Hello Fellow Writers & Creative People,
I met Jennifer on Instagram, where she reached out for an interview. I love when that happens. She's a picture book writer and has two recent books out. But what's amazing about one of those books is the time between her creativity and the published date. It's inspiring to me, and I think you'll feel encouraged, too! Check out her interview below...
Jennifer, you’ve been married for 33 years! Any funny advice for newlyweds? (I’ve been married for 25 years now - wow, the funny stories I could share)
I love giving advice for marriage. I would encourage the couple to continue being adventurous and visit new locations together. This summer, we are going to a music festival in Montana on our daughter’s recommendation; usually, we hike, float, or fish there. This is mixing it up.
I would encourage newlyweds to keep dating each other and doing fun things.
On a serious note, a priest told us right before we got married to keep this order of priorities in our marriage;
1-God
2-Spouse
3-Kids
4-Job
5-Hobby
...and if you do this, your marriage will flourish....true words!
Does your husband support your writing endeavors, and how does he do that?
Yes, he is very encouraging and is my “go-to” editor.
The purpose behind all my books is to share with the next generation the powerful Christian principles that make your life full of purpose and in step with God’s plans for you. Today's mainstream media leaves Jesus out of everything; having a relationship with him is the secret to a happy and rewarding life.
Are these books traditionally published or self-published?
Ambassador International is a traditional publisher.
Do you have an agent? If not, how did you get published? What was the path like?
I don’t have an agent.
I originally wrote The Baby Garden 28 years ago
when I tried to explain to my then 2-year-old
where babies came from.
The Baby Garden shares Jeremiah 1: 5 that God has a plan for every child. Now, it is in over 300 pregnancy centers across the country. I Know the Plans came to me the first day my first granddaughter was born. My publisher jumped right back in to publish it.
You were an elementary teacher for 23 years - what was the best thing about that job?
The best thing about teaching was that my students loved attending school. We all had fun learning in the classroom, and I made it my goal to make my lessons as fun and memorable as possible.
I had a tradition; when my students had a birthday,
I would stand on the table and sing them,
the “Birthday Song.”
How has your faith helped your writing?
God gives me all the ideas for everything that I write. I pray before I write, and I sit down and write. The ideas flow easily when I pray prior to writing. It is very cool how He shows up when you ask Him.
The Baby Garden is based on Jeremiah 1:5, and its message is that God has a plan for all babies. This book is great for an older sibling expecting a new baby in their family. It also helps to explain where babies come from.
I Know the Plans is perfect for a new baby or young child. It is written from God’s point of view to a young child, telling them all the plans He has for them. Scripture matches each rhyming text, and the animal habitat illustrations are adorable.
How can your readers get to meet you? Are any school visits coming up?
Yes, Christian Schools in the Marietta, Georgia, area can sign up for a free author visit from Pre-school to 5th grade. Also, I have book signings coming up, and I will post about them on my Instagram @frontparkingspot
Where do your book ideas come from? Do they pop into your head, or do you sit and figure them out?
The Lord gives me the ideas, and the ones that stick are the ones that don’t go away when I pray for His direction.
You also write a blog where you give advice on various subjects.
Why write this blog? Who should read it?
I have three blog categories:
One Minute Mama is written for moms that have quick advice.
Front Parking Spot has some big spiritual takeaways that have been proven over and over in my life, and I want to share them with other women.
Words for Wednesday are powerful scripture verses that bring encouragement with beautiful photography from places I’ve traveled.
If a new writer wanted to write a Christian-based book - what is your advice on how to begin?
Just do it, pray, and sit down and write.
When did you begin your writing path, and how long did it take you to become published?
I was inspired in 4th Grade by Judy Blume’s, Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing. I wrote a 22-page story based on that. The first book I wrote in 1994 and tabled it; 24 years later, it got picked up by my publisher. The Lord’s timing is perfect.
I am so thankful for God’s blessings on the book and for the kind people who took the time to write a review.
You have faith - but many never grew up with faith - what is your advice for those searching or wanting to believe in something?
Download The Bible in One Year app that is free by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel out of HTB church London. This app can be listened to or read daily. It goes through the bible, explains it, and applies it to everyday life- A game changer for a faith build!
Yes, they are my biggest fans and encouraged me to try again after 24 years with The Baby Garden to get it published. They and my granddaughters are my inspiration for my books. We all love to read fun children’s books!
The Baby Garden is also a 5-star rated book on Amazon. People are resonating with your work. How does that make you feel?
I am So thankful that by reading The Baby Garden, children can see God has a plan for their life from the beginning of time. This is so important for parents and children to know!
You’ve been out visiting schools with your books - how can people book author visits with you?
Yes, it has been a wonderful experience! People need to go to my website at www.jenniferbosma.com, and I have a tab with pictures and signup information. It becomes the word of mouth once you get going.
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How can my readers support you and your books?
Please subscribe to my website at www.jenniferbosma.com and follow me on Instagram @frontparkingspot. Thank you!
What are your goals for your writing?
Keep writing and sharing God’s word and His many takeaways with my readers.❤️
Wow, Jennifer! I am so glad to have learned more about you and your writing life. I, too, have many manuscripts in various states of completion and am revising after ten years away from those projects. Your 28-year publication date after the first time you wrote is inspiring! Thank you for sharing.
If you'd like to support Jennifer Bosma, her links are below:
Hey, Readers! Here are all of my links-
Amazon:
Amazon.com: I Know the Plans: 9781649602077: Jennifer Bosma, Beth Snider: Books
Barnes and Noble:
I Know the Plans by Jennifer Bosma, Beth Snider, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Instagram:
Jennifer Bosma (@frontparkingspot) | Instagram
Pinterest:
Twitter:
(1) Jennifer Bosma (@jennifer_bosma) / Twitter
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