5 from 35: Author Q&A with Jennifer Klepper

Jennifer Klepper, 47, is the author of Unbroken Threads, publishing today from Red Adept Publishing. 

How long did it take you to write your first (published) book, start to finish?

Some of this book was years in the making, but only in rumination form. Life leads to art, and I had to reach the point in life where I could process things I’ve learned and have the confidence and clarity to start serious writing. From pen to paper, it took three years to get Unbroken Threadswritten, edited, and published.

What kind of work did you do to earn money while writing your first book? 

I work with an educational technology start-up. Part of the value of working for a start-up is getting to wear many hats and to be exposed to all parts of a business—from branding to marketing to sales, and so on. This has served me well as a debut author, since publishing is a business and authors today are responsible for so much, even after contracting with a publisher.

Did you ever want to quit? If yes, what kept you going? If no, what kept you going?

No. I’ve reached a point in my life where I know the value continuing to do things that I love and that there is a path to any goal—sometimes you just have to be a little creative in finding that path.

What’s your biggest source of encouragement?

My parents instilled in me the idea that I could do anything I set my mind to. In the past decade especially, I have tested and proven this belief to be true. I look forward to setting new goals and finding the paths to achieve them.

What are you reading right now?

 Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers, by Sara Ackerman. I was in the mood for historical fiction and have wanted to read this WWII book set in Hawaii since it came out earlier this year.