Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for us at FAR- Fallen Angel Reviews. We know a few things about you such as your web site: www.newoa.com/bgardner, www.bernadettegardner.com and www.jennifercolgan.com but we are all curious to know more. So by answering these questions you can help us get to know you.


What is the one thing that you would want us, the readers to know about you?

One thing? That's a tough question. I guess it would be that I'm committed to writing enjoyable stories that provide an escape from reality for a while. Those are the kinds of stories I love to read, and that's what I always want to write. I'm not interested in shocking anyone or pounding a lesson into someone's head - I just want readers to have a good time and get caught up with my characters the way I do.

Rumor has it that you that you are a big Star Trek fan and love Science Fiction? How true is this?

Extremely true. LOL. I grew up watching Star Trek and even spent a number of years as a member of StarFleet, the International Star Trek Fan Organization. My husband and I met at a Star Trek Convention 15 years ago this summer, so Trek has been a major part of my life for a long time. I'm a fan of Star Wars, Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Farscape and Battlestar Galactica as well. I suppose it's the idea that anything can happen in science fiction that makes it so attractive. There are no limits, except the imagination.

Have you ever tried your hand at Science Fiction?

That's how I started out. My first stories, written when I was in grade school, were sci-fi. My favorite type of story of course is a romance with science fiction elements.

Of all your books which one would you say holds the most meaning for you and why?

Hunter's Moon was the first story I ever had accepted for publication so it will always have a special meaning for me. It's the story that proved to me I had a shot at realizing my dream.

If you were going to visit any place in the world to research a book where would it be?

Do I have to narrow it down to just one place? If I had to choose only one, top of my list would be Ireland. I'd love to write a story steeped in Celtic Lore.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment in life?

My two greatest accomplishments are my children. They're my most important works-in-progress. {grin}

Have you written or be published under any other names?

I write under the name Jennifer Colgan also. I have a fantasy novel, Conjured In Flames, available from Amber Quill Press, and a science fiction romance, Ravenstar's Bride, soon to be released from them as well. From New Concepts I have my first vampire novella, Bonfire of the Vampires.

Do you have any other sites under a different name other than Bernadette Gardner, or even a yahoo site where people can join to find out the latest and greatest books out there by you?

Readers can visit either of my websites: www.bernadettegardner.com or www.jennifercolgan.com to find out what's new. I try to update both sites several times a month. I don't have my own yahoo group yet - but stay tuned, that's on my To-Do list. LOL.

Between the time you get an idea to the finish of the book how long does it take you to write it?

It varies - a short story or novella might take a few weeks, a novel maybe three or four months due to my schedule.

Of the jobs you had which one did or do you like the best?

I've been fortunate to work for some great companies and wonderful bosses, but the job of novelist far outweighs any of the other things I've done - with the exception of being a Mom, which is certainly the hardest job I've ever had.

If you were going to travel back in time where would you want to go? Why?

Oddly, I'd choose the 1940s. There's something about that era that has always fascinated me. I guess I see it as the last Age of Innocence - I would love to see what America was like back then - especially the cities and towns I'm familiar with now to see how they've changed over time.

Besides writing all those great books, what do you do in your spare time, if you have any?

Most of my spare time is spent writing - but I'm hoping to get back to some of the crafts I love, like quilting, candlemaking and bead work. Let me loose in a craft store and I'm a goner. [Along with my spending money.]

With all those great books and even better reviews that are out, what do you have coming out soon? I understand that you have a new book coming out. Ken'Ja is coming out in January 2006 I understand. Can you tell us about them?

Ken'Ja will be part of an anthology collection by Amber Quill called Starlight Serenade [Vol. II]. It's a collection of steamy science fiction romance by some stellar authors. Ken'Ja is the story of two escaped prisoners of war who have to rely on each other to survive. In my [very humble] opinion, it's my sexiest story yet.

Are you under contract for any new books, or have any in the works? Can you tell us a little bit about them? Just a little tease, please?

I have several projects lined up with both Amber Quill and New Concepts publishing. I'm exploring the ideas of werewolves, witches, ancient Egypt, and life on several distant planets. [Though not all in one story, of course!]

Thank you so very much for answering the questions as I am looking forward to hearing more about you and the books you have coming out.


Interviewed by: Wendi