What is your name, where were you born and where
do you live now?
Jessica Scott, born in Dover Foxcroft Maine and I live in Fort Hood, Texas now.
Jessica Scott, born in Dover Foxcroft Maine and I live in Fort Hood, Texas now.
Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
I think I wanted to be an archaeologist when I was little. But I’ve always written and been an excessive nerd, so well, there you have it (not saying all writers are nerds, just that I am)
When did you first consider yourself as a "writer"?
2007 when I wrote my first book, my brilliant manifesto that still to this day sits beneath my bed and never shall see the light of day. But it was the first time I finished a book and I’ve never looked back.
Did it take a long time to get your first book published?
Almost 5 years.
Do you work another job as well as your writing work?
Yes, I’m an active duty army officer.
What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?
UNTIL THERE WAS YOU: sparks fly when two battle harden officers discover the true person behind the rank on their chest.
Who is your publisher? or do you self publish? I’m with Loveswept, the digital imprint of Random House.
Do you have a "lucky charm" or "lucky routine" you follow when waiting for your book to be accepted by a publisher?
You mean other than go crazy? Not really other than work on the next book.
How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
Ahahah! Let’s not dissect Jess’s process or lack there of.
Which of your books were easier/harder to write than the others?
It’s really true that every book is different and I’ve only got two that have been accepted by my publisher so I don’t really have a basis of comparison.
What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?
I’m definitely going to continue the Coming Home series because I feel like its important to tell Soldiers’ stories even if its in a fictional setting.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I’m currently working on book 3 in the Coming Home series and after that, well, we’ll see where it goes!
What genre would you place your books into?
I write darker contemporary romance. The military angle makes people think they’re romantic suspense but they’re really not.
What made you decide to write that genre of book?
I live and breathe soldier issues every day. I wanted to write a love story that featured soldiers dealing with the problems of coming home from war rather than suspense plots.
Do you have a favourite out of the books you have written? If so why is it your favourite?
I’d have to say that Shane & Jen in BECAUSE OF YOU are my favorites. They stuck with me until I got their story right.
Do you have a favourite character from your books? and why are they your favourite?
Vic Carponti from BECAUSE OF YOU. He’s a clown but he’s someone you’d want guarding your six, that’s for sure.
If you had to choose to be one of your characters in your book/books which would you be? and why?
I’d probably be Claire Montoya because she’s a lot like me in a lot of respects except that she can take a butt chewing. I am TERRIBLE at taking butt chewings.
How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?
I’ve been writing for publication for about 5 years now.
Where do you get your book plot ideas from? What/Who is your inspiration?
I’ll get inspiration from anywhere, honestly, it could be a character or a situation. Whatever strikes a chord has potential to becoming a piece of a book.
Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?
Music. I write best when I have a song stuck in my head. No idea why.
Do you have anybody read your books and give you reviews before you officially release them?ie. Your partner, children, friends, reviewer’s you know?
Whoever is available? Just kidding. I’ve got a couple of folks who are amazing and help me unscrew my manuscripts but they’re a secret b/c I need them. You can’t have them!
Do you gift books to readers to do reviews?
Absolutely! If someone is going to take the time to tell someone about my book, I’m happy to give a copy away.
Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?
If I’ve requested a review and I see it, I’ll share it on my Facebook & twitter feeds. I don’t troll Goodreads or Amazon reviews, though because I worry about my mental health. At the end of the day, some people are going to like a book and others will hate it and that is absolutely okay.
What was the toughest/best review you have ever had?
Someone said my first book read like a rough draft because it had a lot of repetition. That’s still stuck in my head because, well, I do have a problem with repetition.
Would you ever ask a reviewer to change their review if it was not all positive about your book/books?
Absolutely not. It’s their opinion and they’re entitled to it. Even if they’re factually wrong, I’m not going to wade into the discussion. It’s not worth alienating the reader.
How do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs for your book/books? Who designed the Cover of your books?
The art department at Random House designed all of them. They’re really fantastic, don’t you think?
Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?
I claim no credit for the titles. I have a secret title fairy who is a title goddess.
How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
Whatever sticks and makes the person real in my head. If they’re real to me in my head, hopefully, they’ll become real on paper and resonate with readers.
Are character names and place names decided after their creation? or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?
I need names first before I get too far down the road. Names are a must.
Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?
I try to think broad in terms of archetype then narrow down from there.
Do you basic plot/plan for your book, before you actually begin writing it out? Or do you let the writing flow and see where it takes the story?
I storyboard. I got the idea from Alexandra Sokoloff’s Screenwriting Tricks for Writers. Best book out there for storyboarding and plotting.
How do you market/promote your books?
Hope and a prayer?
What do you think makes a book a really good/bestseller?
A book has to resonate with people on some level.
Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?
Oh yes, very much so. I usually start deleting things in my work in progress if I’m stuck for too long. Or I walk away and let my brain try to figure out what’s not working. Because it’s not that I’m blocked per se, it’s that the story isn’t working for some reason.
