#ThisorThatThursday Interview with A. L. Jensen

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A.L. Jensen is my guest today for #ThisorThatThursday!

Hardest thing about being a writer: Sitting down to write.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Having written. That part is so lovely.

Things you need for your writing sessions: A cup of coffee, even if it gets cold or I don’t drink it.

Things that hamper your writing: A messy space or something on my agenda that requires my attention. Both pull me away from the story.

Words that describe you: Aries traits! I’m independent, honest, and loyal.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Other Aries traits, like impulsive and impatient!

Something you’re really good at: I’m really good at listening to others. I’m highly empathetic.

Something you’re really bad at: Waiting. I always want things done yesterday. Patience is a skill I’m learning.

The last thing you ordered online: The last thing I ordered online was a proof copy of my next cozy mystery.

The last thing you regret buying: I can’t think of a particular thing I regret, but I often regret being impulsive with purchases and later thinking I should really take more time to make decisions. In general, I’m not disappointed with the purchase, just my decision-making methods.

Things you always put in your books: I always include characters, items or ideas that nod to my Finnish and Nordic heritage.

Things you never put in your books: I don’t write anything spicey.

Things to say to an author: I loved your book!

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: I noticed a missing period on page 231.

Favorite places you’ve been: I lived in New Zealand for 18 months, and I loved it so much.

Places you never want to go to again: I have travelled widely and found something to love everywhere I went. Never say never.

Favorite books (or genre): I love historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, and women’s fiction.

Books you wouldn’t buy: I don’t read erotica, although lots of folks love them.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done: I’ve been a rhythmic gymnastics coach since I was sixteen years old. Choreographing routines is a highly creative act.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it: I once decided to sew a dress for an event I was going to. The pattern and fabric were perfect, but my sewing skills were not up to the challenge.

My favorite book as a child: As a child, I loved reading Nacy Drew.

A book I’ve read more than once: I’ve read Little Women many, many times and see something new and relevant every time.

Your favorite movie as a child: I loved The Sound of Music and watched it every year. It wasn’t until years later that I learned the movie didn’t end when Maria got married.

A TV show or movie that kept you awake at night as a kid (or as an adult): The Shining still haunts me. Every few years, I watch it again and it’s still as disturbing as the first time I saw it as a kid.

About A. L.:

 

Bio: A. L. Jensen

A. L. Jensen is a Finnish Canadian author and certified book coach. An empty nester, she lives with her husband Michael on a serene lake in the small town of Naughton in Greater Sudbury, Ontario. When she's not writing and sipping chai lattes at her local coffee shop, you'll find her reading in her gazebo, or walking nearby trails with her mini GoldenDoodle Emmy, while dreaming of her next travel adventure. She is inspired by her Finnish heritage and the northern landscape she calls home.