Jenna Blum

This week’s Ten Questions brings a visit from New York Times and International Best Selling author, Jenna Blum. Ms. Blum is the author of Those Who Save Us, The Storm Chasers, and a story in the Grand Central Anthology.

I was first introduced to Ms. Blum’s writing through Grand Central, a series of short stories all taking place in Grand Central Station on the same day. After hearing Jenna speak at an event for the Grand Central release, I immediately bought a copy of Those Who Save Us–a wonderfully written WWII historical novel told from the German point of view. It was a lovely accompaniment to the WWII novels I’ve read that were voiced from the Jewish perspective and I highly recommend it to everyone. Before you go out and grab the book though, take a minute to read our interview with Jenna. It’s fun, I promise 🙂

Ten Questions vol. 2 #2 Jenna Blum

Bookish Devices: What is your favorite word?

Jenna Blum: That’s a good question. My most recent favorite word is “crenelation,” about the snow castles here in Boston [BD: This interview was done in the winter of 2015 when Boston was under many feet of snow]. My first favorite word: “inchitate,” as in “Don’t inchitate me” (I meant irritate. I was 2 years old).

BD: What is your least favorite word?

JB: Congrats. If you want to wholeheartedly congratulate somebody, for goodness’ sake, take the time to spell the damned thing out!

BD: What turns you on creatively?

JB: Reading.

BD: What turns you off?

JB: Bad grammar. (I used to use bad grammar as a sieve for dating candidates.) Also incivility.

BD: What is your favorite curse word?
JB: I’m from Jesey, baby. F!!!!!!! The F-bomb!  http://jennablum.com/2014/10/f-ing-f-already-writers-use-f-bomb/

BD: What sound or noise do you love?

JB: My black Lab jumping into the water–SPLOOSHO! So joyous. Also my fiancé’s laugh.

BD: What sound or noise do you hate?

JB: Music I haven’t chosen, especially rap, played too loudly. Bass.

BD: What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

JB: We used to play this game at dinner parties! “What career would you have that involves a lot of training, besides your own?” Broadway singer.

BD: What profession would you not like to do?

JB: Any office job. I had an office job once. For one day. Then I called and said I had mono.

BD: What is your favorite flavor cupcake?

JB: Anything with SEA SALT CARAMEL frosting. You can have the cake. I will take the frosting.

Thank you for joining us, Jenna!
If you’re interested in learning more about Jenna and her novels, she can be found on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.