1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
After I wrote my first manuscript, which later ended up becoming Dark Heirloom, the first book in the Ema Marx series. It started out as something “free” and therapeutic for me to do with my time when I was laid off from my day job back in 2008. At first I had no plans to publish it, but by the time I reached the end, I knew this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
From outline to published? Usually about a year. I can write a first draft in 2 to 3 months, but revisions are another story, and edits are done on the editor’s schedule. How other authors put out a new book every 3 months is a mystery to me, but I’m working to improve that.
3. What genres of book is your favorite to write and which ones are your favorite to read?
I write a blending of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, which are also my favorite genres to read. I love paranormal characters and when there’s magic in the universe. Adult and YA alike, if there’s a vampire or shifter or witch or dark fae, chances are I’ve read it.
4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Hmm. I think I have a flair for the dramatic. I also have a habit of interjecting corny humor in tense moments. Side note: I also tend to do that in real life.
5. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Everywhere. Wikipedia. Places I’ve traveled to. Good ol’ imagination. I’ve been creating characters and fictional worlds since I was a child. All of my toys had a layered backstory. (I’m the reason my mother has gray hairs.)
6. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I started Dark Heirloom in 2008. I think I finished it in 2009 though it wasn’t published until 2012. I was 23 when I wrote it. Before that I loosely kept a diary and wrote poetry in secret. None of that is published though, thank goodness.
7. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I read, though that’s getting harder to do. I spend a lot of time with family, babysitting my niece and nephews. I adore them. I’m also a Netflix junkie and mother to two little dogs.
8. What does your family think of your writing?
They’re very proud of me. Mom brags to anyone who will listen. None of them quite “get it” but I love them for trying. Haha.
9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Oh gosh, the entire experience is such a huge learning curve. I learned my passion. I learned that I am capable of that passion. That in its self can be very enlightening.
10. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I’ve written four novels – Dark Ascension being number four – and two novellas. It’s hard to choose a favorite. I love them all for different reasons.
11. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers? If so, what are they?
Be a little selfish. Guard your writing time. Allow yourself to write crap; you can fix it later. And most of all get out of your own way.
12. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
All the time and I love it. I wish they would bug me more. (Seriously.) They usually say really fabulous things like “I love your books” and “when is the next one coming out?” Nothing else makes me want to write faster than an ego boost from my fans.
13. What do you think makes a good story?
Good characters. I can loath a book for poor craft, boring settings, and predictable plot arcs, but if I love the characters enough, I’ll keep coming back for more.
14. Do you have anything you’d like to tell your readers?
I wish I could give you all hugs and high-fives and a puppy! You guys rock. I hope you’ll participate in the giveaway. And if my books are new to you, you can grab the first one free from my website www.authorjdbrown.com It’s been a blast, thank you so much for having me, Angelina. J
