Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m not as I appear. I work a corporate job, I’m a wife, and I’m a nice suburban mom, but I’m more than that. I like tattoos, rap music, rock ‘n roll; I have a dark side and a creative side that I don’t show many people. So, I’m guessing many people will be surprised by the things I write. I used to be afraid to show people the real me. Why? I don’t know, but I turned 40 and something clicked. I don’t give a damn anymore!
I just completed in my first novel, Be Still My Heart which will be released on Nov. 26, 2018, and I am currently working on my second one, Be Still My Love which is the second book in the Be Still series.
In addition to writing, I also work as a movie producer with No Man’s Land Production. Our first film, The Little Vagabond will be coming out in 2019 and our second film Christmas Crashers is currently in production.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Be Still My Heart was inspired by a few things. First, I grew up in the 80s and 90s and I loved music and the boy band, New Kids on the Block. We all wished we were the one that won their hearts. Right ladies? Second, I was inspired by some time I spent with the band Seether. While this story is fiction, a lot of what I witnessed and experienced inspired certain parts of the book.
Additionally, I wanted to write a story for older women…real women. Not the perfect little 20-year old that can get any guy she wants.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say it’s unusual, but I have to listen to music when I write. If I find a certain song is inspiring me, then I will put it on replay. There are times I could listen to the same song for hours at a time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I know I wrote a romance, so this will seem a little strange but I was inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. I actually reference it in the book a few times. I was drawn to the love story of Dante and Beatrice and how Beatrice leads Dante through hell and purgatory to paradise. Similarly, my characters are lost and in limbo (purgatory) and when they find each other, they find paradise.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on the sequel to Be Still My Heart called, Be Still My Love.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, this is my first novel so I am still learning the ropes. I have been working to build up my following on Facebook and Twitter. I joined a bunch of groups in order to network on social media and I am just hoping that if I get my book in the hands of the right people, it will speak for itself.
I will let you know when I figure it out!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You never know what you are capable of until you try. Just keep going. It will be hard, but it will be worth it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have thick skin. Not everyone will love your work and you have to be able to take the bad with the good.
What are you reading now?
I love to read, but I have replaced reading with writing. Before I started writing I was reading a lot of Jacqueline Druga’s books.
What’s next for you as a writer?
On to book two and hopefully many more after that!
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?
1. Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy
2. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
3. The Giver by Lois Lowry
Author Websites and Profiles
J.L. Feaman Website
J.L. Feaman Amazon Profile
J.L. Feaman Author Profile on Smashwords
J.L. Feaman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account