, they don’t get very many and they don’t last long.  People snag them up fairly quickly, so you would think that would warrant more space on the shelves for historicals.  It seems like the contemps sit there longer.  Maybe it is just because there are more of them...but anyhow, I am rambling on now… just wanted to say THANKS!

Hope you have a fun day at SR

Welcome Jenna!

You had me hooked since “Scandalous” with Dominic & Katherine.  Dominic is one sexy man. From London w/Love is just as wonderful with Meredity & Tristan. I can’t wait for the rest in this series.

I’ll be next looking for your books under Jess Michaels and checking them out.

Wow, I wake up, stumble out of bed and already I’m being Passionate with Teresa Medeiros *waggles eyebrows suggestively*. But Teresa, YOU know we can’t reveal the secret handshake. If we told them, we’d have to kill them and there are a LOT of them here today. The cost in plane tickets alone…

And the rest of you who have already commented. How sweet! I do have to say that The Passionate Pen is an absolute pleasure to run and I’m just so, so glad that people feel comfortable to turn to it and to me if they need help. I don’t promise I CAN always help, but I try.

Really Larry? As a blonde? See, I think I look cuter with red hair. LOL

Kathryn Smith, the umbrella thing was toooootally mutual. Kate Smith tried ot kill me first. I’m just saying.

For those of you out to find some books by me today—woohoo! That’s always nice to hear. I hope you enjoy them if you find them (LONDON should still be in most stores).

Okay, so I’m here today! I’m happy to chat in comments and like Teresa said, there’s LONDON at the end of the rainbow for someone…

Wait, I missed a question and wanted to make another comment. You see how poorly this bodes? I’ll just be talking to myself in comments.

J Perry asked where I get the energy… Generally I just do things I enjoy. LOL So it’s not that hard when something is a pleasure. I really love writing and I like doing PP. So, it’s never really a chore to do either. Okay… sometimes I want to kill all my characters. But otherwise…

And Susie, I understand your historical pain. But I think it’s really on the upswing. I mean, when I started doing Buy A Historical there were generally no debut authors. Of course publishers were still buying fabulous historicals from some of the ladies who squawk or other established authors, but they weren’t taking aas many risks with new authors because they didn’t feel like the investment would pay off. Now there are debut historical authors almost every month and from all different publishers. So I take that as a good sign that historical is becoming stronger.

Jenna!  Thanks for coming to Squawk today.  You and Teresa cracked me in that interview. 

I have all of your historicals and have thoroughly enjoyed them.  I also go to your website to check out the new historicals that are coming out and then head to the bookstore with my list of books to buy.  They love to see me coming! 

---dorothy

Aw, thanks so much Dorothy! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the books and use the historical list. On Monday the January 2007 historicals go up!

And I have a question for all of you:

What makes you pick up a new author?

Hi Jenna!  Your website is wonderful.  Thank you for sharing such handy info with everyone.  FLWL sounds wonderful.  I look forward to reading it.

As for what makes me pick up a new author?  Lately it has been reading about them on Squawk Radio.  These gals have wreaked havock on my book budget!    Seriously though, when I’m book shopping the title has to catch my attention so that it makes me want to pick it up and then the description on the back of the book has to make the story sound like one that would keep me interested.  If both of those criteria are met it makes no difference if the author is new or just new to me...I’ll usually buy the book.

Great interview.

I have read two of Jenna’s books so far, unfortunately not From London with Love, but I really love her books

Hi Jenna!  Most of the time I pick up a new author it’s because of a review in Romantic Times or because of a recommendation from someone I trust (like the Squawkers).  Occassionally I’ll pick up something based on the back cover blurb, but not very often.

I’ve put your books on the TBR list and will be picking them up ASAP.

Lynn

what a terrific interview.  The Squawkers have such nice friends who write such great books.  That is one place I pick up new authors-Squawker recommendations.
As a former redhead-strawberry blond- I like red hair too. You look great!  Oh yes, I really have to get the new book.

Hi Jenna!
I can’t wait for Desire Never Dies!! I guess it’s a good thing everyone is getting me giftcards from bookstores for christmas. The know what I really want, lol

I’m with you on the historical thing, Jenna!  I think there will always be an audience for the classic historical romance.  I’ve been reading them since I was 15 and I have no plans to stop! 

LOL, well DESIRE NEVER DIES will be in stores December 26, Kristol, so hey! Perfect for those gift cards, right?

Aren’t recommendations from friends terrific? My Mom and I share the same taste in books, so if she recommends something, I know I’ll like it. I’ve always thought it was cool that the Squawkers talk about books and music and movies. It’s one thing to read ‘official reviews’, but it’s a whole other thing when someone you like tells you the skinny.

Gram—Thanks! I went red last year right before Christmas and I don’t know if I’ll ever go back.

Teresa—I read almost exclusively historical in the romance genre, so I know I’M a market! I’m really hoping for a big ol’ historical upswing. Isn’t that on the schedule of the market trends?

