Please help me give a big Hoosblog welcome to Jen Lowry!

Jen Lowry is North Carolina born and raised, still holding on to that country slang that is unique to the small town of Maxton she loves so much in Robeson County. She an avid enthusiast of all things horror, UFC, and binge-watches old episodes of The Mentalist. She finds herself comfier in a pair of pajamas and would make all public appearances in them if she could get away with it. When she isn’t literacy coaching or teaching English at the high school, author coaching, or homeschooling her son, she can be found napping or reading more than one book at a time.

Check out Jen’s official author sites all over the net from podcasts, YouTube, Instagram, and more by searching up Jen Lowry Writes or follow her on @jenlowrywrites.

Tell us about your book!

I’m super excited about my newest sweet romance, Love Over Pizza!

Pepper Pines is back in Jackson, North Carolina, and settling in after graduating college. Her classroom is just the way she envisioned it, but her social life isn’t. Pepper’s best friend, Jessie, convinces her that Cupid’s Connection, a popular online dating site, might have her Mr. Right.

Luca Giovanni is trying his best to run the pizza shop his parents left him and be his sister, Angel’s, keeper. Angel signs Luca up to Cupid’s Connection without him knowing because she feels he’s ready for love but just doesn’t take the time away from his business to date.

Both find out what really matters, how to let go and lean in, and discover that pizza is better shared with those you love.

Buy Love Over Pizza

Now for the fun stuff!

What’s your favorite genre? Do you read what you write?

I love to read contemporary or horror YA and Middle Grade fiction. I’m always checking out new books and love to experience many different genres. When I approach the blank page, I honor it by allowing whatever story is in my heart to have a place to live. So, with that being said, I write in many different genres and for young to adult audiences. Everything I write is categorized as clean fiction.

That’s great you’re able to write in so many different genres!

What’s your favorite part about writing?

Meeting my characters is an amazing ride. I am so surprised by them, and they become so real to me it’s like I’m talking to a friend.

I admit I love that after eleven novels, I can still be surprised by my characters.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Finding the time can sometimes be difficult because I have a full-time job and homeschool in the evenings.

I really admire parents who also write. I always say I have so much extra time since I’m only taking care of two adults.

What’s an activity unrelated to writing that you love?

We are a UFC family. Every fight night, you can bet we’ll be watching!

Fun! That’s great you all have something to enjoy together.

Who’s your biggest cheerleader?

My two boys, Solomon and Sam, have supported me so much along the way. My Aunt Dot has always been one of my biggest fans and reads everything I write!

I’m glad you have that support!

Now I’d like to play a fun little game called This or That. As a writer, I find that a lot of interviews ask the same questions, so I always appreciate sharing something new about myself. I’m super excited about these questions—and I hope you enjoy them!

Introvert or extrovert? INTROVERT!!!!!

Morning or night person? Morning.

Coffee or tea? BOTH! But if I have to choose, a Peppermint Latte will do the trick.

Sweet or salty? Sweet.

Eternal summer or four seasons? Four seasons. I love Fall and Spring the most.

Mountains or beach? Beach for me, but my family only wants to go to the mountains.

Dogs or cats? If I had to choose, which would be so hard for me, I would want a cat!

Over 5’5” or under? Under. 5’2 shortness here.

Left or right-handed? Right.

Hoodie or yoga pants? Hoodie!

You know, I don’t think I’ve ever had a peppermint latte. I may have to change this asap!

Anything else you’d like to add?

My favorite quote is from Randy Pausch’s, THE LAST LECTURE. “The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.” Whatever your brick wall is, don’t give up. Keep working at your dreams. I believe in you.

Jen, thank you so much for spending this time with me and my readers. Readers, you can find Jen at these links—and be sure to check out Love Over Pizza!