TAKE 5 with BRENNA JEANNERET

Author’s name: Brenna Jeanneret

Illustrator’s name: Marina Kondra

What is your upcoming book title? THE LAW OF BIRTHDAYS

Date of release: May 1st 2024

Preorder or Order link:    https://www.boulderbookstore.net/book/9781945369438

Publisher: Cardinal Rule Press

Hometown: Longmont, CO

1. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?

The Law of Birthdays is my debut picture book!

My book is about personal choice and autonomy. 

I based the MC on myself [and my hair] as a kid. 

I absolutely love Cardinal Rule Press’s idea to add both front and back matter!

The book reads almost exactly as I submitted it. 

2. What are 5 helpful hints or tips you wish you would’ve known before starting on this publishing journey?

I wish I would have known how emotional this business is.

How important it would be to unplug and know my own boundaries in terms of productivity and output.

That every level has its obstacles. 

That it really is not personal, even though it feels like it sometimes. 

Perseverance is king––pardon the pun!

3. Tell us 5 interesting details about your book.

This book sold and was published within a year and a half, which is lightning fast for publishing.

The illustrator Marina Kondra is lovely and also enjoys rock climbing.

My editor, Adam Blackman, comped my book to Adam Rex’s book, WHY? and I lost my mind! [in the best way, haha!]

When I got the call that the book had sold, I was told not to tell anyone…I told EVERYONE, haha! Well, everyone not on social media. I was too excited! 

The original title was just Cake. I changed it to The Law of Birthdays based on a line from the book. I’d always heard the editor would change it anyway, but they didn’t! 

4. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?

I have 3 middle names.

There are few things I find as satisfying as an empty recycling bin.

I was once the voice of a Japanese radio commercial.

I lived in Asia for 5 years and could speak, read, and write both Hangul [Korean] and Japanese. 

When my husband and I married in Japan our marriage certificate came out of a vending machine. 

5. What are 5 book recommendations (any genre)?

On Writing– Stephen King

A Swim in A Pond in The Rain– George Saunders

In The Ring– Sierra Isley

The Poet X– Elizabeth Acevedo

Endlessly Ever After–  Laurel Snyder and Dan Santat

Frank Lee in Love– David Yoon

11 responses to “TAKE 5 with BRENNA JEANNERET”

  1. Alison McGauley Avatar
    Alison McGauley

    So much fun! Congrats on your debut picture book, Brenna!

  2. Wow! I loved learning all these fun facts about you and your book. Congrats! Can’t wait to read it!

  3. Stephanie Henson Avatar
    Stephanie Henson

    Such a fun little interview. Love the Take 5 format! Congrats to all.

  4. Thank you for sharing.
    I’m happy for your success and for the reminder about not taking things personal in this business. It is such an emotional roller coaster and the only thing we can do
    Is keep on writing.

  5. Stephanie Henson Avatar
    Stephanie Henson

    Such a fun interview. I love the Take 5 format. Congrats to all.

  6. I love that you got to keep the title, it’s a good one!

  7. Cristina Raymer Avatar
    Cristina Raymer

    1. I love that Brenna’s marriage certificate came from a vending machine! 2. Those book recommendations are top notch. 3. This book sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing these facts and for this opportunity!

  8. Suhasini Gupta Avatar
    Suhasini Gupta

    Congrats, Brenna! Thanks for sharing this fun post.

    Suhasini Gupta(@thesusankam)

  9. I loved this format and learning fun facts about you and your book, Brenna! Congratulations!
    ~Lauren Simmons (@LaurenNSimmons1)

  10. I loved this format and learning these fun facts about you and your book, Brenna! Congratulations!
    ~Lauren Simmons (@LaurenNSimmons1)

  11. Thanks for sharing this fun post! And congrats on your beautiful picture book!
    – Stephanie @sflom03

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