INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR TERI POLEN!
Teri Polen
Please help me welcome author Teri Polen to Jemsbooks.blog Segment of Interview and Author.
Hi Teri, it’s so nice to have you here today. Please feel free to begin. The spotlight is on you!
Please tell us about yourself.
I’m a young adult writer of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. My first book, Sarah, a YA horror/thriller, was released in December 2016, and my second, The Gemini Connection, a YA sci-fi/thriller was published in June 2018.
jjspina: I enjoy sci-fi and fantasy but have never read all three in one book. Sounds intriguing!
What is your target audience for your book?
As a YA writer, my target audience is readers from age 12-years-old and up. YA books aren’t only for teens–a large percentage of YA readers are over the age of eighteen. One of the book clubs I’m in, Pardon My Youth, is for readers of YA books age 18 and over, and our members ages range from 18 to over 70. Being the mother of sons, the audience I’d love to snag is teen boys, as they seem to read much less than teen girls. Both of my books, as well as the one I’m currently working on, are written from a teen male perspective. That may sound odd, but having sons and being around their friends, it’s what I know.
jjspina: Ooh, horror, sci-fi, and fantasy is quite a combination that is sure to grip teens.
What hobbies do you have when you are not writing?
Like most writers, I read, read, and read. My happy place is on a beach under an umbrella, book in hand, and I’m totally content to stay there all day. I also love movies (especially Marvel), yoga, rock/alt-rock music, and weight-lifting.
jjspina: That scenario sounds heavenly to me too but give me some sunscreen, plenty of water and a good book! Love movies, Marvel too!
What would you do if you were not a writer?
I’m convinced I’d be involved with books somehow, whether as an agent, editor, or librarian. Books are my passion.
jjspina: I guess we authors all have books in our blood!
What process do you need in order to write?
Compared to other authors, I feel like I’m on the slow side when it comes to writing. I only work on one project as a time, and don’t have a trunk full of ideas stashed away. After wrapping up one book, it generally takes a few months for another idea to marinate and take hold. I get to know my characters, and usually interview them to get a feel for their likes and dislikes, make a playlist, and spend time on world-building.
jjspina: Whatever works for you, Teri. It sounds like you have a good plan.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Italy is a place I’ve always wanted to visit–not so much the touristy locations, but maybe rent a villa in a smaller town. I have a friend who’s doing exactly that for a month, and the pictures she’s sharing are just beautiful.
jjspina: Now that is the way to learn more about a country – live with the natives, so to speak. I hope you get to do that one day.
What projects are you currently working on?
My current WIP is a young adult sci-fi novel involving genetic engineering, something that’s always fascinated me. I’d never planned to write a series, but I could see this one becoming a duology. I’ll have to see where the characters lead me. Recently, a reader of my first book, Sarah, asked if there would be a sequel. I’d never planned on writing one, but know the direction I’d take it if it becomes a reality. It’s something I’m keeping in mind.
jjspina: This sounds like a fascinating subject to write about, Teri. Best of luck with it and a sequel.
Author’s Bio:
Teri Polen reads and watches horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. The Walking Dead, Harry Potter, and anything Marvel-related are likely to cause fangirl delirium. She lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband, sons, and black cat. Her first novel, Sarah, a YA horror/thriller, was a horror finalist in the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Visit her online at www.teripolen.com
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Teri-Polen/e/B01MYOUA6V
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-gemini-connection-teri-polen/1128081066
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sarah-teri-polen/1125171739
http://www.blackrosewriting.com/childrens-booksya/thegeminiconnection
http://www.blackrosewriting.com/childrens-booksya/sarah
Contact Links:
Website: https://teripolen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeriPolenAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TPolen6
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16114393.Teri_Polen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tpolen6/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/teripolen/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/teri-polen
Thanks again for the interview, Janice!
It was my pleasure, Teri, to get to know you better and your books. I wish you much success with your books and any future endeavors. Please feel free to come back again to share new projects now that you are part of Jemsbooks Blog family.
Thank you, Readers, for stopping by to learn more about this creative author. I hope you will take some time and peruse her books and links above.
REMEMBER: READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING! READING IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH!
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Blessings & Hugs!
Janice
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Great interview!
Thanks, Tori – have a great weekend!
Thanks, Tori! 😘❤️
Reblogged this on Books and Such and commented:
I’m over at Janice Spina’s blog talking about my writing process and other stuff not writing-related. Come over for a visit and check out Janice’s books – she’s got something for all ages!
Thank you, Teri! It was a pleasure to have you over. 😘🤗
A fun interview, Teri and Janice. I also like to read but not on the beach. It is to hot and to sandy. I prefer to read on the terrace around the pool (out of the sun) with a cocktail in one hand.
As long as I’m under an umbrella and there’s a breeze, the beach is perfect. If there’s no breeze, it’s unbearable. And the cocktail is a given. Thanks for dropping by, Robbie!
You are right about that, Teri! 🤗😘
Sounds good to me, Roberta! Thanks for coming by. 🤗
Great to see you, Teri on Janice’s blog! I’ve never published a book, but I have only a few ideas, definitely not a trunk full, so we’re alike that way. I prefer to think about an idea for a long time! Best wishes on your newest book!
Nice to see I’m in such good company, Barbara! I’m envious of writers that have a backlog of stories waiting to be written – if I have two, that’s a lot for me. They just seem to take longer to simmer and gel, I guess.
That makes them special. Teri and Barbara! 💕🤗💕
Don’t give up! Keep working those ideas! 💕😘🤗
A great interview! I do hope you get to Italy one day, Teri! Good luck with your books.
Thanks so much, Darlene! My youngest son went to Italy twice this summer for music – totally not fair that he got to go before me. I’ll get there one of these days.
Oh, Teri, you will love it, the food and all it’s fabulous history! 😘🤗💕
Delightful to see Teri featured!Hugs to you both.
Thank you, Teagan! Hugs to you to, my friend. What about an interview for you? Email me at jjspina(at)myfairpoint(dot)net.
Great interview. I’m happy to jump on a plane to Italy with you, Teri. I hear they have red wine there–bonus.
As far as a sequel…that’s intriguing. I loved Sarah as a stand-alone, tbh, but can see why you might want to take that one somewhere. Cheers!
Wonderful interview you guys.
Thank you, Coldhandboyack! 😆
How great to see Teri here! Great interview, you two. I’m also one who works on one project at a time and would love to spend hours with a book under a beach umbrella. I’ve enjoyed both of Teri’s books and look forward to whatever she cooks up in the future!
Thank you, Mae, for stopping by! We should all meet under the umbrella one day and kick back! 🤗 😘
That would be so much fun! 🙂
Yeah! 😆
Terrific interview, Janice!
Thank you, Jennie! I am thrilled!! 🤗
You are most welcome, Janice!
Nice to learn more about you, Teri. I’d LOVE to read a sequel to Sarah.
Great job hosting, Janice.