Oh, P.S. speaking of my Mom, she loves you Teresa. LOVES YOU. And Lisa, too. The way she goes on about St. Vincent… well, my Dad should be concerned.

Hi Jenna!!!

I’m so glad to see you here! I want to thank you for keeping that wonderful site of yours! I love the Passionate Pen and well, most of the things you do!

Love,
Silvana.

This is off topic, but are there any other squawkees besides me out there who are planning to attend the West KY Book Expo in Sturgis, KY on Saturday ???

Good Morning Jenna,

I really enjoyed your interview. I have no desire to write a book, but my eyes lighted up when I read that you have a page for new books coming out!

I agree with what Jenna said. Most of the books I buy and read are recommendations from our Squawk Radio ladies. They have never steered me wrong!

As for buying a new book; it is never because of the picture on the cover (especially if I’m shopping with my son...yikes!) only the describition on the back of the book.  I will never foget the day my son told me “Mom could you please get a bookcover because I am in puberty and it bothers me to see some of your books”.  He also said that about my bra drying over the shower.

Sorry I digress....Anyway I have added your site to my favorites, and plan to go book shopping after work.

Thank you so much!

Hi Silvana! You’re so sweet. You guys are making me all gooey inside.

Linda, yay! I’m glad you’ve discovered the page! Here’s a trick, too… I post a link on the main “Buy A Historical” page to four months worth of releases. However… the actual release pages stay up until I put up the releases for the next year. So, if you think you’ve missed some you can type for example /august.htm or /july.htm after passionatepen.com and see the releases from that month, too.

Susie Q - I’m planning to go to the Expo.  I grew up in Sturgis.  I’m in the same county now, different city though.

And we love your mom too, Jenna!

Well, Susan, I’ll be at the Western Kentucky Book Expo in Sturgis on Saturday but you already know THAT

Jenna:

Kudos on being able to juggle so many things at once.  I mean between your family, yourself, your career, and then THE PASSIONATE PEN, I applaud you.  Your interview was great and very enlightening!

Thanks Pamela! But I’m not sure it’s so much about juggling for me. We don’t have kids (just cats… though, they THINK they’re kids, so don’t tell). That really changes the dynamic. Sometimes I’m buried, but there are lots of times that I can just do things leisurely. And I’m also lucky since I have a very understanding and supportive husband.

Plus, I have to say that Passionate Pen almost runs itself now. I check things and do the Buy a Historical links once a month, but it really doesn’t take me long.

Oh goody Rhonda!  My only regret about the Book Expo is that I won’t have time for a jaunt up to Morganfield to eat at the Feed Mill (one of the few restaurants me and my husband will drive 1 1/2 hours to go to because the Cajun food is just amazing!)

Just checked out The Passionate Pen and got completely sucked in for almost an hour!  What a great resource for aspiring writers.

Melissa, reluctantly closing The Passionate Pen and Squawk so that she can pay the mortgage . . . : )

And Jenna, did I mention that I ADORE the name Tristan Archer?  I’ve always loved the name Tristan and I did a Tristan in BREATH OF MAGIC but adding “Archer” makes me think of Jonathan Archer in STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE.  Great combination!

Well, they would probably deliver for you Teresa They do have some good food.

Wonderful interview!
One more book I need to order from the bookstore… *g*

MMMM the Feed Mill.  I’d drive 1 1/2 hours to eat there too if I were that far away.

So I make my daily trek to Squawk Radio and who do I find here but my favorite author (and only daughter), Jenna Petersen. Now, of course, I’m biased, but I think From London With Love is an amazing book and that Jenna’s next book, Desire Never Dies is even better (Mom’s prerogative is advance copies of all books ) It’s funny, but once I start reading her books, I forget that she wrote them and just enjoy the story and the characters.

Jenna is right that I am a huge fan of a lot of Avon authors, and the regulars at Squawk in particular.  If I had to flee my house and save only one book, it would definitely be a death struggle between Devil in Winter and Yours Until Dawn (and I would finally just leave the important papers behind and take both books - and Kathryn Smith’s Be Mine Tonight).

Jenna’s Passionate Pen site has one feature that truly touches my heart and that is her guestbook.  It is lovely to see the comments there from aspiring writers who found PP and discovered it was a one-stop shopping location for a lot of the information they were looking for.  It is a wonderful thing to see people trying to achieve a creative dream and the fact that Jenna has been so generous in trying to help them is a source of great pride to her father and me.

Millie/Jenna’s Mom

P.S. Teresa Medeiros just said she loves me, too.  How cool is that!!

Hi Jenna! Welcome to Squawk. 

Terrific interview.  I adored FROM LONDON WITH LOVE and am anxiously awaiting DESIRE NEVER DIES.  So Millie/Mom, would you like to drop any hints about #2 - or Jenna- or anything at all?  We promise not to tell. 

Hi Jenna! Good to see you here. Great interview. Desire Never Dies cannot come soon enough, looking forward to reading it.

