Biography:

     Born Jennifer Holly Childress, I was raised in Richlands, a coal-mining and farming community nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia.  As a teenager, I didn't really appreciate rural life.  My family's farm was located a mile off the nearest paved road, and sometimes farm life made me feel isolated from the outside world.  But as an adult, I've come to really appreciate where (and how) I was raised, and I often miss those beautiful mountains.  I still have family and friends in the area (though we sold the farm I was raised on), and I get back for a visit every few months. 

     At seventeen, I moved to Johnson City, Tennessee, where I sporadically worked full-time and attended college at East Tennessee State University, eventually earning my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Psychology.  I think I received an excellent education at ETSU, and I am proud to be an alum of that university.  Go Bucs!!!

     In 2001, I moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to attend graduate school at the University of Cincinnati.  I earned my Master of Science in Criminal Justice from that prestigious school in 2002, and met Brandon Webster - the man who would later become my husband - along the way.   I entered the doctoral program in Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati in 2002 and am currently ABD in that program.  (By the way, if you're reading this, Dr. Travis, I am still slaving away on my dissertation - I promise).  UC has one of the top-ranked Criminal Justice graduate programs in the nation.  I am not saying this because I want to toot my own horn, but because I truly think the faculty, staff, and students are of the highest quality and deserving of the recognition.

     In 2003, I took on a full-time position with the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice at Northern Kentucky University, where I am still employed.  NKU has been a great place to work, and I am surrounded by some of the best colleagues a person could hope for.

     In July of 2004, Brandon and I were married at the beautiful Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.  We welcomed the arrival of our first child - a daughter named Lily Anneliese - on March 30, 2009.

     I've written creatively since I was about 9 years old, but only began to seriously seek publication in 2008.  Fortunately, I snared the interest of the wonderful folks at Black Rose Writing, and they published my first novel, Through a Glass Darkly, on September 3, 2009.

     So, those are the facts.  Now, you want to know the miscellaneous stuff?  Okay, here goes...

     In addition to writing creatively, I enjoy painting and woodworking (especially restoring antique furniture).  I'm also a huge fan of the Indianapolis Colts.  The truth is, I started out as a Peyton Manning fan when I was living in Tennessee, and that led me to become a Colts fan, even though I am married to an avid Cincinnati Bengals fan!  (At least my husband and I can agree that the Cincinnati Reds are the best baseball team around, so the relationship is salvaged)!  Brandon and I also enjoy traveling and making extensive use of our digital camera wherever we go.  

     Well, I'm all talked out, so if there's anything else you want to know, you'll just have to send your questions to AsktheAuthor@jenniferhwebster.com.

Thanks for your interest,

Jenn