Interview with Chiaverini

Quilting event features author

Which came first? The writing or the quilting? Author Jennifer Chiaverini, who will be in Toulon on April 18 for the Toulon Public Library’s special event, took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to The News.

“Actually, the quilting came first,” said Chiaverini.

Chiaverini has an English degree from Notre Dame and received a Master’s in British literature from University of Chicago. From there, Chiaverini held a position as a writing instructor at both Penn State and Edgewood College in Madison, WI. Now, she’s a successful author of thirteen novels and three quilt pattern books.

“I started quilting as an adult,” said Chiaverini. “Mom did some sewing, but not quilting. Now, we quilt together.”

Chiaverini started her writing career with an unsolicited, un-agented manuscript.
“It’s the worst way to submit an idea to a publicist,” said Chiaverini. “Even back then, your best chances were to submit through an agent. Now, there’s no way that would happen.” Chiaverini’s first submission, The Quilter’s Apprentice, was published in 1999.

“I’m just thankful that someone in Simon and Schuster took a chance on me,” said Chiaverini. Chiaverini now works out of her home with her two children, age’s third grade and kindergarten.
“I keep regular hours,” said Chiaverini. “I work from about eight until five and try to write at least 2,000 words a day.”

Chiaverini continues with a smile in her voice, “Some days that’s easier to do than others.”
“We have a nanny to watch the kids during the day, so my evenings are for family,” continues Chiaverini. She’s glad that she can keep her weekends and evenings free for family events.
“Every so often I have to leave town for a book tour,” said Chiaverini. “Sometimes I can bring the family, but often I travel alone. Again Simon and Schuster works hard to keep me from being away from home for very long.”

Chiaverini takes about two years to finish a writing project from start to finish. All the projects overlap.

“One day I might be meeting with the publishers about an upcoming book jacket, writing the next novel and then promoting the newest publication,” said Chiaverini.
Chiaverini’s novels, the Elm Creek Quilt Series, are historical fiction with some quilt information thrown in.

“When I’m gathering information about a new book, I often travel to the area I’m writing about.” For the newest book, The Lost Quilter, Chiaverini went to Charleston, West Virginia and Edisto Island, South Carolina to gather information about the area.

“When you have specific criteria,” begins Chiaverini “you have to go to a place and visit and get some idea of the distances, smell, sounds; the feel of a place. The internet is a great place to start, but it cannot portray the feeling of a place that a writer needs to covey in their writing.”
Working as a writer and specializing in “quilt stories” Chiaverini was given a unique opportunity. She helps design quilting fabrics for Red Rooster.

“Red Rooster contacted me,” said Chiaverini. “The designers wanted something special and unique, so they wanted to see if I was interested.” Chiaverini was. Many of the designs are inspired by her novels. Chiaverini gives credit to Ann Fishkin and Carol DeSousa at Red Rooster for bringing her ideas to life.

Chiaverini is looking forward to attending the Toulon Public Library’s event on April 18.
“Librarians have been very supportive,” said Chiaverini. “An event organized by a library is well organized; they love books and are enthusiastic about them.”

Chiaverini continues, “It’s a sign of a strong community, to care about books and care about reading. That’s where you want to visit.”

The event on April 18 begins with quilting workshops every hour from 8:30a.m to 10:30 a.m. as well as historical presentations at the Toulon Public Library, Dr. Thomas Hall’s office and the Congregational Church all in Toulon. Jennifer Chiaverini will begin her presentation at 2 p.m. at the News Room Bistro on Main Street in Toulon. The cost for the event is $15 for the Quilting Workshops and $35 for the afternoon presentation by Chiaverini, or $45 for both the morning and afternoon events. Space is limited so contact the Toulon Library if interested in attending or register online at www.toulonpld.org.

Quilt displays will be set up at the Baptist, Methodist and Congregational Churches in Toulon, with a special display of quilts from the Bishop Hill Quilters at the Stark County Junior High.
For more information about Jennifer Chiaverini, you may go to her website at www.elmcreek.net.