Interview with Associated Content Producer, Jennifer Bove

Jennifer Bove is one of my favorite writers here on Associated Content. She writes about various topics and has been very supportive and encouraging to me and others who have gotten to know this talented writer.

Jennifer Bove is also participating in the Page View Races organized by Han Van Meegerin and is on Team PenWorthy. She really took initiative and got our team going by using her leadership skills. She even went the extra mile to help get her team extra page views by writing interviews on Harriet Steinberg, Millionaire Hoy, Mary Carol Herwood, Maria Roth, and myself. Samaira is not currently available for an interview.

Taylor Rios: Tell me a little bit about yourself, have you always written? When did you get interested in writing online and how did you find yourself at Associated Content?

Jennifer Bove: When I was younger I was an excellent writer as I was an avid reader. I wrote mostly all fiction stories and poems. Something happened, and I lost that ability. Funny thing is, when I finally got my toes wet and started writing again, it was completely opposite of what I used to do; now I can only write factual pieces.
I never really thought of writing online to be honest. Then I was on a very reputable site reading an article about working at home, and AC was one of the things listed. I signed up right away, but then thought it was just a scam so did nothing. That was April, 2009. July 31, 2009, I had read an article in a magazine that really upset me and I just sat down and wrote, Finding a Middle Ground In a Food Obsessed Era," and to my surprise it was accepted. When the money was deposited right away I knew it wasn't a scam and suck with it.

Taylor Rios: What is the most valuable piece of advice you have received in regards to your writing?

Jennifer Bove: Most recently I was commiserating with a fellow writer, Bonnie Doss-Knight. She has been an excellent friend and is a great writer. When I stopped getting upfronts, I just kind of gave up trying. Most recently I started trying again, only to have all declined again. She gave me the advice to write about life experiences and to watch what I use as a reference, which I didn't really think much about anymore. I think her advice is excellent. Another good piece of advice, which also came from her is to not be preachy to my audience. I really have to start watching that

Taylor Rios: What is your greatest writing accomplishment and what are your writing goals for the near future?

Jennifer Bove: I guess just the fact that someone was willing to pay me for my written words was the greatest accomplishment to me. I would have never dreamed that t would happen. I didn't really set out here with any goals, since I didn't think it was an honest to goodness way to earn money. Now that I know it is, I have a couple goals. For AC, my goal is to improve my craft enough to once again start earning those upfront payments. This can be done by reading other's work, asking questions, etc. My goal outside of AC is to learn how to write fiction again and write a book. I actually worked with a writer, and he "ghost wrote" a book for me. I would like to be able to do it on my own.

Taylor Rios: What advice would you give new Associated Content writers as they embark on this fun (and scary) adventure?

Jennifer Bove: Read other contributor's work. You can learn so much because as in the "outside of AC" world, the community is diversified and you can learn so much from so many. Ask questions, and more questions. Also, I never even saw the forums and the AC blog until I was on here quite a while, take advantage of them, and the tutorials.

Taylor Rios: With a life outside of AC, how do you manage your time effectively?

Jennifer Bove: To be honest, I don't really have much of a life! You would think I'd be churning out fifteen articles a day! I have a lot of health issues and am basically stuck here at the house. I do have my Granddaughter every day so I guess that counts for something right?

Taylor Rios: Where do you see yourself as far as writing is concerned in 5 or 10 years? What do you hope to have accomplished by then?

Jennifer Bove: I hope to have sharpened my skills enough by then to be truly happy with what I write. I really hope to do that book on my own instead of having someone else write it for me. No offense to him, he did a great job, I just really feel I have a lot to put into a story. I would like to create a book that would touch people's hearts.

Taylor Rios: Who are your favorite AC writers and why?

Jennifer Bove: That question is tough because the list is endless. I guess first I'll write the why. Each writer has their own experiences and I can learn from each of them. Each writer has mastered something about writing online, but all different things. Like, one writer may have mastered coming up with unique articles. One writer may have mastered grammar. One writer may have mastered getting amazing PV's. Actually I guess that list is endless too. These are in no particular order, and to those of you I left out, it wasn't intentional, they are off the top of my head, and as I said, the list really is endless. Although no longer with us, Betty Malone was and is among my favorites. She seemed to have mastered everything and was so kind. There's you of course-Taylor Rios, Bonnie Doss-Knight, Jeffery Weeks, Anita Cameron, Bloggerpoet79, Brian Koeller, Carol Roach, Charlotte Kuchinsky, David Reinstein, Franklyn Gallup, J.C. Grant, Jack Wellman, John Myers. I'm not going to g any further, because believe me this in itself would take an entire article.

Taylor Rios: What is your writing process? Do you plan what you are going to write and take notes the night before or are you more spontaneous?

Jennifer Bove: I guess now I'm more spontaneous. I used to write in a copybook, then type it out, then do my checks like grammar, spell check, and all those other great tools. Now I start directly on the computer and I have found that my articles expand that way. I may have started about one thing, then change my mind and do it on something else. It's nice that way because I have found you can get many ideas and articles just researching for one thing.

Taylor Rios: What is your favorite thing about AC? What improvements or changes would you like to see at AC?

Jennifer Bove: My favorite thing about AC is the community. The people on here are so kind, generous with their time, and some I consider my true friends. Improvements? I'd like to see a more consistent input from AC s to what they really want from us as writers.

Taylor Rios: Do you write for any other sites, and if so, how do you manage it all? If AC is your only writing site, why did you choose AC over the others?

Jennifer Bove: I just recently applied at other sites. I stuck with only AC for a while now since I was writing exclusive articles. Now that most are Display Only, I'd rather be able to put my articles up on more places and get more exposure and money.

Taylor Rios: What is your favorite article that you have written and why?

Jennifer Bove: I would have to say Chris Cornell: A Short Musical Biography. Not that there was anything super special about my writing on that one, but it was fun to write about my all time favorite musician.

Taylor Rios: Are you surprised at which articles of yours get the best page views? What have you learned about page views since joining AC?

Jennifer Bove: Yes, I m always surprised at the articles with the most PV's. The reason is, a lot of times it is something didn't work too hard at, but interested me so I wrote about it. I have learned that if you happen to get listed top page on Google your PV's will go through the roof.

Taylor Rios: Why should people pay attention to your content? What is unique about your writing? Anything you would like to add as a closing?

Jennifer Bove: Another toughie! I am my own worst critic so it is very hard for me to answer that question. I do try to write articles that would be helpful to people though.

As a closing, I would love to thank all the AC contributors for their wonderful work. I would really like to thank the people that PM back and forth with me, whether it be about AC or just everyday stuff. I feel like I'm part of the world again when I'm on here. I'd also like to thank you for doing this article. You have had some patience; I know it took me a bit to respond. I really didn't know where to start.

Jennifer Bove is a talented writer and she has something published that will be of interest to everyone.
My favorite articles from Jennifer Bove are Chemically Induced Psychosis, Resources for Those Without Health Insurance, Tips for School Shy Children - Back to School, and Great Fashion Tips for Curvy Ladies.