I am a mother to four teenage boys. I had them all in 3 years, because I was surprised by twins at the end, and it was really tough those first few years. We are rural so I had to strap them all into the car even to get milk. I didn't leave the house much but I read a lot - heart-warming, uplifting romances that helped me get through the day. When they were still quite young, I started to have a go at writing, with hindsight perhaps as an escape - and suddenly had a lightbulb moment that this is what I wanted to do for a living. I began with short stories but quickly decided full length novels was what I wanted to write. Fast forward 8 years and a few failed attempts and I now have a 2 book deal with Harper Collins.
My first book, out now, deals with the tricky theme of dementia (my own father had this) but it also looks at intergenerational relationships; Lucy is 25, Brenda is 79. How much richer is this friendship because they can both bring different things to the table? Lucy with her youth and energy, Brenda with her wisdom and patience. It isimportant to value the older members in society and remember everyone was young once. We all have valuablecontributions to make to society.
My work is classed as contemporary women's fiction. It has humour and heart. I aim to make you laugh and cry. It is UK based, and even though I have a great US following, I sometimes wonder what they make of all my curious English expressions!
2) What is your biggest life lesson?
I think this is probably to "Be kind always" and I managed to work it into my first book. The elderly Brenda teaches this to Lucy. It's really hard to be kind sometimes though. We all have bad days and say unkind things, but when you look at someone, particularly a stranger, you never really know what's going on in their life, so try to be kind - even if they've cut you up on a roundabout, or said something unkind to you. I think the older I get, the more I realise how important this is. It costs nothing to be kind but can make a valuable difference to someone's life.
3) What is your biggest achievement?
My two biggest achievements are having 4 healthy, happy sons. I never took this for granted, especially carrying twins where there is greater risk of problems or prematurity. But having my novel published comes a close second. Both these things will still be around if I was to suddenly die tomorrow - and I think that is special, and makes me feel they are valid achievement.
4) How people can get in contact with you?
I am on all three of the main social media platforms and welcome new followers and the opportunity to interact with people. I'm on Twitter @JenniKeer, Instagram as jennikeer and Facebook as JenniKeerWriter. I should point out it is KEER as in BEER, and not KERR as in HER.