PJ, I can only say if you adored FROM LONDON WITH LOVE, you will find DESIRE NEVER DIES to be the same kind of character driven book. I will say I particularly loved the hero’s family in this one. 

As for deep dark secrets on Jenna, I’m afraid there aren’t any.  But I will say she has a bizarre sense of humor in real life.

Millie/Mom

There she goes again, Millie, tis not fair dearest! Not everyone can have an ARC haha. I’m still pouting!!!

Anyhow Welcome to Squawk Jenna! Great interview! As I own all your historical books...I so look forward to buying Desire Never Dies...are you willing to share any tid-bits about it? Even just a small peak??? Ok, I’ll stop begging then hehe.

And I don’t know about the rest of ya’ll but I can’t wait to find out who Lady M is hehe. I kinda feel like it’s a Lady Whistledown kinda of thing...but that’s just my opinion!

Haven, I don’t even know who Lady M is, so I guess we both have to wait until next Fall for that to be revealed.

Welcome, Jenna, I’m so glad you’re visiting Squawk! What with the tattoo and all, you already know I love your books. And welcome, Jenna’s mom Millie! I love stepping into a party.

Jenna, Teresa has told me I need to recommend your site to the aspiring writers who send me notes, and after taking a look, I’m sending them your way!

Hiya! I’m not an aspiring writer, but I love the Passionate Pen for the list of Historical releases. . . I live by that list, so please don’t ever get rid of it!!!!

Lois

Millie,
Welcome to Squawk Radio!  We love it because you not only gush about your lovely and talented daughter but you’re kind enough to gush about us too.  You’re welcome to hang around our henhouse any day! 

Hello again! I left for a long lunch and watching General Hospital (whatever, Laura was coming back today) and look!! COMMENTS! So let me try to address what I’ve missed:

Melissa, glad to suck you in to The Passionate Pen world. Heh, heh, heh. Paying the mortgage is overrated.

Teresa, you got me! I actually was thinking of the Jonathon Archer character on Star Trek: Enterprise. I adore Scott Bacula. Yummy.

Minnda, enjoy the book! You all who are planning to grab it will have to tell me what you think.

Hi Mom! No sharing dark secrets. Or else no ARC for the third Lady Spy book… LOL

Christina, I’m always happy to take the aspiring authors. Send ‘em on over! And thanks again for the great coverflat. Lucas (the hero in DESIRE NEVER DIES) needed a tattoo. I’ve never been able to resist a man with a tattoo…

Hints for DESIRE NEVER DIES… well, it’s the second in the Lady Spies series that was launched with FROM LONDON WITH LOVE. The heroine is Anastasia Whittig. She’s the only Lady Spy who loved her late husband and she’s been a bit stuck in her life ever since he died. Oh, and I can tell you that something happens in this book that will have far-reaching implications for the third book.

Otherwise, you can read an excerpt at http://www.jennapetersen.com AND I’ll be giving away TWO ARCs of DESIRE NEVER DIES in November.

You guys are all so nice. Kinda makes me want never eat chicken again!

Lois, I promise, cross my heart not to get rid of the list! Or Passionate Pen. After I sold to Avon someone actually asked if I was going to end Passionate Pen. Um… no! There are still aspiring authors. No man left behind, I say!!

Wow, Jenna.  I just read the excerpt from DESIRE NEVER DIES.  Just....wow! 

PJ...humming Merry Christmas to me.

now i know what i will be reading for the next month. this is the second time now that i have read something that the Squawkers have recommended and i have not been disappointed yet.
Thankyou

Just read the excerpt, loved it!! Putting it on my TBB list.
Was GH a bust today? I have it taped to watch later

Thanks PJ! I’m so, so glad you liked the excerpt. And Donna, enjoy the book!

Lis, We were commenting at the same time! Glad you enjoyed the excerpt, too.

GH—eh, I guess it depends on whether or not you like the Sonny drama. I don’t, so I was disappointed that so much of the day was dedicated to that rather than to the return of Laura. But the scenes with Luke and the kids and the end… sublime!!

Well, I’m not sure if anyone is still around, but I wanted to post something before it was too late. I had such a nice time! Thanks to the Squawkers for welcoming me to the coop and for all you Squawkees for being so gracious and lovely.

I’ll still be checking comments until I go to bed, so if you have any other Passionate Pen or other questions, I’m happy to answer, but I wanted to say thanks!!

JennaP

I love historical romance!  I have “FLWL,” but I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet.  Every time I visit this website there is another fabulous author featured.  I love all the recommendations I get from here.  Needless to say, I have a ton of books that are waiting to be read.  Thanks for the lovely interview!

FilmPhan (Cute nick!!)—Hope when FLWL roams its way to the top of your pile that you enjoy it! My pile is also very, very large. Sigh. I have these dreams that I’ll make it through it some day, but then the next month’s books come out…

It will probably float up there really quick.  I just hate knowing that I’ll have to wait what seems like forever to read the next ones in the trilogy.  I try to hold off so that I can read them all together.  But I think I’ll pass up that rule this time.