Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a freelance writer for about twenty years. I have written five books, not all of them fiction. One of the books is on survival. I’m not a prepper, just a preparer. While living in the U.S. Virgin Islands, I experienced the worst hurricane the island had ever suffered in recorded history, at that time (Hurricane Marilyn – 1995). That taught me a lot about being prepared for disasters, and I wanted to share the information.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book I just put on Awesome Gang is “The Secret of the Veil”, which came out in 2004. The one I just finished, which I plan to place here as well, is the second in what will be a three-book series and is titled, “The Spirit of the Veil: Prophecy of the 7”. I’m aware that many years has passed between books, but something called life intervened (I came home from St. Thomas and became the caregiver for my mom).
Believe it or not, what inspired the series was a visit to the Newport Rhode Island mansions while I was living in Boston (Yes, I lived there too). The mansions took me back in time, which is how I began the first book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably. I’m totally unorganized when writing fiction (not true for non-fiction, which I research, research, research). With fiction, I do what I call inspirational writing. I just sit in front of the computer with an idea and wait for lightening to strike. Not only do I not do outlines, I don’t have any idea what the next page, not to mention the next chapter will bring. It’s as much a surprise to me as it is to my readers. I’ve heard writers say that you must start with an outline. It’s scary to know I’m doing it backwards. Maybe why I’ll never be considered a great writer (Oh well). By the way, I do research with fiction … only not until that lightning strikes and I know where I’m going, at least for the next few pages.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
This always surprises me, but the writer who had the most impact on me was Charles Dickens. I was quite young (young teens) when I read “Great Expectations”, and it knocked me for a loop. That Pip had lived his life, up to the point of his awareness, with a mistaken belief that had characterized his whole existence was horrifying to me. It allowed me to glimpse the perverse nature of life, and taught me a lot. Other influencers were Stephen King (wouldn’t you know); Dean Koontz, Maya Angelou and so many others.
What are you working on now?
I’ve just started toying with the idea for the third book in The Veil Books series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
None. I’ve just gotten into promoting my books. I came home from the Virgin Islands to promote the first book in the series, and visit my mom. Discovered she was ill and had been hiding it from the family. I became her caregiver and dropped everything else, including my writing and promoting the book, so I’m just getting into this side of things.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I believe anyone can write if they have the motivation. The best way to become a writer is to write. I was a reader from the time I first picked up a book; I always thought it would be a privilege to bring people the kind of joy I received from reading. I started writing later in life, so I’m still learning how to become a really good writer.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m sure I don’t know. I’ve heard so much good advice over the years. Perhaps the advice that has helped me the most in life, was what mom taught me about the work ethic. When I took my first job out of high school, I was a waitress, and I thought I was going to die from fatigue and swollen feet. One day when I was particularly beat up, she said, “You have to be like a race horse. You know how they get that second wind and can keep on going. You have to do that … reach for that second wind. It’ll get you through.” I didn’t think much of the advice at the moment, but it seems whenever I was so tired I didn’t think I could go on, I’d remember what she’d said, and feel almost refreshed. It helped me on a number of levels; the whole not giving up thing.
What are you reading now?
Something from my Dean Koontz library (smile). It’s one of his older books that I hadn’t read.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Who knows. It’s just a day at a time.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Great Expectations, The Dark Tower (complete set)
Author Websites and Profiles
Claudette Jones Website
Claudette Jones Amazon Profile