I’ve known Jennifer McMurrain for many years. We once wrote for the same publisher. I even know her mother! I really don’t know Raven Lee well but hope to get acquainted with her soon. She is the alter-ego (pen name) of Jennifer McMurrain, that sweet young woman who wrote historical fiction but turned into a female Stephen King. However, I am a huge Stephen King fan, so I am thrilled to read Raven Lee. When you meet her, you don’t think “creepy!” but you never know what boils underneath.
But both women agreed to be interviewed on my blog and also to speak to my local writing club for an upcoming workshop in October. So, I asked them a few questions so we could get to know them.
Author Interview Questions: Raven Lee
1. What drives you to write? I’m just a natural storyteller, and it all started in the 3rd grade. I was in a storytelling competition for school where we had to listen to a story and then repeat it. I never won because I would always change the story to make it more exciting. Apparently, the judges did not like me taking creative license. I can’t pinpoint a certain thing that drives me to write other than it feels like my purpose. I’ve always loved a good story, and now I get to tell them. It’s what excites me every day.
2. What genre(s) do you write, and why? I write historical fiction, small-town romance, and paranormal romance under Jennifer McMurrain and paranormal suspense/cozy horror/horror under Raven Lee. I’ve always loved history. One of my favorite memories growing up was our family stopping at historical markers or sites and my dad telling us what happened there. For me, it wasn’t just about the event, it was always about the people, which is what drove me to writing historical fiction. I’ve always been a bit of a romantic, so of course, I had to throw some of that in there.
I actually hesitated to write the scarier stuff. I didn’t feel I was good enough to really get the atmosphere correct. As my Quail Crossings series was winding down, I was at a loss for what to write next. My good friend, C.D. Jarmola (excellent cozy mystery writer) asked me what I like to read. She was really surprised when I mentioned horror/thrillers/suspense novels and encouraged me to give it a go, especially since my sister, Brandy Walker, had created this incredibly pre-made cover, that I had to have. It took me two stories to find the right one for that cover, now Hush, but taking that step and the success that came after really opened my eyes to what I love to write … the spooky stuff.
It kind of circles back to my love of history. I love a good ghost story, so now I mix both history and ghosts into my Raven Lee books. Most of them have inspiration rooted in a real-life story.
3. What genre(s) do you read, and why? I touched on this above, but I really love reading thrillers/suspense novels. Even more so if they have something paranormal in them. I believe people enjoy the rush of excitement that comes with being scared, especially if they are in a safe place. It’s the same reason people ride roller coasters … that “safe” excitement. I would say that’s the reason I read them.
I don’t just stick with thrillers/suspense … I also read mystery, historical, biographies, romance, self-help … actually, it would be easier to tell you what I don’t read … political thrillers and space operas.
4. What’s your writing schedule? Do you write every day? I do not write every day, but I do try to write more days than not, and I never write/work on Sunday. I do my best to write every weekday while the kids are in school, from 9 to 3. Some days I nail it, and other days I waste a lot of time on what I like to call “productive procrastination.” It’s something that I need to do, but I don’t necessarily need to do it right now, which should be writing, if that makes sense.
I always have a focus project and for that I try to write 5 chapters a week. If I get my chapter done for the focus project, I move on to the next project in line. My brain can’t work on one project at a time. It gets really bored.
5. Give us a glimpse of the surroundings where you write. Separate room? In the kitchen? At the dining room table? I’m very lucky to have an office with a big desk in what used to be my dining room. There’s no door, so I get interrupted a lot by my kids, but I’m really glad they still like to talk to me. I use my laptop which I have attached a larger keyboard and a second monitor too. Since I’m an outliner, it really helps to have two screens. I have a large window that looks out over my front yard and two large trees. I’m easily distracted by squirrels and birds, but I love feeling a bit of nature inside.
6. Are you the kind of writer who needs total quiet to compose, or are you able to filter out the typical sounds of the day and use your tunnel vision? It really depends on the day. Some days I can filter out typical sounds and write like the wind; other days every noise is a distraction and frustration. I can’t write in public. I’m too busy people-watching and eavesdropping. As I’m typing this, I currently have a house of teenage girls, and I’m managing … we’ll see for how long.
7. Do you listen to music while you write, and if so, what kind? If not, why not? The answer to this used to be no music. I recently went through a major life change and got divorced. I split the week with my ex as far as the kids go and some days it’s just too quiet, so I turn on something instrumental that fits the vibe of what I’m writing. Never music with lyrics, I will sing along. I’m great at spontaneous karaoke and I have amazing at-home concerts.
8. What 3 words describe you, the writer? Inventive, atmospheric, myth-rooted
The Person Questions:
1. Tell us one unusual thing about yourself – not related to writing. I was a wildlife biology major and a bear researcher for Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in New Mexico. It was my job to educate the Boy Scouts about camping in bear country and inspecting camps for violations that could get someone hurt. There were zero bear-related incidents that year. I would love to say it was my intimidating presence, but I believe it had a little something to do with all the rain and there being plenty of natural things for the bears to eat. I did, however, have to trap a bear all by myself once. He was a juvenile and getting a little too close to base camp. I trapped him, and then my boss and I took him high into the mountains so he could be a natural bear and not a dead bear. Bears that become acclimated to people don’t live very long. I was happy that I could save this one. I also once held a snake-wrangling certification. I’m not certified anymore, but I can still handle a rattlesnake safely if the situation calls for it … but I’m glad the situation rarely calls for it.
2.What three words describe you, the person? Cheerleader, Passionate, Loyal
4.Best song ever written. This is a hard one … it really depends on my mood, and I love so many songs. I’m in awe of Taylor Swift’s lyrics. I know not everyone likes her, but if you really listen to some of her lyrics, they’re poetry. I’m going to go with an inspirational non-Taylor song though and say, “Defying Gravity.” I really resonate with the theme of having to let something go, even if you love it, because it’s holding you back and believing that you can fly higher than ever before if you just give yourself the chance.
5.Worst song ever written. Soda Pop by the Saja Boys … I loved the K-Pop Demon Hunters movie (no I never thought I’d say that either), and all the songs are bangers except this one. I will literally fast forward through it.
6.Who would you want to be for 1 day and why? (It can be anyone living or dead). Rachel Harrison … right now she’s living her best life as a bestselling somewhat-cozy horror author and I would love a sneak peek to how that looks and what it feels like.
7.What’s your version of a perfect day? In the mountains where it’s not 576 degrees outside, by a lake in the middle of the woods where it’s just the family. Nothing’s hurried. We converse, but mostly we just vibe with nature and recharge.
Thanks for talking with us, Raven/Jennifer. We learned a lot and enjoyed it immensely. I can’t wait to hear your program on Horror writing in Enid on October 17, 2026. If you’re interested in Raven’s books check out her social media links.
Raven Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorravenlee/
Raven Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRavenLee
Raven Website: www.AuthorRavenLee.com
Camp Scissortail: https://amzn.to/3V1f2L7
What are you reading, writing, or creating this week?
Peggy Chambers "Views from the Hammock" site 