Interview with Christian Author Jennifer Mauter

I met Christian Children's Author Jennifer Mauter last year via Facebook and through this meeting had the opportunity to read and review her book Illumination Station-The Big Adventure . I have seen many creative characters through the years, talking vegetables, animals, robots, and insects; but I must admit that this was the first time that I had ever seen anyone use light bulbs as characters.

Jennifer's characters were not only creative, they were also fashioned in such a way that children will be able to relate to them. The storyline shows children that good or bad, there are consequences for all actions. I enjoyed this story so much that I bought a copy for my niece last Christmas and she seemed to enjoy it as well.

Jennifer recently shared with me some of her thoughts on being an author. I hope you all enjoy getting to know her as I have.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself: Where you are from, Your book, etc…

I am a mom and grandma from Gibsonburg, Ohio. I taught Sunday school for many years and wanted to find a way of one, getting children to class, and two, holding their interest once they got there. I wrote a Christian Children’s Book “Illumination Station-The Big Adventure.” The idea came to me after praying for an idea that would teach children about God’s Word in a unique, fun way.

God gave me the idea of using special light bulbs that only illuminate through God’s Word.I then developed the town of Illumination Station and its two streets; Commandment Drive and Temptation Highway. I researched light bulb terms and named my characters after them. Whenever a towns person is led into temptation, their light goes out and everyone knows why. The only way to earn their ‘illumination” is through community service. It teaches children that there are consequences to their actions.

2. Are there any authors that greatly influenced your writing style and what were some of your favorite books as a child?

I can’t say that any authors influenced me, but my favorite author was Dr. Seuss and of course, Nancy Drew.

3. How long did it take you to get your first book published? Were there ever moments when you became discouraged?

I was very fortunate that the first publisher, Tate Publishing Co., Inc. awarded me a contract.
The discouragement is from marketing. It’s been very difficult, if not nearly impossible to “get the word out.”

4. What made you decide to write for Children/YA age groups? Are you currently working on anything else?

As I mentioned above, I was a Sunday school teacher for many years and found a great need in getting children interested in God’s Word. I wanted to make it fun to learn about God.

5. What do you find the most difficult part of being an author?

Marketing is without a doubt the most difficult part of being an author. I don’t sell myself well, and therefore struggle to market my book. I feel that it takes a strong, confident person to market a book, because you have to sell yourself as well. I’m really not that person, but I’m going to keep trying.

6. What are some of your hobbies, other than writing?

I love scrap-booking, sewing and doing creative art projects. Interior decorating is another favorite hobby of mine.

7. What words of encouragement would you give to children who might not be great readers?

I tell children that the whole world opens up to them through reading. There is no limit to where they may travel or what they can do. We are so blessed to have the ability to read and explore everything through literature.

8. Do you hold any other jobs outside of your writing? If so, do you find that this helps your writing or gets in the way?

I am disabled due to a neurological disorder that causes chronic nerve pain from my neck down my spine and into my arms and legs. I don’t however let the bad days discourage me. I’m so grateful to wake up every day. I choose to overcome the pain, not let it overcome me.

9. If you could meet one author, living or dead, who would it be? Why?

I would love to meet Joel Osteen or Oprah Winfrey. Joel’s soft-spoken, spiritually uplifting words fill me with encouragement, and forgiveness. Oprah’s life class is a life-saver. After experiencing a very difficult situation, I am now able to put my focus where it belongs, not where it’s been.

10. Do you have any other information you would like to share, such as a website, author page, awards won, etc.?

My blog is called Illumination Station. (Now I have to remember to update it!)

I would also like to invite everyone to read my book reviews on Amazon.com. I am so grateful to all the people that took the time to write these for me.

Thank you to Aileen Stewart for your support! Thank you for this interview.
You’re the best.