Hi! I am Jennifer Maimone (last name pronounced my-moe-knee). I was born in Southern California and grew up as the youngest, and only daughter, of three kids to some really awesome parents.
I really started to get into the paranormal in the 6th grade when a friend showed me a book about unsolved mysteries and the supernatural. At that point, I never thought such things could actually exist. I was hooked on learning whatever I could about the supernatural from that moment on. I remember how, in high school, the girls (I went to an all-girls school) would avoid me during Halloween-time because they thought I was able to do ‘witchy’ things. I won’t lie, it was very amusing to me. But, to be fair, I always made sure to reassure to the fact I never practiced the occult — only researched.
I graduated from college in 2009, and later that year became a special effects makeup artist for independent films. I started my own freelancing business as UnmaskedFX, and have been approached a few times by the FaceOff TV program to be part of their show. I am a bit camera shy, so I am still unsure if I want to. Maybe next year!
I started writing Alpha Wolf Series: Demon’s Prize in 2012. It isn’t the first thing I have ever written, but it is the first one I have ever published. The other stories I have written in the past were based on ghosts, vampires and creatures whose faces are actually masks. I hope to one day finish those other works and to see them printed alongside the Alpha Wolf Series.
Guess what? Jenn will be at Pancakes & Booze Art Show TONIGHT! She will be giving away (at the event ONLY) this awesome piece:
You can find out more information here! https://www.facebook.com/events/673049362743408/?notif_t=plan_user_invited
Giveaway! Jenn is giving away a poster and two wood burned plaques. Enter below:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5c01ba8210/
Poster
Wood burned carvings
Author Questions
When did you realize you wanted to be an author?
Strange as it is, I never woke up one day thinking, “I want to be a writer.” Instead, I always knew I wanted to be able to make the things from my imagination come to life. That is why I not only write but also do special effects makeup, wood-burned plaques, sculptures and more. My need to let out what I see in my imagination has led me to many outlets, and writing is one of them.
In what genre do you write?
Mostly paranormal fiction, in new adult.
Is there a genre you haven’t written in, but want to?
I would love to do some sci-fi, but I am not as passionate about that as I am about the paranormal (even if alien abductions are technically considered part of the paranormal realm).
What is your writing process? Such as, outlining, freehand, computer vs paper and pen?
When it comes to my writing process, I start off by imagining what will happen in my book. While imagining, I am usually driving around in my car, listening to my music. I love movie scores, so when I am imagining a scene, I use my music like a background soundtrack to the movie happening in my head. From there, I outline on my computer what happens in the story from beginning to end, as detailed as possible. This way, if I get writer’s block, already know what needs to happen and can keep writing.
When it comes to actually writing out my chapters, I tend to jump around between a notebook and my computer. That way, whenever creativity strikes, I am prepared.
Who are you writing inspirations, famous or not?
My #1 inspiration would be Cate Tiernan, author of the Sweep Series. Those books had a big influence on me while in high school, and to this day are still a personal favorite of mine. As you can guess, the Sweep series are a paranormal, Young Adult fiction that is based on witchcraft. What inspired me was the fact the stories were believable, as if they could actually happen in real life. It was also very clear that Cate put a lot of research into her book, making sure the things she had her characters go through were realistic and true to the Wiccan way of being.
Another influence would be Carrie Jones. She is the author of the NEED series, and she always makes time to write back to her fans. She even made time to give me some much needed advice when I first started writing my book and was lost about what to do. I wrote to her and a few days later, much to my surprise, I had a detailed reply! It inspired me to be just as responsive to my own fans.
How much research, if any, did you have to put into your novel(s)?
I’ve loved the paranormal since I was a young girl, so I primarily used the knowledge I had gained since then. I did, however, do a bit of research when it came to the Egyptian gods, and prehistoric history of ancient wolves. I also did research into Wicca, wanting to make sure I was respectful and close to the truth as possible when it came to my character, Isabel.
Do you listen to music while you write or edit? If so, who do you listen to?
Most definitely! It is a key factor to my writing since I use it like background music for a movie. I will sometimes play one song over and over again, replaying the scenes in my head until I have it give me goose bumps. That’s when I know I have the scene the way it needs to be and will write it down later. I usually listen to Varna, Nightwish, movie soundtracks and Broadway show tunes.
When you’re not being an amazing author and writing away, what do you for fun?
I have fun hanging out with my guy, Matthew, or my friends. We will just go out, find something fun to do or make an adventure of our own. Life is short, so whenever I have a chance to live it, I make sure it’s an adventure. If I am in my apartment, doing not much of anything, I put on my music and sing. I am an okay singer, but I don’t care. I love singing show tunes – my favorites being The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Repo! The Genetic Opera and Fiddler on the Roof.
What has been the most exciting experience for you since starting your writing career?
Hearing from fans what they thought of the book, and their eagerness to get the sequel. Like any artist, I have an ego, and so I am extremely thrilled whenever someone tells me how much the appreciated my writing and are left wanting more.
Who created your amazing cover art?
I did! I taught myself how to do Photoshop and how to use the proper settings for a book cover. It took me three months, but I finally got the cover exactly as I wanted it.
