Let's Get Acquainted!

Q&A with me

JENNIFER SADERA...

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As the release date of I KNOW SHE WAS THERE approaches, it's been fun sharing protagonist Caroline Case's motivations, but today I'd like to tell you a little bit about me, the author behind the story.

I've compiled a list based on questions I recently received about my life. I've tried to answer as honestly as possible, so here goes...

What's my guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate.

What's my fancy dress costume of choice?

Anything in black.

What's my the worst thing anyone has ever said to me?

In seventh grade, Justin Foley asked me if I was a boy or a girl. I was devastated, but now that gender is fluid, it wouldn’t be such a big deal.

What was my best kiss?

It was slow and soft, like a caress. I can close my eyes and still recall exactly how it felt many, many years later.

What's words do I overuse?

Ummm, like…

What's my biggest disappointment?

That my first traditional publishing contract came exactly four months after my dad died. He would have been so thrilled for me. He was my first writing mentor, and a huge supporter of my writing efforts.

What's the closest I've come to death?

When my appendix burst during a hurricane. I nearly didn’t get to the hospital in time to have it removed!

What single thing would improve the quality of my life?

Being able to say no to time-suckers. I’m way too much of a people-pleaser.

What's my greatest achievement?

My long-and-still-loving relationship with my husband. Marriage is incredibly hard work but remarkably worth it.

What keeps me awake at night?

The world seems to become more dangerous every day. I drive myself nuts contemplating what I can do to mitigate the hazards for my kids.

What song would I want played at my funeral?

You Are My Sunshine.

How would I like to be remembered?

With a smile.

What's a secret I'm willing to share?

I’ve been known to rewrite an entire manuscript to be rid of purple prose. I’m in love with wordy descriptions and intricate turns of phrases. Not a desirable trait in a suspense writer.

What is my most appealing quality?

I am a true-blue optimist.

What am I really bad at?

I have NO sense of direction (except once in New Orleans, but that’s a story for another day. Reach out if you want to hear it).

What is something that upsets me terribly that others may think is kind of strange?

Roadkill. It upsets me every single time I see a poor critter’s carcass battered and bloody.

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Here are some of the Q&A's from my latest newsletter...

When was I happiest? 

There is no one moment because I live in the moment. When I’m out on the lake with the sun on my face and the wind kissing my skin; when I’m planting my favorite flowers and nurturing them into bloom; walking in the woods with my loved ones scouting for nature’s surprises; sitting alone in the dark thanking God for all the blessings heaped upon me.

What is my greatest fear?

That I won’t live long enough to enjoy all my children’s milestones.

What is my earliest memory?

Riding my tricycle down a set of front steps after watching my older brother do it. I still have the bump on my forehead.

Who's the living person I most admire?

My husband, CJ Sadera, whose tireless work ethic is surpassed only by his limitless capacity for understanding and encouragement.

What is the trait I most deplore in myself?

I can become easily frustrated with myself and others.

What is the trait I most deplore in others?

Apathy.

What is my most embarrassing moment?

In college, I walked around a frat party unwittingly sporting a toilet-paper tail. I’m a bit of a germaphobe so I always cover the seat of any toilet that isn’t mine. The flimsy bath tissue stuck to me and, well, it was awful.

What makes me unhappy?

Thinking my grandkids won’t experience the simple pleasures I grew up with. What child of the future will find satisfaction sprawled in the grass, staring at the sky, trying to find pictures in the clouds?

What do I like least about my appearance?

My nose has always been a sore point, but it’s my dad’s nose. Now that he’s gone, I’ve become fond of it. It’s a connection to him (though it looked better on his face than on mine).

What's my guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate!

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Got another question for me? Get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!