Interview with Jennifer Ott, author of 'Desperate Moon'

Inspiration comes from watching way too much Monty Python. The abstract and the absurd way of looking at normal life, not only offers humor, but questions many problems in society in a light-hearted manner. If we can laugh at ourselves, if we can laugh at life, problems do not seem quite so difficult to tackle.  In fact, problems are not as complicated as they seem; everything is very simple. If you can laugh at it, write about it and read about it, most likely one would think about it.

Author Jennifer Ott has written several satire fiction, Wild Horses, The Tourist and two non-fiction books Love and Handicapping and Ooh Baby Compound Me! She recently published, Serenidipidus and Edge of Civilization. She also is the host of the SuperJenius Internet Radio show on Artist First radio Network.

Jennifer Ott lives in Long Beach, California, enjoys the sun, the sand, the surf and lots of Mexican food.

Jennifer’s latest book is the Victorian era historical romance, Desperate Moon.

For More Information

• Visit Jennifer Ott’s website.
• Visit her show at Artist First Network.
• Connect with Jennifer on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Jennifer at Goodreads.
• Contact Jennifer.

Title: DESPERATE MOON
Author: Jennifer Ott
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 390
Genre: Victorian Era Historical Romance

A thought-provoking take on the vampire mythos that makes you consider how the natural-spiritual and scientific worlds might intersect.

For six hundred years, vampire Katerina Vaduva roamed Europe witnessing civilization’s altering events—knights on crusade, the suffering of plague, enlightening of the humanist movement, among others. Throughout her years and separated from the normal human condition, she gained knowledge, riches and personal power the greatest kings and mightiest leaders failed to acquire.

During the latter half of the 19th century, while married to a Prussian Colonel, Katerina meets and falls passionately in love with a young ambitious scientist who desires to understand her condition and the life she had lived. He wants more than to possess her body, but her heart, her mind and her soul. It is for him, she would risk everything. True desire is not just a physical matter; it is in the mind and the heart of your lover.

For More Information

• Desperate Moon is available at Amazon.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Thank you for this interview!  I’d like to know more about you as a person first.  What do you do when you’re not writing?

Jennifer - I do a lot of daydreaming. Yes, I am a big daydreamer. I also like working out at the gym and meditating. I find meditating helps reboot the creative brain and helps when I am feeling blocked.

When did you start writing?

I started my first book when I was twelve. I watched the movie “Bridge on the River Kwai.” I remember being so inspired by the drama, I started writing. Of course I never finished, but it was the beginning. I completed my first novel at age 24. It was terrible. When I moved to New York City, I studied and screenwriting and learned how to craft stories and develop characters.

As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?

I think it was one review. A reviewer compared my writing to Kurt Vonnegut. I had to laugh. I never read Kurt Vonnegut, so being compared to him I thought was funny.

If you could go anywhere in the world to start writing your next book, where would that be and why?

Europe. Europe is so mystical and magical. Desperate Moon takes place in Prague and Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I was so inspired when I visited there a few years ago.

If you had 4 hours of extra time today, what would you do?

Relax. Unwind.

Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?

My stories are set a various places around the world, but I would have to say China. I traveled in China and it has a marvelous history and culture.

Back to your present book, Desperate Moon, how did you publish it?

I am an independent publisher. I had two beta readers read and reread and afterward I worked with my editor. Normally, I work with a freelancer to do the book covers, but since I have a fine arts background I did the cover for Desperate Moon. I found the perfect image that suited the main character.

In writing your book, did you travel anywhere for research?

Yes. I traveled to Berlin and Prague, as well as Budapest which are locations in the book before the book was written. I used my travels as inspiration.

Why was writing Desperate Moon so important to you?

The story’s main character is a female vampire who survived Europe for 600 years and she has experienced many events - knights on crusade, the plague, witch trials and the St. Bartholomew Day Massacre. The irony as a vampire, she would be a considered a dangerous monster, yet witnessed all the horrors mankind bought on themselves.  I find it an interesting perspective. Plus, it is history in the eyes of a woman and her experiences.

Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?

Meditation. Meditation help clear the mind and when the mind is free and clear of our daily stresses creative ideas start to flow.

Any final words?

I hope readers enjoy the book.