I’m thrilled that today I get to finally introduce my friend, Jennifer Fromke to you. Jennifer and I met many years ago when she graciously welcomed me into her home when I spoke at her church in North Carolina. I fell in love with her immediately and we’ve been friends ever since!
Jennifer has three books out, but today I wanted to hear about her newest release, A Familiar Shore. And if you’ve ever wondered if reputable writing contests were worth the effort, this book won the 2010 ACFW Genesis contest for women’s fiction. It released in 2012 from Write Integrity Press.
Be sure to leave a comment for Jennifer and you’ll be in the drawing for a free book!
Okay, Jennifer, let’s get started. Tell us a little bit about your debut novel, A Familiar Shore.
Meg Marks is a young lawyer raised off the coast of the Carolinas. An anonymous client hires her to arrange his will, and sends her to meet his estranged family at their lake home in northern Michigan. After a shocking discovery, she finds herself caught between his suspicious family and a deathbed promise her conscience demands that she keep. Will she sacrifice her own dreams for revenge? Or will she seek something more?
Do you get your inspiration from a particular source?
Sometimes it starts with a scrap from a dream. Sometimes I start with a scripture, launch the idea into a modern day dramatic moment and go from there. Sometimes I see a place and a scene starts to take shape in my head. Sometimes I meet someone and a fictional version of them becomes an obvious choice for a side character. I guess my inspiration is the life all around me.
How did A Familiar Shore get started in your head?
Well, there were two pieces that came together. First, I saw a stunning photograph taken by a friend. It showed a pink sunset with a yacht’s bow in the foreground, along with the lines securing the boat to the dock. It made me think of the sunset of a life, and then I thought about an elderly man . . . and the ropes made me think that he might feel trapped in the sunset of his life. So then I asked why? And Popsie was born.
The second piece was inspired by the story of Joseph in the Bible. I ran across the moment when Joseph stands before his brothers, who sold him into slavery, but he holds in his hands the power to kill them, make them suffer, or to bless them. I wanted to take that moment teetering between revenge and forgiveness, and spin it into the modern world in a way that we could maybe understand just a tiny bit of what he experienced. I gave Meg a similar choice.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
The idea. When I haphazardly type, I’m madly trying to keep up with what’s in my head before it flies away. It’s like knowing you’re pregnant before anyone else, and you’re afraid to tell anyone, but you can’t wait to talk about it.
Who are your favorite authors/stories/genres?
Kate Morton, Kristin Hannah, David Baldacci, Jeffrey Archer, Tolkein . . . more than particular authors, I crave stunning stories: The Kite Runner, The Thirteenth Tale, The Age of Innocence, The Hunger Games, The Count of Monte Cristo, Great Expectations, Pope Joan, Girl with Pearl Earring, 11/22/63, the list goes on and on. I love a story that sticks in my mind like a painting – rich, lifelike, fascinating. The stories that tug your gut and don’t let you go – that’s what I gravitate toward.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on my second novel now, hoping to send that out in a couple months. I’m very excited about the next thing because every project I finish seems better than the last one. I guess that means I’m improving as I go and I couldn’t be more grateful.
What a great interview, Jennifer! Thank you for sharing your insights and tips with us. I know I’m not the only one who’s looking forward to reading this book!
Thanks so much for hosting me, Vonda! What a treat this has been!
Readers, don’t forget to leave a comment for Jennifer and then check back next week to see if you’re the winner! And maybe you’re like me and are ready to get your own copy. So here’s a direct Amazon link to A Familiar Shore. And while we’re at it, let’s just go ahead and share the Amazon link for A Ruby Christmas, and Jennifer’s Kindle book, Special Delivery.
Bio: Though raised in the Midwest, Jennifer Fromke writes from North Carolina where she lives with her three teenagers and husband of over 20 years. In addition to her debut novel, A Familiar Shore, Jennifer co-authored two Christmas novellas (The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt, 2012 and Ruby’s Christmas, 2013) and published two short stories. Her favorite sport is laughing with her family and her favorite daily chore is to ensure the candy dish never runs dry.
You can reach JenniferFromke through her website at She’s also on Facebook at and Twitter at @jenniferfromke.
