Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Reno, Nevada and have worked with young adults most of my life. I’ve written five books. Three in The Birthright Series for YA: The Cage, The Bar and The Lamb.
I’ve written two in a new series for MG called, The Finding Home Series. There will be three in that series. The second book in that series is with my editor now, but the first book, Bending Willow has been out seven weeks and has spent them all in Amazon’s top 100 books for Middle Grade Action Adventure. It has also been chosen to represent Nevada at the National Book fair in Washington D.C. in September!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book, Bending Willow was inspired by a friend who has two small girls (7 ad 11). She was concerned because her girls wanted to read The Hunger Games” and she felt it was too scary for them. She asked me, “Why doesn’t someone write a strong female lead for girls my kids age?” That sent my brain off and running and The Finding Home Series was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I only write on Tuesdays! It’s because I work full time and I have Tuesday off. I hear writers saying all the time, “Writer’s write! You must get up at four a.m. and write for three hours each morning.” Well, that doesn’t work for me, but writing on Tuesday does. It’s been five years since I’ve started and I have finished four books. I think that’s pretty good!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love children’s authors: Madeleine L’engle, Lucy Montgomery, J.K. Rowling, Gary Paulsen, C.S. Lewis, M.T. Anderson…I could go on forever. I listen to books on C.D. every day in my car. There are so many wonderful authors out there!
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the third and final book in The Finding Home Series. I need to head to Northern Idaho to do some research on it though. It takes place up in Challis and I’ve never been there.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My top five are Facebook (regular and author page), Twitter, Goodreads, Google+ and my own websites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn, learn, learn. I feel like I’ve been learning as fast as I can and there is still so much to learn. I love to learn so, that’s okay. Be teachable, develop a thick skin, and for heaven’s sake, get into a critique group asap!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I walked into my writer’s group the first day and sat down next to this man who asked, “What are you writing?” When I told him I’d just finished my first young adult novel he asked, “Who’s read it besides your family and friends?” I said, “no one.” He said, get into a critique group. It was the best thing I ever did. They were painfully and lovingly honest and I learned so much. Sixteen revisions later, my book was ready to start submitting!
What are you reading now?
Fiction wise I’m reading “Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula.” It has been number one the whole seven weeks my book has been in the top 100 and the author, Elsie Stokes, has three books in the top 100. The first book was free so I thought I’d try it. It’s a really good book.
Non-Fiction wise I’m reading “Why are all the black kids sitting together in the Cafeteria and other conversations about race.” It’s by Beverley Daniel Tatum, and is rocking my world!
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I mentioned, Bending Willow is going to Washing D.C. so I decided to join her! I think she was chosen because the girls in the book go through Burning Man and that is a very Nevada setting. I’m excited to go to the Book Fair where you can spend all day listening to your favorite authors give talks and do Q&A. They also sign books. I’m very glad to get to go.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Probably Anne of Green Gables. I love Anne so much. Every new girl that we adopt into our family (we have a habit of adopting older girls), has to watch the whole double mini series with me.
Also, Harry Potter, I’m a bit obsessed and have read, listened to, and watched the movies of Harry more than is probably healthy!
Author Websites and Profiles
Jacci Turner Website
Jacci Turner Amazon Profile
Jacci Turner Author Profile on Smashwords
Jacci Turner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account