Shadow's Edge out November 1, 2011 from Black Opal Books
"...one of those books where you get to the end and scream 'More!'” Regan Murphy 4.6 out of 5 stars
"...a tightly written, jammed packed paranormal that will have you enthralled right from the start." Taylor Jones 4.5 out of 5 stars
Did you always want to be a writer? If not, what did
you want to be?
Strangely enough, nope. Initially I wanted to be a judge, but when I
learned how long law school would be I move on.
Next up was veterinarian, but the first time I helped set a dog’s hind
leg, I figured out that was not an option.
Then it was on to theater, but that would require moving to New York and
I’m not that kind of girl. I hit on
writing after being adopted at the age of fourteen, my state mandated therapist
suggested I keep a journal. Funny
thing, it got boring so instead I started creating stories and characters that
were much more interesting than reality at the time. I started writing fiction in earnest as a
freshman in high school. Back in the dark ages, typing on an actual typewriter
was a required class. My parents had
invested in an electric typewriter so the six of us in high school could
practice our typing skills. Needless to
say, I would hover over siblings until they finished then I would commandeer
the typewriter for my own nefarious purposes.
By the time I began to pack for college at eighteen, I had almost 200
pages of YA fantasy novel done. And no,
it will never, ever, see the light of day again. After that, writing was something I had to do.
Did it take you a long time to get your first book
published?
Yes and no.
Yes, because any length of time is long for me. No, because it the
overall scheme of things, five years is about standard from what I’ve
heard. “Shadow’s Edge” was picked up by
Lauri Blasch at Black Opal Books from a three line pitch contest by Savvy
Authors. Before that, I had non-fiction
pieces published on National Public Radio and part of charitable anthologies,
but my fiction—that took five years—more or less.
Do you work another job as well as your writing work?
Oh yeah. The dream is to achieve the point where your writing can cover your bills. Until then, I have a job-that-pays-the-bills. The biggest benefit of my job is that I can telecommute, so I can squeeze in a few sentences here and there.
Oh yeah. The dream is to achieve the point where your writing can cover your bills. Until then, I have a job-that-pays-the-bills. The biggest benefit of my job is that I can telecommute, so I can squeeze in a few sentences here and there.
What is the name of your latest book, and if you had
to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?
My first and latest book is “Shadow’s Edge:
Book 1 of the Kyn Kronicles”. I’d say
it’s a story about facing the monsters within and without and deciding where
your own personal line lies.
What genre do you place your books in?
Urban Fantasy or Paranormal—I’ve seen it
done both ways.
Who is your publisher?
I’m part of a great group of writers at
Black Opal Books.
Who designed the cover of your book?
The kudos for that goes to Kim Killion at
Hot Damn Designs. I knew I wanted
something edgy, but didn’t want the standard Urban Fantasy shot of the woman
with weapons and all you see is her back or shoulder or whatever body part is
keen at the moment. I took a risk using
a face shot, but Kim worked with me and came up with the beautiful cover I have
now.
Which format of book do you prefer, ebook, hardback or
paperback?
That’s a hard one. I actually do all
three. I have my library scattered
across two huge bookcases, my Kindle and my nightstand. I love to hold the actual book and I don’t think
that will ever change, but ebook is great, especially as it means I don’t have
to listen to my hubby grumble how the books are taking over the house.
What are you currently reading? Do you enjoy it? What
format is it?
Right now, my reading is on hiatus until I
finish the edits for my second book coming out in Summer 2012. However, JR Ward’s Envy is staring at me with
soulful eyes from my nightstand.
Unfortunately, it has company…Charlaine Harris, CE Murphy, Eileen
Rendahl, Juliana Stone, Kerrlyn Sparks, Kelly Gay, and Katie MacAlister—are all
fighting for attention. I love all of
these and so many other authors. The sad
fact is I could go on for pages about the writers I read. Right now I’m at 50/50—paperback/ebook.
Do you think ebooks will ever totally replace printed
books?
Probably not. Too many people like actual books. However, in this electronic age, the
convenience of ebooks is being able to carry hundreds of books on one small
electronic bookcase. Beats trying to
figure out if you want to pack another book or more clothes during
vacation. In my case, the book generally
wins. There’s always a washing machine
or river or something nearby.
What piece of advice would you give a new writer?
Even if you don’t want to, you need to give
a critique group a chance. It took me
almost three years to discover the best critique group in the world—the 7 Evil
Dwarves. Not only do they become some of
your closest friends, but they’re the ones pushing you forward to pitch to this
agent, try that contest, submit to this publisher, and so on. They are there to help ponder the questions
only other writers would ever understand, to hone your writing to levels you
only dreamed about, but overall they are there as your cheering section. Writing is a solitary occupation, but it
doesn’t hurt to have people to talk to you when you poke your head back out of
your cave!
Where
can people find you?
You can find Jami and her
books here:
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