Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Glasgow and, I am one of 7 children. With 5 sisters and 1 brother, growing up was filled with drama and laughter. I live with my husband and two children and I’m lucky to call two girls I met at primary/junior school, my friends today. We still have lots of fun. I value family and friendship above all else. My life became complete when I published my first novel The Braille Club which I self-published in Nov 2014. I was lucky enough to be signed to Limitless Publishing and The Braille Club was relaunched in July 2015. My second book The Braille Club Unbound was released Dec 2014. I am currently in the latter stages of writing my third book The Braille Club Undone and have already made a start to my last book in the series The Braille Club Reborn.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My lasted release is The Braille Club Unbound. The second book in my series. I was inspired to write it because I didn’t want the story to end. I still had so much to write. The second book has some new characters and the main characters from the first book. of the books. My mum is a voracious reader. The books she gave me filled my imagination. With a mixture of genres, I went for Romance to Crime to History. Everything I’ve learned, I owe to books. With a busy life, I just couldn’t find the time or the courage to write but kept thinking, wouldn’t it be amazing if the next book I picked up, was my own. I always had the story of The Braille Club in my head and with the advent of self-publishing, one day I just sat down and started to write.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always write my ending first. For me, the ending of a book is what I base my opinion on. If the story has a good conclusion then I’m happy. It doesn’t necessary mean I agree with the conclusion, but I’m happy with the book as a whole. So I write the layout of my ending first, then leave it and develop the rest of the story. I am writing my third novel and I do have a system. I always write 57 Chapters. Since signing, with my publisher I’ve learned so much about POV and correct dialogue that I know adopt this process. I then create 3 different storylines to run through the book. Some are carried forward from the previous book and some are new. I bring my characters to life by finding celebrities that are similar in looks as a visual reminder. I do a lot of plot thinking when I’m in the car or have a few moments alone but sometimes my writing just develops.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a varied mixture of genres, from Children/YA, to Crime, Romance and Contemporary Fiction. I don’t really have favourite authors but favourite books. Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, The Help, To Kill a Mocking Bird, The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, Twilight, Looking Good Dead, The Farm, Into The Darkest Corner, The Hypnotist, Lady Killer, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Never Let Me Go, The Book Thief, The Gargoyle, The Kite Runner, The Life of Pi and The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas to name but a few. All are original and engaging stories.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the endings of my third novel. There are three different stories running through my book which means I need to write three different endings. This can be quite difficult at times but I enjoy the variety and it keeps my creative juices flowing.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think book trailers are very effective. A visual story allows readers to connect with your work in a more dramatic way…after all, there is only so much a thumbnail cover can do. My website gives lots of detail. I’m currently working on a secret chapter from The Braille Club available only on my website. I use twitter to highlight my updates and FaceBook to connect with readers through giveaways and competitions.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Build your author brand. You are the CEO of your book and like any new business, only hard work and persistence will pay off. You may think your book will sell regardless but I’m afraid it’s a busy and competitive market out there. Authors need to work harder than ever today to stand out from the crowd. Twitter, Facebook, Website are the necessary tools authors must use to connect with their readers…use them wisely.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I met an editor one night in Glasgow and he said to me “If you don’t believe in your own work, then no one else will. If the story is good, be published and be damned.” I worried about punctuation and sentence structure but he shook his head. “It’s always about the story. With a good story at the core of your work, you’re on solid foundations.”
What are you reading now?
You are Dead by Peter James. I’ve read his complete Roy Grace series and he is an extremely talented author, whom I greatly admire.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to adapt my book for television and film. Scriptwriting will be a new experience for me but I’m looking forward to the challenge.
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?
Jane Eyre, Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mocking Bird
Author Websites and Profiles
J.A. Kerr Website
J.A. Kerr Amazon Profile
J.A. Kerr’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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