In the world of publishing, Jennifer L. Armentrout is a force to be reckoned with. From self-publishing to clinching that coveted contract, attendee to event organiser, she has done it all.
Hitting the publishing scene with a bang with both her Covenant and Lux series in 2011, she has gone from strength to strength. Releasing the first instalments in two new series, the Standalone novels and Gamble Brothers books (published under the pen name J Lynn) in 2012, Armentrout then took the leap to self-publishing with her highly popular 2013 release, the Wait For You novels, granting her the title of ‘hybrid’ author.
In 2015, Armentrout then solidified her place as a publishing powerhouse with the inaugural ApollyCon convention. Initially being a single day event, the convention now has a massive 3-day itinerary, featuring guests from all branches of the publishing industry.
Boasting a repertoire of over fifty novels under her belt since 2011, Armentrout returns this October to the world of her beloved Young Adult series, Lux. This sees the release of her new Origins series, a spin-off featuring none other than the ever charismatic and mysterious Luc, bar owner and fugitive hiding extraordinaire. In the lead up to its release, I had a chance to ask her some burning questions about all things Armentrout.
You have been both self published and by established publishing agencies. How does your process change as you are approaching a deadline/book launch with each of them?
The process really remains the same for me, whether I’m working with a publisher or if it’s something I’m self-publishing. I set myself a deadline and do my best to meet it, but book launch can be a little different. With a publisher, you have a lot more people working on the book, a larger team. Of course, there is more pressure when a publisher is involved. You’re not the only one with skin in the game then.
You have over 50 published works which have all been released within the past 8 years. Do you have any rituals/tasks you undertake to keep you on track with deadlines?
No life. That’s my ritual. Haha. But seriously, I hold myself accountable with my daily goals, which is to do a chapter a day. I find that works better for me, as word count can be all over the place and 4,000 words a day doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve progressed further in the book/plot.
Do you work on a single novel in its entirety? Or just write bits and pieces of everything when inspiration grabs you?
I work on a single novel, from start to finish until it’s done. Sometimes I will jump around and write a few scenes out of order.
Prior to being published, did you undertake any specific education relating to creative writing or has your craft always come easily to you?
I’ve always been a reader, which is the best way to learn your craft. You can take a hundred creative writing classes, but if you’re not reading, I’m not quite sure how good you’re going to get. But I went to college for something entirely different—psychology and sociology with a criminal justice track.
Do you have any sage advice for those readers out there who are trying to write their own manuscript/get published?
Write what you want to read and not what you think you need to write. That might sound silly, but we often find ourselves chasing trends or just writing what we think is wanted from us.
You have releases in a wide variety of genres. Did you always intend to enter various markets?
Kind of? Haha. I honestly don’t know. I just write what I want to write, and it ends up being different genres. Not sure if that was on purpose.
If someone were wanting to read your various works, where would you suggest they start?
Depends on what they’re a fan of. If they like paranormal, I’d say start with The Darkest Star or the Lux Series, if they like contemporary, then I’d suggest The Problem With Forever or Wait for You, and if they’re into mystery or suspense, then I’d recommend Don’t Look Back.
ApollyCon is happening again in March 2019 in Washington DC and it is being touted within certain circles of the bookish community as one of the biggest events of early next year. What made you decide to organise an entire bookish festival?’
2019 will be ApollyCon’s 5th year and our 2nd year in Washington DC. It all started with wanting to bring authors across all genres to their readers. ApollyCon is one of the few events that features Young Adult and Adult, indie and traditional, focusing on reader orientated events and panels. It started off as a pretty small one day event with a signing and party and now has grown into a 3-day event, featuring panels, multiple parties, two signings and keynotes. So, it’s been really cool to see it grow.
Your latest novel The Darkest Star is a new series, Origins, in its own right but is also a spin-off of your highly successful YA novels, the Lux series. Did you always intend to continue writing about the world of the Luxen?
When I ended the Lux Series in 2015 (I think it was that year), I left it open to explore the world further, and really wanted to dive into the series after the invasion that occurred in the Lux Series. I just needed some time apart from the world to approach it with fresh eyes.
What made you choose Luc as your latest protagonist?
Luc is probably one of my most complicated characters. He’s extraordinarily goofy and bizarre and so very random, and at the same time, incredibly dangerous and powerful. He’s a complexity of hardness and gentleness, which makes him an interesting character to write.
I had the privilege of reading The Darkest Star and I have to say, I really loved the relationship between your two main characters, Luc and Evie. Without giving anything away, what was your favourite scene to write between the two of them?
So glad to hear that! My favourite part is probably going to be a lot of readers’ favourite part. It’s such a huge spoiler, so I’ll have to keep it to myself at this point.
The Lux series has 5 primary works, can readers expect another quintet with the Origin novels?
Hopefully!
So last question, out of all the hats you have worn within the publishing industry, what has been your favourite and why?
Meeting readers! I’m not sure that’s a hat, but it’s my favourite part.
QUICKFIRE ROUND
Fiction or non-fiction? Fiction
Plotter or pantser? Do you plot out your entire story to the smallest detail or just have a vague idea + major occurrences and let the characters guide you? Pantser. I wish I could plot and outline.
Favourite bookish trope? Enemies to friends/lovers
Least favourite bookish trope? Don’t really have one
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Pizza or pasta? Neither? (I know, I’m not human)
Beach holiday or hiking in the bush? Visiting ruins
Convention crowds or smaller signings? Smaller signings
Sunny or rainy? Sunny
If you could pick a single holiday destination for the rest of your life, where would it be? Edinburgh
Music, books or Netflix – you can only pick 2? Books and Netflix
The Darkest Star releases from Tor publishing on October 30th 2018 and it will be available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers. Be sure to add The Darkest Star to your Goodreads!
Do you have any favourite books by Armentrout? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
When seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher is caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen…but he is in fact something much more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she’d only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head…
#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the universe of the Lux in this brand new series, featuring beloved characters both new and old.
Great interview, and LOVED this series!
Awesome interview!!! Really interesting 😊