What do you do to unwind and relax? Do you have a hobby?
Ahahah! That’s a joke, right? No hobbies. Writing is my hobby!
Have you ever based
characters on people you know or based events on things that have happened to
you?
There’s a little bit of my reality in all my books but as far as actual people? No.
There’s a little bit of my reality in all my books but as far as actual people? No.
Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")
I guess each book has a different theme. I’d say the moral of BECAUSE OF YOU is love the people around you because you never know what tomorrow will bring. And UNTIL THERE WAS YOU is to look beyond the surface and the shields people put up to see the real person.
Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing?
Lots of authors. Anne McCaffrey, Nora Roberts. I want to be Nalini Singh when I grow up, lol! She writes with such emotion and beautiful evocative language!
Which format of book do you prefer, ebook, hardback, or paperback? You know I love book stores but honestly, if I’m going to get any reading done, it’s on my ipad now.
What is your favourite book and Why? Have you read it more than once?
Just one favorite? Gah! There are so many I’ve reread.
Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favourite/worst book to movie transfer?
Some do some don’t. I think the Harry Potter movies were great and so was the Hunger Games. Other books haven’t done so well as movies.
What are you currently reading? Are you enjoying it? What format is it?(ebook, hardback or paperback)
Right now, I’m reading Seducing Cinderella by Gina Maxwell on my ipad. Loving that story!
Do you think ebooks will ever totally replace printed books? Absolutely not. There will continue to be change and shift but at the end of the day, no I don’t think they will. People still want books on their shelves and there are massive areas of the country that don’t have the broad band access that is a key factor in ebook adoption.
Do you think children at schools these days are encouraged enough to read? and/or do Imaginative writing?
Not nearly enough. It’s really sad.
Did you read a lot at school and write lots of stories or is being a writer something newer in your life?
I got in SO much trouble as a kid for reading in class instead of paying attention.
Did you have a favourite author as a child?
Anne McCaffrey and Laura Kinsale.
Do you have a treasured book from your childhood? If yes, what is it?
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey.
Do you have a favourite genre of book?
Just about anything.
(Me too! If I like the sound of the plot I will give most book genres a try!)
Is there a book you know you will never read? Or one you tried to read but just couldn't finish?
If I don’t care about the characters, I’m not finishing the book. I want to care about them.
Are there any New Authors you are interested in for us to watch out for? and Why should we watch out for them?
I’d say keep an eye on the Loveswept authors. There’s some real talent in that bunch. Entangled Publishing authors, too are really making an impact lately.
Is there anything in your book/books you would change now if you could and what would it be?
Honestly? No. I’m happy with the final products.
What do you think about book trailers?
I love a good book trailer. I just don’t know how to make one!
What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?
Study your craft. Listen to those who have gone before you. Don’t query too early and pay attention to the industry.
Do you or would you ever use a pen name?
Yes.
If you could invite three
favourite writers to dinner, who would you invite and enjoy chatting with?
Oh wow. Nope, can’t just limit it to three. That’s what RWA is for: connecting with some of those faves and getting to say hi to all of them!
Oh wow. Nope, can’t just limit it to three. That’s what RWA is for: connecting with some of those faves and getting to say hi to all of them!
Where can readers follow you?
Twitter: @jessicascott09
Facebook: facebook.com/jessicascottauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5131118.Jessica_Scott
And any other information you wish to supply?
Remember to check out my UNTIL THERE WAS YOU PRE-ORDER Sweepstakes at http://www.jessicascott.net/blog/2012/08/until-there-was-you-preorder-sweepstakes/
ENTER TO WIN THE GRAND PRIZE OF A KINDLE FIRE OR A NOOK COLOUR!
HOW TO ENTER:
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UNTIL THERE WAS YOU
He plays by the rules, she’s not afraid to break them. Now these two strong-willed army captains will prove that opposites attract.
A by-the-book captain with a West Point background, Captain Evan Loehr refuses to mix business with pleasure—except for an unguarded instance years ago when he succumbed to the deep sensuality of redheaded beauty Claire Montoya. From that moment on, though, Evan has been at odds with her, through two deployments to Iraq and back again. But when he is asked to train a team prepping for combat alongside Claire, battle-worn Evan is in for the fight of his life.
Strong, gutsy, and loyal, Captain Claire Montoya has worked hard to earn the rank on her chest. In Evan, Claire sees a rigid officer who puts the rules before everything else—including his people. When the mission forces them together, Claire soon discovers that there is more to Evan than meets the eye.
He’s more than the rank on his chest; he’s a man with dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other.
(Please Note: this is a Rafflecopter link to the Authors own Rafflecopter Giveaway)
You can preorder UNTIL THERE WAS YOU at these ebookstores or wherever ebooks are sold!
You can preorder UNTIL THERE WAS YOU at these ebookstores or wherever ebooks are sold!
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