{Author Interview} Jennifer Lane, Author of Streamline

Today, I am honored to feature an interview with author Jennifer Lane, author of Streamline, which turns one-year-old this week!

People fascinate the psychologist/author (psycho author) known as Jennifer Lane. Her therapy clients talk to her all day long about their dreams and secrets, and her characters tell her their stories at night. Jen delights in peeling away the layers to scrutinize their psyches and emotions. But please rest assured, dear reader, she isn’t psychoanalyzing you right now. She’s already got too many voices in her head!

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love and empathy. She is the author of The Conduct Series—-romantic suspense for adult readers—-and is currently at work on the third and final installment: On Best Behavior. Streamline is her first foray into writing for young adults, but she’s found this sort of writing even more fun. A former college swimmer, Jen was able to put a lot of her own experiences into this book.

Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and hanging out with her sisters and their families in Chicago and Hilton Head.

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Tell us something unique about yourself.

I have visited Japan when my oldest sister lived there. She met her American husband in Tokyo!

What inspired you to become a writer?

I’m fascinated by people and their stories, and that fascination led me to become a psychologist. I listen to stories of struggle and triumph all day long as a therapist. I have found it therapeutic to tell some of my own stories as a writer. My goals as a writer are to demystify therapy and to instill hope.

Tell us why should add Streamline to our TBR lists.

If you’re looking for a unique YA/NA novel that will make you laugh and cry, Streamline is for you. Prepare yourself for DRAMA.

What inspired the concept?I wrote this story when I was obsessed with the TV show Prison Break and actor Wentworth Miller. When I discovered that the intelligent, Biracial Wentworth Miller had been a swimmer like me, I swooned even more. Wentworth inspired the character of Leo…and my love of swimming, men in uniform, and emotional healing inspired the rest.

Which character from Streamline did you enjoy writing about the most? Could you tell us a little about them?

Though I torture the protagonist Leo in the story, he is definitely my favorite. He’s a very troubled young man who makes some mistakes but keeps trying to do the right thing. He knows he’s physically strong but he’s oblivious to the depth of his emotional strength.

What is your overall writing process like? Do use outlines or character summaries?

I write a narrative outline. I haven’t used character summaries but I think they’re a wonderful idea. I kept forgetting the eye color of a Russian mobster in my latest novel, and it would’ve helped to have my notes in one place!

Where do you like to write and think? Do you have a special place?

I’m often sitting on my sofa next to my fat cat. Sometimes I listen to classical music, and I always like to be well-caffeinated. My best thinking about plots and characters comes during long walks.

How do you like to write: longhand or via laptop?

Definitely laptop.

Do you have any other books in the works? Any future goals?

I just finished the third book in my adult romantic suspense trilogy The Conduct Series. On Best Behavior is on submission with my publisher.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Finish the book! And everyone, even the greatest writer, needs editors.

What is your favorite sport to participate in?

I swam and played volleyball in college—I love them both for different reasons. I’m thinking of writing a New Adult volleyball book.

In a sporting event between West Point and the Naval Academy, which team would you root for?

Well, since Streamline features the Naval Academy, I’ll go with USNA! I think Navy uniforms are hotter than Army uniforms too. (So shallow).

Are you a cat-person or a dog-person?I have a cat, which allows me to travel for work and pleasure, but I’d love to get a small dog. And I love my nephew doggie Auggie.

Which do you prefer: ice cream or cake?

I can only choose one? I guess I’ll go with cake simply for the icing. Mmm, icing.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

See question #14. 🙂 I love all things dessert. A little too much.

What is the best thing that ever happened to you?

It’s a tie between having two wonderful older sisters, Laurie and Susan, and one best friend Gwynn.

Thank you, Jen!! Also, author Jennifer Lane is giving away one signed print copy of Streamline to a US winner and three ebooks to international winners. To enter, complete the Rafflecopter form -> a Rafflecopter giveaway

Streamline

Seems like Leo Scott has it all: looks, brains, and athletic talent. He’s captain of his high school swim team with a bright future in college and beyond. But Leo has secrets. His mother’s crippling car accident has devastated his family and left Leo to deal with his father’s abuse, battered and alone.

Leo’s girlfriend Audrey Rose is poised for her own share of success. As one of Florida’s top high school swimmers, Audrey dreams of college swimming stardom. But there’s an obstacle to her glorious rise to the top. Her number-one supporter–her father–is in prison for murder.

Part murder mystery, part tale of young love in a military family, this gripping story takes readers on a journey from Pensacola to Annapolis. Leo and Audrey must band together to rise above the adversity they encounter and find their true selves in the process. When everything’s on the line . . . streamline.

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