The Indie Author Journey: Jenni Simonis on Writing, Challenges, and Processes
Every writer starts with a blank page. But what happens after? Today, I’m talking to Jenni Simonis about her book Where the Heart Leads, the ups and downs of the writing journey, and what she wished she knew before starting. Whether you're a reader, a writer, or just love a good story, this interview is for you.
Let’s dive in!
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’ve been writing for nearly 40 years now. The two novels in the Connor Family series - Where the Heart is and Where the Heart Leads - are my first books.
When not writing, you’ll usually find me either reading a book or working in my garden. I love growing veggies and flowers. And I have a little rose garden with about 10 different varieties.
I live in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) of the United States but grew up in a small town along the Gulf Coast of Texas. Have been married for nearly 28 years and have one adult son. I also have 2 dogs - Midnight, a Yorkipoo, and Jakey, a German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix - along with 2 zebra finches, Houdini and Doyle, and a leopard gecko named Nugget.
2. Wow, you have a vibrant family. Would love to know how you found these pets.
Midnight came from an organization that was working to match people to pets that met their needs (amount of space, activity level, etc). We walked in, and this little black pile of fur just came over and attached himself to us. He ended up being the kind of dog that we matched with (small dog, good in apartments, likes laps, etc). So, we adopted him. He’s almost 13.
Jakey, now almost 5, came from the local shelter, who were closed because of COVID. We were told he was a black lab. He was not, though. A DNA test later, showed he is 75% GSD and 25% golden retriever. And he’s pure black.
Nugget came from a local pet store after we lost our previous gecko. She’s a little over a year old.
Houdini and Doyle came from the same pet store. I had finches, some years ago. And these were on a two-for-one special. One had an injured foot and had surgery. He was attached to the other bird. So, we adopted them both. They’re about 3 years old.
3. Ohkay, let’s move on to your book. Pitch it in one or two sentences.
What happens when you’re in love with your best friend, but they don’t love you back? Then again, you’ve never actually said anything to them… That’s what Where the Heart Leads is all written around.
4. What kind of readers would love this book?
Definitely hopeless romantics. If you love a book that makes you cry, all of mine will fit the bill. My books are often called a “slice of life,” with you getting to see bits of their everyday lives and how their relationship plays into that.
Small towns often feature in my books. The dynamics there really play into your lives, and it’s fun showing how that affects the characters.
5. Awesome. Now, what’s the story behind your story?
I basically have little voices in my head that tell me stories. I write them down. If I don’t write them down, they tell me the scenes over and over until I do. Then, they’ll move on.
6. Oh, and how many of those stories are still on the way to completion or publishing?
Between 2025 and 2027, I planned 13 novels and at least one anthology:
- 2025: 1 published, 1 scheduled for April, 2 in revisions, 1 to write
- 2026: 3 in revisions, 1 to write
- 2027: 2 in revisions, 2 to write
And I have a bunch more scheduled after that. My mafia series alone has about a dozen books planned thus far.
7. Damn, that seems like a lot. And you have quite a journey to cover. How has this indie publishing been for you?
It’s been crazy. There is so much to learn. I spent 2 years reading tons of posts in Facebook groups and such about indie publishing, trying to learn everything I could. Still, you make mistakes. Like choosing the right paper color. Who knew it could make so much of a difference? Or that when you chose the wrong one, you would have to start all over?
Just so folks don’t make the same mistake as me: cream is the color of choice for fiction books. The exception is when you have photos and such in it where you need the paper color to be white. The two papers are actually of different thicknesses, which affects the spine size. I had to get a new cover template file from my designer because my book became ever so slightly thicker when I switched to cream.
Marketing is probably the hardest part. Getting readers to talk about our books and recommend them makes a huge difference. But then, many groups and such on social media no longer allow authors to self-rec their own books or post about them.
8. Thanks for the heads up about the paper. What marketing tactics did you use to get people talking?
It’s been so hard. Trying to hit up every Facebook group for romance books. Talk on social media every day. Post on social media. Join a local writer’s group. Schedule lots of in-person events.
9. True. Now, what’s that one scene or character from your book that sticks with you?
Definitely Devlin Connor. There is just something about him that makes me want to wrap him in my arms and protect him. And to have someone who loves me the way he loves Diane? It would be amazing.
10. Ahem, what part of this book gave you the hardest time?
Honestly, writing the book isn’t that hard for me. I guess trying to keep the word count down is the thing I struggle with the most.
11. And what’s one weird or unexpected thing you Googled while writing this book?
I did a lot of research on vasectomies for this entire series. One of the funniest things I looked up was whether cum tasted differently afterwards. No, it does not. Sperm only makes up a small portion of it. Most folks notice no difference in it at all, not even thickness.
12. Hahaha thanks. Now, for all the aspiring indie authors out there. What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you?
Start publicizing your novels as soon as you can. I missed out on some things with my first book, like fun countdowns, sneak peeks, etc.
13. Ohkayzz, and where can readers find you and your book?
You can get the books from Amazon:
The best place to go is my website. It has all the links for you: jennisimonis.com
If the books sound like your kind of read, be sure to check it out! Support indie authors by grabbing a copy and leaving a review!
PS… What’s your go-to writing snack or ritual?
I love to listen to music in the background. Usually, it’s alternative, but sometimes it’s 80s pop. Completely forget to eat and drink when I’m writing.
I write on my Samsung tablet with a S-pen and the Nebo app. This lets me handwrite my first draft. That’s important to me, as it slows me down enough to listen to my brain. Once I’m done, it converts to Word.
And that’s a wrap.
Want to see more indie author stories? Stay tuned…
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