A Life in Books with Gina Jenkinson

Today on A Life in Books I welcome Gina Jenkinson whose new book The Wishing Well Bakery s available to buy now.

Hey everyone, I’m Gina, but I write most of my books under the name Mystic Storm. I started writing books when I was eleven years old, my first ever book was written as part of my English class, we had to choose an animal to write about and I chose a panda who went on adventures around the world. My first book was published just over two years ago and is a fantasy romance about a witch who gets turned into a vampire by her ex-boyfriend, it is called The Vampires Curse.
I have written eight books altogether, three novels and five non-fiction books about witchcraft and mythology.
My last novel was a WW2 romance set in London and Surrey, it is called Fighting for Love and is written under my real name, I have gotten over 40 five star reviews on all my books in total.
My influences include JK Rowling, Jane Austen, Katie Fforde, Jill Mansell, Cathy Woodman, and Lynda Page.
I love writing stories, I love creating my own world and characters, making up my own rules.
Even doing the research for my ww2 novel was fun, I even researched the days of the week, weather, and prices and rations.
I have always wanted to be an author, I don’t do it for the money (although that’s a bonus) I do it because I love writing and showing my work to everyone.
My latest novel is part one of three of the wishing well bakery set in the lovely town of Wells Somerset. It’s about a magical bakery and a witch named Poppy Andrews. Full of magical creatures, a healing water wishing well and so much more.
I prefer writing fantasy as I can create anything I want, like in my vampire novel, I made up my own rules, it my new one, anything was possible as it is all make believe.
Apart from writing, I also design jewellery.

 

1. What was your favourite book from childhood?

My favourite book as a child was called Apricots at Midnight by Adele Geras. It was a Gran telling her Granddaughter about a patch work quilt and the stories behind each patch. I found a copy recently on amazon and bought it.
 

2. What type of books did you read as a teenager?

The Famous Five books, I felt like I was in the story too. It was at this point that I realised I wanted to be a writer.

 

3. When you were at school what was your favourite book you studied?

Possibly The Crucible about the Salem witch trials, it was a sad, yet interesting true story about innocent men and women getting killed because of two children.

 

4. What is your favourite classic book?

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, I have read it numerous times and seen different film versions. I love Teddy.

 

5. What would you consider to be one of the best books you have had over the last 5 years?

The Harry Potter series, I am a huge fan of these books and films, they make me laugh and cry. I am a complete Potter nerd.

 

6. What book do you think you should read but never get around to?

The Twilight series, but I cannot stand vampires that sparkle, and I’ve read some vile reviews about it.

 

7. What do you consider to be your favourite book ?

Perfect timing by Jill Mansell, I have read it like 10 times in the past 2 years. It is a funny book and I named my latest character after the lead character in this book.

 

8. Is there a book that you have started but been unable to finish?
Yes, quite a few. The blurb drew me in, but then I couldn’t finish them. One being The Ivy League Chronicles by Karen Quinn.

 

9. If you were stranded on a desert Island which 2 books would you want to have with you?
The Order of the Phoenix and perfect timing. A bit of laughter and magic and a bit of romance.

 

10. Kindle or Book?
Proper book for definite, I mean I have read a few kindle books but, it isn’t the same as holding an actual book in your hand, the feel and smell of the paper.

 

Gina’s latest book is available to buy on Amazon now.