I am a born and raised small town Ohio girl, who moved to the Sunshine State after graduating from college. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in English because I could not imagine doing anything else but reading and writing. It is such a pleasure to be able to share all the stories in my head!
In the journey of life, I also became a wife and a mother of three children. So, life is always an adventure. But the love of writing has never died.
My favorites: I love to read and write... obviously! But I also enjoy all sports, especially college football and the Ohio State Buckeyes! Go Steelers! Go Rays! I LOVE to travel... LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to travel. And I love sharing my love to travel with my children. I love to drink Teavana teas! I love a good glass of wine, especially if it comes from a bottle made by the FOOLS wine club… yep, I’m a member of that! I love hanging out with my family and my friends! Big fan of music, but love nothing better than putting on my jean shorts, tank top, cowboy boots and hat and watching Tim McGraw belt it out! I’m a sucker for a cowboy hat!
Favorite quote: “If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.”
http://www.jessicajayneauthor.com
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6545547.Jessica_Jayne
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Author-Jessica-Jayne/388268367912903
http://pinterest.com/thejessicajayne/boards/
Twitter: @JessicaJayne13
Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?
I do a little of both. Once a scene or a story concept hits me, I do try to do a little planning. I make sure I know the characters and have some idea of the direction that I would like the story to go in. But that is about as far as the characters usually allow me to go in the planning phase.
There was a time period when I did try to outline and plan down to the details of every chapter and I found myself in writer’s block constantly. I was frustrated and upset because I couldn’t get the story out. Then one day, I decided I was just going to sit down and write and write without an outline. What do you know! Everything started to flow pretty nicely. I guess too much structure is a road block for me.
Do your characters ever want to take over the story?
All the freaking time! I have had instances where I sit down to write and think I’m going to cover a certain aspect of the story. Next thing I know, I’m reading the three thousand words I just wrote thinking “Where the heck did this come from?”
What is your favourite food?
Pizza… hands down
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I used to be a night owl… and sometimes still am when I get caught up in a good book. But since having children that sadly rise sometimes before the sun, I’ve had to become a morning person. I don’t mind so much now, but it did take me a couple of years to adjust.
Where do you dream of travelling to and why?
I am a traveler by nature. I’ve always had the traveling bug and have been quite a few places. Top on my list right now is Ireland. It’s beautifully green. The landscape is breathtaking. The history is amazing. The architecture interesting. The towns and villages quaint. And from the rumors I’ve heard, the beer is GOOD!
Do distant places feature in your books?
Not yet. My books have mainly consisted of areas that I know pretty well. I may have made up some of the towns, but they are based on areas I’m familiar with. I write contemporary stories, but I started to dabble with another author in some paranormal stories, which I think may take the reader to some distant places when we are done.
Do you listen to music while writing?
It depends on what I’m writing. If I am having trouble getting into the mood of a scene, I do put music on that will help me get where I need to be. But sometimes I write in complete silence because I have the characters talking in my head and I need to be able to hear them.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
Board Stiff is the first book in a three book series called Taking Advantage. I sort of got the idea for John and Elizabeth’s story sitting outside a boardroom waiting to give a presentation. A scene came to me and shortly thereafter, John and Elizabeth’s story came together.John is a young, independent and strong business man, who doesn’t feel challenged by the women that throw themselves at him. He needs a woman that can carry on a conversation all the while putting him in his place. Now, that would turn him on! And Elizabeth Wright is just the girl to do all that! (Board Approved – Book 2 in the Taking Advantage series will be out in September.)
What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?
If you want to make it in this field, you need to have thick-skin and determination and you need to never stop writing. I also learned that you need to take chances. I had so many stories started or almost completed but never worked up the courage to finish one and submit it anywhere. I think it was the fear of rejection. But it was the best step I took… you never know unless you try!
Is there anything you would do differently?
Yes. I would submit my work earlier than I did!
Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?
When I was in tenth grade, the senior English teacher asked me to be in the senior level creative writing class. I did well in the class and the teacher, Mrs. B, challenged me regularly. Since that point in time, she has encouraged me to keep writing and submit my writing for publication. She stayed in touch with me all these years as my cheerleader!
Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?
Write. Write. Write. Don’t stop writing. Sometimes it’s not that first story you write that seems right for submission. So just stay at it.
What are three words that describe you?
Adventurous. Loving. Fun.
What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?
This really is a difficult question for me to answer because almost on a daily basis I find new writers that impress me and challenge me because of what they produce. The first book I fell in love with years ago was Garden of Lies by Eileen Goudge. It was heartwarming and heart wrenching at the same time and I have always aspired to be able to tell a story like that one. Recently, I read The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons and had a similar feeling. I love those kind of stories.
Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book
Taking Advantage Series
Jessica Jayne
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance – Romance on the Go
Publisher: Evernight Publishing – This book was an Editor’s Pick
Date of Publication: July 10, 2013
Number of pages: 32
Word Count: 10,800
Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs
Evernight | Amazon | Amazon UK | ARe | Bookstrand
John Dorsey’s life is good. He is the owner of Dorsey Construction. He’s the youngest person on the board of directors for Advantage Insurance Company. He lives on the beach. And he knows he can have any woman he wants. John’s got the world at his fingertips… except he’s yet to find a woman that stimulates both his body and mind.
Elizabeth Wright worked hard in a large Tampa law firm making a name for herself, but it came at the expense of her personal life. When Advantage Insurance Company offers her a job as corporate counsel, Elizabeth cannot turn it down. The thought that she can have a successful legal career and a life excites and intimidates her.
But when their worlds collide one day in the Advantage board room, neither Elizabeth nor John knows what’s hit them. All they know is they can’t stay away from each other.
List of previous books if any:
More Than Friends – published by Cobblestone Press
In Flames – published by Evernight Publishing
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Thanks for hosting me today, Annette! I enjoyed the interview! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome :)
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