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Friday, April 2, 2010

An Interview With Denise Jaden

Today, I'm closing this wonderful week of inspirational interviews with debut author Denise Jaden. Her young adult novel, Losing Faith, will be available this fall.


Tell us about your book.
Losing Faith is due out September 7, 2010 from Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster. After Brie’s sister, Faith, dies in a mysterious accident, Brie uncovers her sister’s role in a dark and twisted religious cult…a cult that now wants Brie as a member.


Can you tell us a little bit about your road to publication?
The road to finding an agent was definitely an arduous one for me. I queried three different novels over several years and now have enough rejections (yes, I kept them!) to easily wallpaper a room. I always kept about five queries out with agents and replaced those (or reworked my query and book) as rejections rolled in. At the time, I was also submitting short stories to magazines, and though I don’t believe you can ever actually become immune to rejection, it certainly became easier for me because of the regularity of it. The first offer I received for representation is still the moment I consider the most rewarding of my career so far. It was the first time I felt truly validated as a writer, the first time an industry professional used the “L” word about my writing. I still have her message saved on my answering machine.


Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Why didn't you?
I think anyone who seriously pursues publication will feel like giving up from time to time. It’s a hard business! And to be honest, I did give up on the idea of getting published several times. What made me continue to write, and eventually submit again, was learning to fall back into love with words and sentences, characters and stories. I believe that this process of embracing the creative side and temporarily forgetting the business side is what helps breathe life into my stories. I’m in a better mood when I write and express my creativity every day, and what I always have to do is come back to the writing for the sake of writing. Publication is a secondary goal for me, and I won’t regret any of my writing, even the pieces that will never see the light of day.


Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and telling us about Losing Faith and your publication journey, Denise!

To find out more about Denise and her book, check out the links below:
Denise Jaden's website
Denise Jaden's blog
LOSING FAITH on Goodreads

Don't forget to read the other inspirational author interviews going on this week at the blog links located here.

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13 Comments:

Blogger Bish Denham said...

"Falling back in love...." That is so true. Thanks for the interview!

April 2, 2010 at 7:25 AM  
Blogger TerryLynnJohnson said...

Wow, way to keep working at it! Great interview.

April 2, 2010 at 8:17 AM  
Blogger gae polisner said...

Really enjoyed reading this, Denise, and LOVE your cover! My new YA has butterflies in it and im suddenly so drawn to them.

Loved reading your stuff about your agent, especially being able to hear the voice... it's a good feeling that moment of validation, especially from someone so wonderful. :)

Can't wait to read Losing Faith.

April 2, 2010 at 10:11 AM  
Blogger Kathy McCullough said...

Yes, yes -- I agree! You have to concentrate on the creative side and forget the business side sometimes -- and this is something I FORGET. So I'm glad Denise has reminded me AGAIN. Great interview.

April 2, 2010 at 11:15 AM  
Anonymous Alissa said...

As I've been reading all these Pay It Forward interviews this week, there's one thing I've seen again. These writers who "make it" are remarkably persistent folks. Not giving up might be the trick to making it as a writer . . . well and being amazingly talented and creative.

Thanks for this and all of the great interviews this week!

April 2, 2010 at 11:48 AM  
Anonymous Shari Maurer said...

Sometimes it's hard to remember that it's all about creativity--much more than about business. Thanks for the reminder, Denise!

Looking forward to Losing Faith!

April 2, 2010 at 12:55 PM  
Blogger lisa and laura said...

Oh, I can't wait to read this book! I remember reading the first 250 words on MSFV's blog and then she had to take it down because she had an offer of rep. I was VERY impressed.

Also, Amy, whenever I visit your blog I always get distracted by the cover of your book. That is just SOME cover. It really just grabs you. Can't wait till I get to see it on the shelves!

April 2, 2010 at 2:32 PM  
Blogger Angie Smibert said...

I love that you saved the message. Great interview.

April 2, 2010 at 2:39 PM  
Blogger Denise Jaden said...

Thanks so much for including me here, Amy - and thanks to everyone who has stopped by to comment!

(btw, I agree with Lisa&Laura, Amy...I am IN LOVE with your cover! Who could possibly walk by that without picking it up?)

April 2, 2010 at 5:25 PM  
Blogger Shari Green said...

Totally get what you're saying about that first moment of validation. ;)

Enjoyed reading this interview - thanks, Denise and Amy!

April 2, 2010 at 6:17 PM  
Blogger C. K. Kelly Martin said...

I really respect that publication is a secondary and not primary goal for you. Great interview, Denise!

April 2, 2010 at 8:52 PM  
Blogger Elana Johnson said...

Excellent interview. I especially like that you kept the message on your machine. That is golden. Congrats on your book -- I can't wait to read it. :)

April 3, 2010 at 12:44 AM  
Blogger Amy Holder said...

Thanks so much for the great interview, Denise!

And thanks to LiLa and Denise for the cover compliment! :)

April 4, 2010 at 1:37 AM  

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