Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an award-winning author of women’s fiction and romance with mystery and suspense elements. My debut novel On Common Ground was a finalist in the Great Beginnings Contest sponsored by the Utah chapter of Romance Writers of America and earned a 5-Star Readers’ Choice Award. The first two books in the Grounded Series garnered prestigious Readers’ Crown Awards from InD’Tale Magazine and The Ties That Bind, Book One in the Family Ties Series, earned the Literary Titan Gold Award.
My husband and I moved to historic Vicksburg, Mississippi in 2015, where we own and operate a lovely Victorian B&B. I never pass up a good meal or a good theater production. In my free time I enjoy cruising and trips to Disney World. I love reading romance, thrillers, mysteries, biographies and anything that’s well written and captivating.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Ties That Bind, Book 1 in the Family Ties series released in August of this year and was inspired by my desire to write a kick-butt, tomboyish heroine who’s not afraid to break the rules. I kind of got this idea from watching Yellowstone and seeing how tough those cowgirls are who don’t back down from challenges or fights.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am what I call, a binge writer. I own an 1870’s Victorian home that I run as a B&B, which keeps me pretty busy. I don’t have a ton of time to write. I’m not one of those people who can sit down just any old place and write for 15 or 20 minutes. That’s not my style. I need large chunks of time in order to be productive. So, I keep a pretty tight schedule and on days when I don’t have any guests, I will sit and write for 8 or 10 hours at a time. It’s not for everyone, but it works for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think Phyllis Whitney had the biggest impact on my love for books and mysteries. I remember as a young person waiting, not so patiently, for her new releases to come into the local library where I grew up. When my name came up on the waiting list, I usually had the book read in a few hours. When I started seriously writing, I envisioned myself writing stories like she used to write and imagined some other young person waiting anxiously, as I had done, for the next book to be released.
What are you working on now?
I am in the creative first draft phase of Book 3 in the Family Ties series and alternate my writing days on that manuscript with editing days on Book 2 in the same series. I’m hoping Book 2, Broken Ties, will be released in the spring of 2023.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew the answer to this question. I use Facebook mostly because I understand how to use it and how to set up marketing campaigns. I think the best promotion is just to spread yourself over as many platforms as possible and try to keep up with regular postings about your books. Staying visible, not necessarily spending money on ads, helps with promotion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Don’t get discouraged. Just write YOUR story. And, ALWAYS have your manuscript professionally edited. Spend the money. It’s worth the investment.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Their journey is not your journey.
What are you reading now?
Allison Brennan’s Nothing To Hide
What’s next for you as a writer?
My short-term goal is to finish the Family Ties series then do some research for a possible story that’s been spinning around in my brain for a while now. I’d like to get back to writing romantic suspense, but it requires a lot more planning and plotting than I’m used to.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Hmmm – I think I have read all the Little House on the Prairie books the most, including when I was an adult, so I guess those would have to be my favorites. And all the Phyllis Whitney books, of course.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jansen Schmidt Website
Jansen Schmidt Amazon Profile
Jansen Schmidt Author Profile Other Bookseller
Jansen Schmidt’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account