March 2026 – Steampunk Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself!

I’m a homeschooling mom of 4 who also writes fantasy novels. I love being active, and I love cheering for my kids doing the things they love. Some of my favorite activities are: downhill skiing, being in a boat, swimming, running, playing frisbee, horseback riding, horse-vaulting, reading out loud to my kids, and baking.

What does NobleBright fantasy mean to you? Why is it important?

Noblebright Fantasy means threads of hope. It means heroes and heroines who are noble (or who have redemption arcs) worth rooting for. It is important because so much in this world is self-serving and dark and focused on darkness and despair. I believe noblebright fantasy is needed to turn our eyes to truth and hope, as well as the One who offers truth and hope to this dark world.

How did you start writing?

I’ve kind of always been writing. My childhood revolved around stories. I grew up in a house built on stories… from my parents reading out loud to me, to family movie nights, to being homeschooled, to reading on my own, making up my own stories just came naturally to me.

What are some of your favorite books/authors? Why?

This question could take a long time to answer. But some of my all-time favorite books and authors would be:
He Whistles for the Cricket by Gwen Walker — because the author was my grandma, and the story is beautiful.

Anything by Albert Payson Terhune, because I loved dog stories as a kid.

Stephen R. Lawhead, specifically the Pendragon Cycle, because I love King Arthur retellings and I love how this author weaves Christianity into his fantastical books.

Timothy Zahn, because I hold his ability to create massive worlds in very high regard, as well as his flair for mystery.

The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander, because they are a great middle grade fantasy series.

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede because the main character and I are very alike.

Please tell us about your world and your characters.

Turrim is a small world, a single continent comprised of six distinct countries. The world itself is divided into the eastern countries which were ruled by various warlords until a single Ar’Mol emerged from the warring factions to become the ruler over all three countries. The western three countries were each ruled by kings until a few hundred years ago when they came together to create a treaty between their three countries.

I have a large cast of characters in this series, but the main story revolves around Grayden, Beren, and Wynn—three young men on their way to the military academy shared by the three western countries, and Captain Marik—a pirate who has been hired to commandeer the airship carrying the cadets to that same military academy.

Do you have any works in progress? Tell us about them!

I am currently working on a portal fairy tale that is a sequel to my middle grade novel, An Echo of the Fae. It is a story about a young girl finding her place in the world, inspired by elements from fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, and Snow White.

Where can we find you online?

The best place to find me online is through my website: https://jenelleschmidt.com

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

Kind of a mix of both. I usually have a specific reader in mind as I write, and I try to write stories they would want to read. But at the same time, I like for a story to surprise me, and sometimes those original twists I didn’t see coming (because they weren’t in my outline) are the parts that I think everyone enjoys the most.

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

DJ Edwardson is an author-friend of mine. He always is super kind and encouraging, and holds me to a high standard, which I appreciate so much.

H.L. Burke is another author-friend of mine who inspires me with her creativity and her energy.

Sarah Pennington is a dear author-friend whose encouragement and friendship has been a shining light and kept me pressing on when writer’s block threatened to overwhelm me.

Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

I generally want each of my series to stand alone. However, I’m not opposed to there being connections between series if it makes sense in the world.

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

Definitely going to Realm Makers was the best money I’ve ever spent as a writer. There is so much to be learned at the conference, but also just to get the encouragement of “my people” and to interact with other Christian authors writing speculative fiction is such a blessing.

How do you select the names of your characters?

Usually I am searching for names with a specific meaning that has something to do with the character. I also usually have some kind of specific culture I’m looking for the name to come from. But I also keep a list of interesting names I happen across in my daily life and occasionally one of my characters will show up with a name off that list.

Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

Not necessarily on purpose, but I do occasionally have little “inside jokes” that make it into my books. Sometimes those jokes are just with myself. But other times it might be an obscure reference to another book or a movie I love that only my family will “get.” It’s fun!

Does your family support your career as a writer?

I have been blessed to have an extremely supportive family. My parents, siblings, husband, and kids are all so supportive and encouraging and they all dive in to help out with whatever they can.

How do you handle writer’s block?

I usually just power through it. I turn on Christmas music and just start writing. To-date, that has never not worked.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

I used to just sit down at my computer and “discovery write” by the seat of my pants… but such writing requires a LOT of editing and re-writing later. So now, I’m more of an outliner, and my husband is a world builder, so together we do a ton of world building before I start writing any story.

Do you have a favourite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

I think my favorite character I’ve ever written was Kiernan Kane. I love all my characters, and they all have a special place in my heart. But Kiernan Kane has remained my favorite. He is special because he is so much more than he seems. He’s also just so much fun to write.

Have any of your books been made into audiobooks? If so, what are the challenges in producing an audio book?

All of my books have been made into audiobooks. I’m sure there are challenges, but I’ve been blessed to work with two amazing narrators who make it so painless and easy. I am a huge fan of audiobooks and I love hearing someone bring my characters to life with their voices. It’s a fun and rewarding collaboration, and it makes my books more widely accessible to readers who prefer to listen.

Favorite quote:

“We are alike,  you and I,” she thought. “Homeless wayfarers in a world that is not our own.” ~Taliesin, Stephen R. Lawhead