Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Mcmurrain

Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

When I’m asked how long I’ve been writing, the short answer is all my life. My mother is a writer, so storytelling has always come naturally. For the longer answer, about 13 years ago, when I had our daughter I decided it was time to make writing my full-time job. Thankfully, I had good friends in the business who took me under their wings and walked me through the publication of my first book, Quail Crossings. Once I made writing my job, all the pieces fell together. Quail Crossings hit number one on the Amazon bestselling list and my second novel, Winter Song, was a 3rd round finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. I knew I was finally doing what I was meant to do all along and it came full circle when I was able to help my mother get published, as well.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The world of publication will always have it’s ups and downs. It is important to surround yourself with people in this business that are not only knowledgeable, but supportive. It can be very disheartening to have amazing book sales one month and then hardly anything the next. This profession can feel a lot like that, but with the right people in your corner, for me it’s my critique group, family, and the amazing writing organizations I volunteer for, it is easy to find the strength and determination to keep writing and keep moving forward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I write historical fiction and small town romance under Jennifer McMurrain and paranormal suspense under the pen name, Raven Lee. I love writing stories with heart, even my ghosts stories have a happy ending. Not only am I an author, but I take a pride in my volunteer duties. Though I’ve won a lot of awards for my writing, this year I was blown away to receive the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. Honorary Lifetime Member award for my volunteer work. It was really nice to be noticed for giving back to a community that has given me so much.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

The Covid-19 Crisis taught my entire family how to slow down and appreciate more those we love. Thankfully, those loved ones who got Covid recovered. We take more time for ourselves now. When things get rushed and we get stressed, we know how to stop and re-center with what’s important.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.JenniferMcMurrain.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifermcmurrain/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferMcMurrain
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@jennifermcmurrain?xmt=AQGzpcW1Df32Ytr2-XUMHr51XEWoVEXSipqv2Hh8xSXGh-A

Image Credits

Ariel White