Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
I almost always listen to music. It has varied depending on the book I am writing at the time. Often, it’s music that has something to do with the book I am writing, but not always. In Considering Us, the characters reminisce about the music that they listened to together over fifteen years earlier… mostly rock from the mid-to-late nineties and early 2000s. Lots of Oasis, Counting Crows, Guster, you name it. It was the same music that got me through my senior year of high school and much of college, and it was great to revisit it while writing.
Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?
I still love paperbacks. I like to physically hold a book, bring it places, pass it along to a friend who might enjoy it, etc. But I am so glad we have so many options for enjoying books now. This is actually one of my favorite questions to ask readers at events where I am selling books. It’s so interesting to hear about people’s reading habits. And I am thrilled that Considering Us will be available in all three formats.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
It’s always when I am doing laundry! I think the mundane routine of laundry allows my brain to calm down a bit and for new ideas to make themselves clear to me. Considering Us comes from something Devon’s main love interest Kyle says throughout the book. He talks A LOT, and it only made sense that a Kyle-ism be the title.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
Champagne. There is always champagne.
How do you come up with character names for your stories?
I name some of the characters, but I struggle with it since I have been a teacher for twenty-five years. Any name is the name of a former student. So I have to dissociate from that the best I can. My friend Tara is brilliant at naming characters; I call her my name muse. I give her a brief overview of the person, and she comes up with great ideas. My daughter also helped me with a few for the book I am writing right now!
How many books have you written?
First Course was published in 2021, and Considering Us will be published on February 6, 2025. Palms on the Cape was supposed to be published in October 2023, but that publisher ended up folding, and I got my rights back. I am currently trying to find the right home for it. It’s a really wonderful book in so many ways, and I look forward to everyone finally getting to read it. I started writing another book in 2023 that I ended up scrapping; I just didn’t like it enough to keep going. Sometimes you need to let a book go, but it is certainly painful. I am currently working on a book called Way Outta Left Field, and I should be done drafting it by the end of 2024. It’s another rom-com and so much fun. I have also published six short stories in literary magazines.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
Time is always the biggest hindrance for me. I am a full-time high school teacher and have two very busy teenagers of my own. I am an active volunteer for several causes that mean a lot to me, as well. It is tough to make time for writing. I try to schedule it much like you would schedule a doctor’s appointment or a haircut. Even if I can find an hour and try to get away from everyone and everything that distracts me, I can accomplish some writing and move forward with my project.
How much research did you need to do for your book?
I set all of my books in coastal New England because I love it and can access the locations from where I live. I spend extra time in these locations when writing the book when I can, plus I look at maps online and learn more about the area. The book I am currently writing is set on the north shore of Massachusetts around Cape Ann. I created a fictitious town and made myself a map on Canva that includes all the important places. I refer to it all the time! This has helped me to feel more immersed in the story.
What was your hardest scene to write, and why?
It’s awful to write stories in which your main character is going through a tough time or is dealing with heartbreaking circumstances. I always feel badly for them! But in a romance, we know that things will ultimately be okay, so I have to remind myself of that.
What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?
Balancing writing new books and marketing and promoting existing books is a challenge. You have to allow time to do both.
My favorite part of publishing is meeting readers and writers! I love doing book events and getting to know new readers and talking to those who have already read my work. And the author community is so supportive and fabulous. I am grateful to the people who I have met along the way on this journey.
Jenn Bouchard
Instagram, Twitter, Facebook: @JennBouchardBOS
First Course, available now
Audiobook available from Tantor Audio
Considering Us coming February 6, 2025 from Black Rose Writing
Award-winning women’s fiction and romantic comedy