Hi Jillian, thank you for agreeing to this interview.
Discuss your newest book. My latest release is Air’s Vision. The third and final book in a paranormal romance trilogy about four peri-mortal beings who use their element-air, water, earth, fire- to protect the Earth and its inhabitants. I would suggest reading them in order: Water’s Threshold, Fire’s Field, Air’s Vision.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? I’m an avid romance reader, and thought, I can do this. It’s not as easy as it seems. I had to learn basic grammar all over again. Grammar can be a pain.
What are your current projects? I have a novella waiting to be run through a second draft. I also am finishing the first draft of my third romantic suspense in the O-Line Series, Maude’s Score.
What books have most influenced your life most? I get asked this question a lot. I think reading in itself has influenced me. Influential books are ones like Night by Elie Wiesel.
Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special? Main character, Nodin has the ability to become all forms of his element, air. Interesting.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? A lot of messages, take care of the earth, good wins over evil, believe in yourself, and sometimes you have to make sacrifices to find love and happiness.
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book? Both characters are Native American, so I don’t have anyone in mind.
When did you decide to become a writer? In 2013.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start something? I thought I’d make easy money putting out a book. It does not work like that…at all.
Do you write full-time or part-time? Part-time
What is the hardest thing about writing? First draft, second draft, third draft, edits, final draft… Another hard thing is finding new readers. So everything? Sounds about right.
What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book? The female lead is blind, so that presented challenges in showing the reader versus telling.
What is the easiest thing about writing? I’m drawing a blank other than when you just set your mind free on that first draft and tap out what’s in your head.
What book are you reading now? I’m reading entries for a contest.
What is one random thing about you? I like moose.
What is your preferred medium of writing? Pen and paper or strictly tablet and computer? Computer
Do you have any strange writing habits (like standing on your head or writing in the shower)? No, but sometimes, when I’m driving or walking on the treadmill, ideas come to me, so I have notepads everywhere.
How important are names to you in your books? Crucial, especially in the paranormal series. I used names that meant their particular element.
Did you make any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future? I don’t believe in making marketing mistakes. I’m a contract media buyer by day, so I believe in all forms of advertising. Anyway you can get your name or your book seen can help keep you at Top of Mind Awareness.
What is your favorite book and why? Yikes, I don’t have a favorite. Well, if you held me down maybe, Until You by Judith McNaught.
Do you have any advice for other writers? Take your time, know it’s expensive, befriend other writers, join writing groups, attend writer events, and just write.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Being an author encompasses so much of my time. I started a boxing class last fall, I enjoy that.
Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books? Use the sale sites like Bookbub or Book Gorilla, Boost ads on Facebook, attend author signings and national conferences like RT (Romantic Times), support other authors
What do you do to get book reviews? I read them and like them, regardless of the readers comments or the number of stars, I’m grateful someone took the time to register their thoughts.
Any tips on what to do and what not to do? Stay away from drama by being careful about what you say.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why? Elvis, because he is The King! Agreed!
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why? Outlander.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers? Use an honest and well-educated editor
How can readers discover more about you and you work? Visit my website at www.jillianjacobs.com
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