Jennifer Tirrell

I write innocent heroines with hidden strengths and dark and dangerous heroes who'd do anything for their ladies, all with a smidgeon of smut and violence!

How much research do you do for your books?

It depends on the book. Some require little to none, others ask that I delve deep into tanks and machine gunnery along with air travel in the 1930s. (I'm looking at you, Syndicates series!) Oh, and trauma. Lots of trauma!

What is your favorite genre to write and why?

While I love my dark romances and thrillers, right now, it's horror. Sometimes with smut, but I'm really getting into the terrifying side of writing: ghosts, Fear Incarnate, deadly deities, malicious cryptids. This era is just beginning!

Describe yourself in one word?

Dorky (Just ask my husband!)

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

How much fun formatting and cover design can be! While I absolutely LOVE writing itself, the challenge of a well put together book is satisfying. And I'm learning new techniques with each book!

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Neither. It discharges the anxiety that builds inside me and gives me relief. All these stories stay stuck in my head until I write them. Even ideas from decades ago!

How do you handle writer's block?

If I can't write, I don't force it. Like, this year has been rough. I've done more reading than writing to recharge my brain. I only write when the urge becomes unbearable. OTOH, if I'm having trouble with a scene, like it's not what I want it to be, then I look at it at different angles and act it out in my head until the right actions and dialogue click.

Favorite 90's or early 00's song?

Slipknot's "Purity."

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Most of my books are inspired by my favorite K-pop idols and drama stars, also video games.

How do you handle criticism?

Not very well. Haha! I try to avoid bad reviews unless I want to destroy my peace.

What inspired you to write?

I wrote my first story at age 6 because I've always had an overactive imagination. It was based on the horror movie Alligator. And I've been writing ever since! Entertainment has always played a big role in my inspiration.

How important are book reviews?

Everyone says, "Reviews are for readers," so I do my best to avoid them in reader spaces. Instead, I love and focus on the ones people tell me themselves through posts, DMs, or in person. The positive reviews keep me going, and I made a Praise Board that hangs on my wall as a reminder of how many people enjoy my work.

What is your writing routine?

A lot of planning is done at work. I keep notes of the important ideas and eureka moments. Writing itself is done in the morning before work, on breaks at work, and in the evening, if I feel like it. I handwrite my first drafts. Then I type them up on my days off. I go through several specific rounds of editing before I publish.

If you could be any animal, what would you choose and why?

A Great White Shark. They're my favorite and I wanna cruise the ocean like a badass! Stay away from me, orca!

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Do whatcha like. Love whatcha do. ~ Bang YongGuk

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write. That's the most important thing. You'll go nowhere just dreaming. Get that story out! Once it's written, then the fun begins. But it won't happen unless you write it!

What have been the most rewarding and challenging aspects of self-publishing, and how have you navigated these challenges?

I do everything myself, except book covers sometimes. And it's rewarding that people read and love my books even though I use no outside help or influences with the writing aspect. It can be a challenge, but I love it! I've come a long way since my first book in 2017. Twenty-one titles and several genres later, and I have my routine down!

Bonus question: What genres do you write in?

Dark romance, thrillers, fantasy, horror, and scifi. Sometimes I do light and fluffy romances. And I've been known to mix genres, like horror romance, sci-fantasy, and romantic thrillers!