Q&A With Jenna Greene 

Mickey Mikkelson was kind enough to connect me with author Jenna Greene! Jenna is the author of the middle grade novel An Owl Without a Name & Broken Realm. 

Q: Jenna, welcome to Book Notions! Would you please give a brief description of both of your books beginning with Broken Realm? 

A: Broken Realm is a story about two strangers, Keely and Briggs, who are swept away from their homes and realm, into entirely unknown territory. Not only do they have to deal with the new reality around them, but they are also told they are fated to save the world … or likely die trying.

Q: How many hours a day do you spend plotting, writing and editing? How long does it take for you to write a book?

A: It really depends on the time of year it is, as well as the journey each individual book takes. An Owl Without a Name was finished in two weeks! Of course, as a teacher, I have summer months off, so I had undivided time to dedicate to the story. Plus, as a book for children, the word count is a lot lower than an upper YA or adult book. An Owl Without a Name also came together quickly as a story in my head. The tale appeared and I merely recorded it. 

For other projects, more time is needed, especially if it is between the months of September and June… or during report card season. Broken Realm took about five months for the first draft, which is also relatively quick. I’m an efficient writer, as I spend a lot of time daydreaming before I write, so the scene is solid in my head before I ever sit down to type it. I write in short bursts, so that my writing is clear each time I settle into my work. This isn’t the strategy of all writers, or even that many, but it is the process that works for me.

Q: What are some lessons, reminders and emotions you hope readers remember, learn and feel once they turn the final page?

A: I hope they feel a sensation of hope, that struggle is necessary to life, but horrific things can be endured. I hope that they feel a sense that love can overcome many obstacles and that two people, working together, can accomplish great things. And I hope that people understand inner fortitude is just as valuable a strength as physical prowess, and that there are multiple kinds of intelligence, worthiness, and power. But honestly, any writer just dreams that their story makes an impact on the reader, whether that be through laughter, tears, or even a ‘huh’ moment.  

Q: Can you discuss the next book you are writing right now? 

A: Normally, I have a list of books I’m writing, planning, or editing. This will be the first time I have not, as I have just returned to school after a twenty-one-year break. After writing literature for so long, I wanted to return to formal studies, so I won’t be penning any new projects in the foreseeable future. HOWEVER, I have four or five projects that are completed and are waiting for a publishing home, so it’s not like you won’t see new books of mine on the shelves. There is a sequel to An Owl Without a Name that I hope to see in print soon, as well as other middle grade and YA contemporary and fantasy projects.

Q: Does Hollywood have the rights to your work? If so, who would be the dream cast to play the characters you created within your worlds?

A: AAH! It would be THE dream. I’m a bit behind in my celebrity information, as I raise two fourth graders who tend to watch animated shows. (Would you like me to explain the plot of K-Pop, Demon-Hunters to you in detail? I can!) I think an Owl Without a Name would be animated, though if Elijah Wood or Ewan McGregor wanted to give voice to a character, I would be very pleased. Do you think I would get to meet either of them? For Broken Realm, we’d need some up-and-coming teen stars, so I’ll let my audience decide who would best portray the characters of Keely and Briggs from Broken Realm. Anyone I choose, thinking they are still a teen, is likely forty now in reality.  

Q: Would you please provide your social media accounts so the readers of the blog and I can follow you? 

A: @jgreenewrites (Instagram and Tik Tok)

www.facebook.com/jennabutrenchukgreene

www.jennagreene.ca