Is there an artist, book blogger, editor or anyone else that you want to give a shout out to?
YES! Shout out to:
Carrie Jones, author of the NEED series
Tiana Woods, lead singer and songwriter for the VARNA
Amy Farrar, editor for my series
My family, my aunt Elaine, and my amazing boyfriend Matthew for all their support
Give us a brief description of your WIP (work in progress) or your newest novel.
I am right now working on two pieces of literature. I have a short story, titled Thirst, and the sequel to Demon’s Prize, titled A Cursed Soul.
In Thirst, there is a man who has hidden himself away from society, deep in the forest. He has isolated himself, wanting to find peace, but is tormented every waking hour with an insatiable hunger. It is a hunger that presses at him; telling him to consume the flesh and blood of others. The man knows he shouldn’t, but no matter how much he tries to resist, he always gives in. It is too pleasurable not too. He is always hungry…
In A Cursed Soul, Doctor Brent Carson, has been taken to hell by Irate, a demon who plans to make him be his greatest prize for his trafficking sales. Angela Dane and her friends Tony, Chrissie and Nathan do not know what to do, but it is Isabel, a witch with a secretive past, who says she can bring him back. The four friends insist on going with her to hell, and after some persuasion, she eventually agrees, but it isn’t long before everyone becomes suspicious of her.
Once entering hell, the friends notice how every demon and corrupted soul they come across either hate or are petrified of Isabel. They demand to know what is going on, but Isabel threatens to leave them behind if they don’t stop asking questions about her. All but Tony back down. Meanwhile, Brent is trying to find a way out, but is met with brutality and torture. He fights back, but Irate is determined to break his spirit, by any means necessary.
Reader Questions
What author would you geek out over if you met them in real life?
Cate Tiernan, and probably Terrance Zdunich. Zdunich is the author and illustrator of Repo! The Genetic Opera, God and the Box, The Molting, and The Devil’s Carnival. Most of these works of his have been transformed into musical on stage and film (with him as producer, and key actor). I am a big fan, and would definitely geek out if I met him. Respectfully and with composure, of course…
Hands down, what is your favorite book of all time and why?
Sadly, I will have to give it a three-way tie between Blood and Chocolate, the whole Sweep Series and the NEED series.
Book Marks
What book would you like to see in film or do you believe that books should be left alone?
That is hard to say, since there are many times when a movie does not do a book justice. I remember when one of my favorite werewolf books, Blood and Chocolate, was turned into a movie and how they rewrote the whole story. The villain was now a barely shown character, the hero was now the villain, the way the protagonist-turned-antagonist found out his girlfriend was a werewolf was also rewritten. It was just bad.
There are good eggs and bad eggs, but I say if you plan to make a movie out of a book, you should do it justice and keep true to the story as much as possible. At most, make sure it’s something the author approves of.
As a reader, what about a book turns you away?
When the book takes forever to get to the point, has dull description, or when there is no character development. My attention needs to be grabbed the moment I read the first chapter, and I don’t want to put my time towards something that isn’t stimulating. I have actually stopped reading halfway through a book if it gets too boring. I get easily distracted when bored, so when reading, I look for something that will keep me enthralled.
If you find you can’t get into a book, do you put it down or be a trooper and finish it?
I give it away, return it or donate it. There are a few I plan to one day try finish again, but once I am bored with a book, it is hard to get me back into it.
Do you stick to one genre or do you like to read around?
I mainly like paranormal fiction, but I also like reading history books. Other than that, unless it is important to my research, I will stick to movies.
Are you a book-in-your-hands reader, e-booker, or both?
100% book in hands. Don’t get me wrong, I can see how handy an e-book device can be, but I love walking into my apartment and seeing my shelves of books. It makes me feel at home.
Vendor Booth
Random Questions
Favorite movie?
Yeah, I cannot just name one. So here is a list!
Predator, Phone Booth, Repo! The Genetic Opera, Star Wars IV, V and VI, The Crow, What Dreams May Come, The Labyrinth, Beauty and the Beast and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Favorite TV show?
Again, I will have to give you a list. Asking me what my favorite TV show and movies are is like asking me what my favorite food is. It depends on my mood 😀
Grimm, Supernatural, American Horror Story, Gargoyles (BEST ANIMATED SHOW TO EVER EXIST!!), Batman the Animated Series (close second to Gargoyles), and Frasier.
If you could eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sushi….pizza…No, sushi…..Or pizza….
What’s your favorite candy/dessert?
Hmm, first thing to come to mind is ice cream, but you can’t properly enjoy ice cream without chocolate chip cookies.
What band or musician can you listen to over and over again? You can list more than one.
Nightwish, and Varna. After that, I am all about show tunes and movie scores.
What’s your hidden talent?
I can do the Predator’s clicking growl perfectly.
What is your dream vacation?
New Orleans during Mardi Gras, and then again in Halloween.
Contact Information:
Author Name: Jennifer Maimone
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alphawolfseries
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlphaWolfSeries
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22043864-demon-s-prize
Book Links: www.alphawolfseries
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlphaWolfSeries
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/demons-prize-jennifer-maimone/1120138331?ean=2940150421394
A.G. Porter 
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