When did you first start writing?
I started writing roughly 16 years ago. I wrote a Middle Grade manuscript, which was a disaster! LOL. My very patient uncle told me that it may be a good idea to “pick a tense to write in” – meaning I was switching between past and present just about every other line. But I kept on with it, eventually writing a column in a local food and wine publication and short humorous essays about my kids. I started writing urban fantasy in 2008.
What attracted you to Urban Fantasy?
I love the world building. The fact that you can create anything you want is magical. I love how my story surprises me and I have license to make up all the rules.
Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?
There are many! Harry Potter was ground breaking for me, as it was to many of us. JK Rowling created a world that was universally loved by adults and children. Lord of the Rings trilogy, brought back into vogue by the movies, was equally amazing. I re-read those in 2001. I’d always been and Anne Rice and Stephen King fan, jumping into those in high school. All of these authors in some way contributed to my love of fantasy.
If you could cast Rourke and Jessica for TV or a movie, which actors would you pick?
That is such a tough question. I’m terrible at this game. In my head they are their own characters in every way. I’d have to say that Jessica is a mix between a young Jennifer Garner and Catherine Zeta-Jones and Rourke would have to be a mix of Chris Helmsworth and Tom Hardy. But that said, I love that each of my readers have their own view of them. They can be anything you’d like them to be.
I love the chemistry between Jessica and Rourke, but her relationship with her friends and her family is even more compelling to me. How important are those relationships to you as an author and to Jessica in this new path her life has taken?
The relationships are the defining factor for me. In my mind from the very beginning Jessica wasn’t a tortured soul with an agenda. She is a stable, happy heroine. And she has a very strong bond with her family and friends, without them she would be lost. Having her have that strong family unit was the single most important thing to me about this series. I’m so glad you loved it too, and picked up on it, because it’s the greatest thing about her to me.
Favorites:
Favorite Paranormal themed Movie? I’d have to say Zombieland. I LOVE that movie. It continues to be one of my all time favorites.
Favorite Paranormal themed TV Show? The Walking Dead, followed closely by Game of Thrones.
Favorite Paranormal themed Book? I’d have to say Harry Potter is my all time favorite all around. Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series is my favorite PNR.
Favorite Genre that is NOT your own? I jump genres all the time. A few years ago it was all Historical Fiction, but now I’d have to say humor. I love David Sedaris and he’s my go-to when I need a break.
Quickies:
Vampires or Werewolves? Werewolves!
Reading or Writing? Writing
Print or eBook? I just converted to ebook after fighting it for a long time. I love my Kindle!
Hardback or Paperback? Paperback
Library or Bookstore? Bookstore (support your favorite authors!)
The Movie or The Book? The Book.
PNR or UF? UF has my heart.
What is your favorite part of the writing process? The surprises. I love how the story surprises me.
What is your least favorite part? Writing the in between scenes.
The Jessica McClain Series in your own words? It’s an action packed urban fantasy adventure with lots of ass-kicking.
How many Books do you have planned for the series? I’m not sure, but ultimately how ever long it takes to get to the end.
What is coming up next for you? HOT BLOODED just released and COLD BLOODED comes out in the fall.
What are you working on right now? It’s a secret =)
Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to become a published Author someday?
Finish your story. Sit down, make yourself accountable and finish it. Then you’ll have all the time in the world to fix it.
Thank you so much for being here!
Thanks so much for having me! This was so much fun.
Top 5 Sundays!
