Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeneva Rose.
Hi Jeneva, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I had tried writing a book many times throughout my life, but it wasn’t until 2016 that I really sat down to do it. It was a bucket list item, and I told myself I would write one book and that was it, just to be able to cross it off. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with the writing process.
I loved having something I was working toward the outside of my full-time job and something tangible that I could share with others. Before I finished writing that first book, I knew I would write another. This time, I decided to write a thriller. It was my favorite genre to read, and there was nothing I enjoyed more than being hit with a twist that knocked me off my feet, so I set out to create that same feeling with a book of my own.
That novel happened to be ‘The Perfect Marriage’ and three years later it was published by a small publisher after a great deal of rejection, parting ways with an agent, and nearly giving up. I knew I’d have to market it myself, but with ten years of social media and digital marketing experience, I believed I could, and I could do it well. My marketing on Instagram led to the film/tv rights being optioned within the first four months of publication.
Then in early 2021, I turned to Tiktok, and thanks to a viral video I created, my debut became a bestseller, selling over 11,000 copies across formats in four days. It hit the Publisher’s Weekly, Amazon Charts, Apple Books, and B&N bestseller lists. Since then it has sold over 300k copies and has been translated into a dozen languages. I was able to leave my full-time job in March 2021 and transition to working as an author, which was a dream come true.
My second thriller, ‘One of Us is Dead’ was released in April 2022 and was named an Amazon Editor’s best mystery, thriller, and suspense pick. I’ve recently signed a major deal with Blackstone Publishing for my next five thrillers. So, readers can expect a book from me every spring/summer through at least 2027.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been very bumpy, covered in potholes, and unpaved for much of the journey.
I’ve run of outgassing, been steered in the wrong direction, the check engine light has flickered on and off, and sometimes I’ve considered turning back. With 500 rejections under my belt, it has been difficult but not impossible. I told myself early on, that “no” isn’t “no.” “It’s ‘not right now” or “noble attempt.”
This industry requires thick skin and a great deal of determination and drive, and in order to find success in it, you can’t let anything stand in your way, like rejection or five hundred of them.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an author, and I’m best known for writing thrillers and for my debut novel, The Perfect Marriage, which has been translated into a dozen languages and optioned for film/tv.
My new thriller, One of Us is Dead, was released in April 2022 and it tells the story of a southern salon owner who gets entangled in the lives of her elite, wealthy clients. When one of them ends up dead, it’s only her and her accumulation of town gossip that can help the police solve the murder.
It was named a top pick and a must-read by E! News, PopSugar, Bustle, Betches, and Nerd Daily. It was also the best thriller pick by Amazon.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very talkative and as a middle child, I sought out lots of attention. I loved writing, playing outside, board games, and spending time with family and friends.
I’ve always had a sense of humor, a bubbly personality, and an eagerness to learn. I asked lots of questions, and I found joy in discovering the answers to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jenevarose.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenevaroseauthor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenevaroseauthor
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenevarosebooks
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenevaroseauthor
