Interview with Jennifer Vido.......by Joyce Oroz

Today I am going to interview Jennifer Vido, and talk about her Piper O’Donnell Social Lite Mystery Series. So far there are two books in the series, Par for the Course and Country Clubbed. Do you think Jennifer likes golf? Jennifer Vido is best known for her nationally syndicated Jen's Jewels author interview column. A savvy book blogger for www.MomTrends.com, she dishes the scoop on the latest happenings in the publishing business. As a national spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation, she has been featured by Lifetime Television, Redbook, Health Monitor, The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun, Healthguru.com, and Arthritis Today.
 Now, let's find out what else this wonderful Mom, columnist, author likes to do.

With so many wonderful career choices in the world, why did you choose to be a writer?

Ironically, I didn’t choose to become a writer. It found me. After having a hip replacement at the young age of 33, I knew I had to make some adjustments in my life, especially in terms of finding a more arthritis-friendly profession. As an avid reader, I thought …wouldn’t it be great if I could combine my love for reading with some sort of career? That’s how I became a book reviewer, and then eventually a columnist. I was content with my new-found vocation for a few years, and then things changed. I finally had my “Ah! Ha!” moment after having interviewed my umpteenth New York Times bestselling author. I realized a majority of writers are no different than you and me, in the sense that many have no formal training prior to writing a book. Simply, they had an idea and put it into words. It was at that defining moment I decided to take the plunge and pursue a career as a cozy mystery author.

Jennifer, do you write full-time, or have another gig going? What is your weekly schedule like?

My writing agenda is dictated by my family’s schedule. With two teenage sons, I seize any opportunity I can to work on my latest project. In addition to being an author, I spend three mornings in the pool teaching an Arthritis Foundation exercise class to senior citizens. I also teach French part-time at a local private high school. On Fridays at 11am, you can listen to me on the radio in Maryland and Delaware and see me on the web at www.KHZtv.com dishing the scoop on the hottest trends in fashion and celebrity news on my show, “The Cutting Edge” with Cindy Mumby, and sometimes Bob. Keeping busy is all the motivation I need to be productive. Writing is my private time to escape to a fictional world of which I create.

I admire your family-first attitude. Obviously you are an expert mystery writer. Is your protagonist anything like you in REAL life?

Piper O’Donnell and I share a love of Lilly Pulitzer clothing, pop culture, and celebrity news. We also have a tendency to wear our hearts on our sleeves. I am happy to say that I have never stumbled upon any dead bodies, nor do I antagonize the local police force.

Please tell us what else you like to do besides write? Would you rather vacation at the coast or in the mountains?

Besides writing, I like to spend time with my family and friends. In terms of vacation destinations, I prefer the beach, specifically Kiawah Island in South Carolina. My husband and I look forward to hopefully retiring there one day.

When you are a writer you never really retire. Who are your favorite authors?

There are so many talented authors today whom I admire, but if I had to pick my all-time favorites…Karen White, Elaine Viets, Carly Phillips, Sarah Jio, Jane K. Cleland, and Kristin Hannah.

Jennifer, where can we find your books and any other published works?

Both my books, Par for the Course and Country Clubbed, are available wherever books are sold, such as Amazon.com, B&N, Booksamillion.com, etc.

Follow me on Twitter @JenniferVido

http://www.jennifervido.com/

Thank you, Jennifer--lovely meeting you!