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Title: Gwen Doh Lynn

Author: JenJosie

Genre: Paranormal 

Ten-year-old Gwendoline is not happy at her first day in a new school. Not only was there a mishap with the moving firm and she has to wear her old, unfashionable school uniform, she is also two weeks late to the beginning of the term. It doesn't help that teachers call her Gwendoline instead of Gwen-doh-lynn—or simply Gwen.

Her plan to "just fit in" and not being noticed goes down the drain when the only girl to befriend her is the strange Hazel, called "the Witch" by their classmates. But Gwen's problems have only just begun. When it rains spiders on her new home, an old Victorian house once owned by Esmeralda May, the town's notorious witch, and a cat starts talking to her, she learns that magic might be more real than she thought.

Her friend Hazel insists Gwen is a witch herself, but she doesn't want to believe it at first. But then she hurts one of the girls making fun of Hazel by a magical accident. Gwen knows she has to work on controlling her newfound powers and reining in her temper. But how can a fourth-grader learn to handle magic without burning down the house, flooding the school washroom, or getting someone hurt?

In this well-written and quirky story, we follow Gwen as she navigates her mundane and not-so mundane problems while navigating a school bully and exploring Esmeralda May's old home. Perhaps the old witch's grimoire could help her master her own talents. But where would a witch hide her dearest possession? And then there is the history essay contest Hazel wants her to win...

Gwen's character is likable, her struggles against the darker side of her mind are relatable. Her familiar Cat and best friend Hazel great additions and help the main character accept herself, her witchy powers, and overcome her flaws.

Jen gives us a charming and touching story not only children will enjoy, but also many adults. Certainly those who remain children at heart and will forever lookout for a bit of real magic in our rational world.

Review by jinnis

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| INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR |
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✼Is Children's Fiction what you normally gravitate to in your writing? What is your favorite genre to read and write?

- Most of my story ideas have an element of the supernatural or paranormal in them. I lean toward writing stories that are appropriate for middle grade readers, but sometimes my stories turn into adult stories instead. As a reader, I like middle grade and YA stories, always with magic or supernatural elements, or something quirky in them. My all time favorite children's book, which I've read more times than I can count since I was a kid, is Lizard Music by Daniel Pinkwater. Another favorite is How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier. Recently, I've been really into the Upside Down Magic series of books. (And not to leave out adult books, Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton is a book I repeatedly read.)

✼What do you like most about your characters, Gwen and Hazel? And are they based on real-life people?

-I like that Gwen is open to change, and of course I love everything about Hazel, particularly her interest in bugs (I raise monarch butterflies and some other fun insects, so that aspect is definitely based on me!) The characters aren't based on real life people except in the sense of things I remember from being that age and my impressions from kids I work with. I'm a teacher at an elementary school, so I meet a lot of kids.

✼What about the other characters? Were any of them based on real life people?

-They aren't based on anyone in particular. The cat's attitude is based on all the cats I've known!

✼When you are writing a story, are you a plotter (planning everything out in advance) or do you let the story take control and follow it down whatever path it decides?

-I went to college for creative writing, and I used to not be a planner at all, but I've always liked reading about story structure. Last year, when I decided to enter the ONC, I learned a lot about planning and now I LOVE following a specific story structure, while letting the quirky details unfold on their own. So I have a general idea, and clear structure, and then finagle the story to fit that structure as I'm writing it. This gives me a much cleaner first draft.

✼How do you handle writer's block? Do you have any advice for other authors who struggle with writer's block?

-I have a lot of other creative pursuits, so if I don't feel like writing, I just don't. I write in spurts. One thing that has helped me is having a purpose or a deadline, like the ONC. I also have a running document where I just write snippets of stories, scenes, or single paragraphs, so at least I've written something down. Then later, I go back to that big bank of ideas and sometimes something speaks to me and I end up writing the whole story.

✼What is your favorite chapter or moment in the story? And why?

-I don't know if I have a favorite part. I like when Hazel has her jar of flies in the classroom. I think my favorite chapter is the one where Gwen goes to Hazel's house, meets her parents and they see the fireflies. It's sort of a turning point for Gwen.

✼Do you have a favorite character?

-It's a toss up between Hazel and the cat.

✼Do you have any future plans for these characters or this world?

-Maybe. I feel like I'd like to revisit them, but I have no firm plans.

✼How long did it take you to write this story? How long does it normally take you?

-The time it takes me to write something varies a lot, and I rarely just sit for days and work on one story. This one took three months because that was the timeline for the ONC.

✼Do you have a favorite author or book on Wattpad?

-I'm so glad you asked. I have several--all on the darker side though. I love FinnyH's stories. ShadowMaven is awesome. I also enjoy Di_Rossi's work, especially a book of light-hearted paranormal stories called Tales from the Black Goat. Recently, I've been enjoying Nic_Colon's Secrets of the Vines, but I don't think it's finished yet.

✼Where do you get your inspiration from?

-I don't know. It's probably an amalgamation of all the weird and silly cartoons, movies and books I've consumed over the years. I never think, "I want to write a story about ___" It always starts with a scene in my head.

✼Do you have any specific goals as an author?

-I should probably set some goals! Right now, I just want to get better at writing, get more stories written and hopefully those stories will speak to someone else. I'd like to keep making connections with other writers! 

Interviewer: 

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