Author Interview – Jenn Bouchard – Considering Us

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Jenn Bouchard talks about her new romance book, Considering Us, in which a disgraced chef confronts a past love while navigating scandal.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Jenn Bouchard about her life and career, what inspired the story of her new book, Considering Us, and her creative writing process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I live in the Boston suburbs with my husband and two teenage children. My oldest will be going off to university in the fall. I have taught high school social studies for 25 years and have just recently started teaching short story classes for adults in the evening. I am a fundraising volunteer for the university I attended and a board member for a local scholarship fund. I am an avid cook, which is a big part of all my books. I also love coastal New England, which is why I choose to set my books here!

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I always enjoyed writing but never did it in any kind of significant way until almost ten years ago. I had just finished a major volunteer role for my university; I was the president of the alumni association for two years. When I was done, I had a big space in my life and wanted to do something meaningful with it. I started toying around with the idea of writing a novel. So, I jumped in and figured it out. It took me a very long time, but I learned so much in the process.

When did you take a step to start writing?

Almost ten years ago now! It’s hard to believe. I have written three full books during that time, and I am almost done with a fourth.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

It took me 2 ½ years just to write a first draft of First Course. It was another 3 years until it was released.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

I wrote Considering Us in 6 months during the second half of 2022. With it coming out now in 2025, it’s been almost 3 years in total. I am working much quicker now!

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Considering Us?

After teaching through the worst of the pandemic, I knew I wanted to write something very fun and very light. I loved the idea of telling a “the one that got away” story under forced proximity circumstances. A boarding school was the ideal location for that. I also wanted to write a story set on the New Hampshire seacoast.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Considering Us?

Time is always a challenge. I write a lot of my work during the summer when I am not teaching. I managed to write almost half of Considering Us before I returned to school in the fall of 2022. Finishing it took discipline on my part, but I managed to get the draft done before the 2022 holidays. Then I was able to let it rest before diving into edits in January 2023. It all seems so long ago now!

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

I knew that Devon was going to be an imperfect character who starts off in a mess, partially of her own making. Her scandal leads her to the Rockwood School in New Hampshire, which is in desperate need for a dining director. Devon needs a job, so she has no choice. And when she gets there, she sees Kyle, the one who got away over fifteen years earlier.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

There are a few! Julianna Preston makes Devon’s life hell in Boston very quickly, prompting her to leave town. Ashlyn Lark is the perfect “mean girl” type. And Ryland Dennis is your quintessential snooty academic.

What is the inciting incident of Considering Us?

Devon has been having an affair with the husband of one of her clients. She’s not even sure why she’s involved with him, other than the fact that she likes the attention and is a bit bored. Being discovered with him sends her life into an immediate spiral of turmoil, and she needs to find a new job quickly.

What is the main conflict of Considering Us?

When Devon gets to her new job at the Rockwood School, she discovers Kyle Holling on staff. Kyle is the one who got away over fifteen years ago. He thinks it’s all meant to be and that they should be together, and Devon wants to take a step back and be friends first. Figuring out their relationship is a huge issue for her, especially when she meets a very hot paramedic named Heath.

Did you plot Considering Us in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

I plotted this one pretty closely. I always knew how it would end, but some of the finer details came to me as I wrote the book.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Considering Us need?

Initially, after my own round of edits, one of my friends read it and gave me extensive notes. I reworked it based on those. And then I hired my editor from my previous books to give me her suggestions. Luckily, none of the edits were extensive.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

Read widely in the genre you are interested in writing. Go to author events if you can, or read interviews with authors online. Listening to podcast interviews with authors is also a great idea. Develop characters and an inciting incident. And go for it!

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

I am almost done drafting a romcom about a female baseball coach and a male softball coach. It’s a fun book that my own kids are helping me with, since they are hardworking athletes. There are complicated family dynamics and a ton of delicious Italian food.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

I love being a writer. Connecting with readers and other authors has been the most fun part of all of it. It’s definitely worth the effort.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/421rIkY

Paperback: https://amzn.to/41VblWY

Audible: https://amzn.to/3FIbGoI

Apple Audiobook: https://apple.co/3FJT33E

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/considering-us-jenn-bouchard/1146304359?ean=9781685135522

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/considering-us-jenn-bouchard/21826814?ean=9781685135522

Website: https://jennbouchard.com/

Instagram, Facebook, X, BlueSky: @JennBouchardBOS