Inside The Indie Author: A Conversation with Jennifer Willcock

Diana Kathryn
Dec 5, 2025
4 min read

Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?

No I haven’t. I have considered using my maiden name but decided it wasn’t worth the hassle when it came to paperwork.

What is your “go-to” method for working through or around writer’s block?

I leave the desk – go for a walk or do a chore. I find doing something else helps my brain figure things out or at the very least, refreshes me and I can start new.

From your perspective, what are the most important elements of good writing?

I think you can write a great story but if you don’t have the basics of grammar down it’s going to affect how the reader views the whole story. It’s hard to read bad grammar. I also think you need to write in a coherent order—if you jump around with ideas and rabbit trails, it’s going to be hard to follow. At that point, readers give up.

And good dialogue – there’s an art to it and it can bring a story or character to life.

What comes first – the location, the plot, or the characters – and why?

Usually the characters because for me, they are the main thing. Without them, I have a hard time figuring out the rest.

What are your least favorite and most favorite things about publishing a book?

I like the formatting of the book. I’ve always found that sort of thing interesting since I was a yearbook editor for my high school yearbook. Which was a long time ago. LOL.

I hate social media. Creating posts takes a lot of time for me and it’s hard to be consistent. It’s a time suck that could be spent writing.

What is a significant way your book changed from the first to the final draft?

Lauren changed a lot. I had to do a lot of revising with her. My friend and first reader said she was too whiny! Which when I read it again, I totally agreed! Haha. Also one editor who critiqued the manuscript had me remove probably 25% of the book so I had to rewrite a lot.

What was the inspiration for your most recent book?

I was a pastor’s wife for many years and I wanted to write a story that included that very difficult role, as well as delve into the fact God loves us no matter what we do or role we have. It is a love story between two people but also a love story between God and us.

Where are your most productive writing spaces, and what elements are important about that space to keep you focused on writing?

I write mainly in my office at home. I have to have complete silence so no music or people talking. I couldn’t write a single line at a coffee shop!

If you were to give one of your side characters a novella of their own, who would it be, and why do you think they need their own story?

I would give a novella to two officers who show up in the story. I don’t want to give anything else away. But I would love to delve into their story more.

What risks have you taken with your writing that made the book better?

I’ve written different genres and for different ages. I’ve written light fantasy as well as contemporary romance for both YA and adults.

What’s the best monetary investment you’ve ever made with regard to your writing practice?

Editing and cover design.

When you first began writing, what was a common procrastination trap you encountered, and how did you overcome it?

I procrastinate more now. When I first started writing I did most of my 1^st draft during NaNoWriMo. I took it seriously! 50K in 30 days meant no putting off for tomorrow. Now I’m working full-time so the excuse that I’m tired is way too easy.

Do characters’ names come immediately to you? Do you add them in a final draft? Where do you find names, and how do you make a final decision about the names you’ll use?

I usually have names right away. I use names I like otherwise I can’t write. One editor told me I used old fashioned names but I left them in the story. I have to like the name as well as the character or else I’m not going to be able to be friends with that character. Even when I read, if I don’t like the protagonist’s name or I can’t pronounce it, then there’s a good chance I’m putting the book aside.

Tell us the title of one of your favorite novels, and why this book is a favorite.

One True Thing by Anna Quinlan. Great themes about mother and daughter relationships and character development.

Think of the title of a hugely popular novel. What is one major thing you would change about the book?

Some of the YA books coming out in Fantasy have a lot of graphic sex – I would take it out. I don’t think it’s necessary for the story.

What are you reading right now?

A memoir which is unusual for me. Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber. Really good.

Tell us a little something about your current WIP. When do you expect it to be released?

Writing a third book in the Wolf Kingdom series which is my retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. At least the first book, Into the Forest, is a retelling of that fairytale. This 3^rd book is going to maybe feature more of Jack and the Beanstock, David/Goliath elements. Probably be released in 2026. Fingers crossed.