Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written one book under my pen name Jacki Ring. I have written four books under my legal name Ilene Withers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I grew up on a ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills. When I was a teen an escaped convict was known to be camping out in an abandoned house a few miles from us. Most of the neighbors would leave a vehicle gassed up, unlocked, and with the keys in it in the hopes that he would steal it and go. My father locked everything up and carried a loaded rifle instead. The county sheriff refused to drive out and arrest the convict so we passed several days in this way. Finally, the convict moved on to a neighboring county and that sheriff did arrest him. It made me think just how remote ranchers are when violence strikes. They are remote, but not vulnerable.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write a novel and then put it away for a while before I revisit it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I cannot say I have been influenced by any particular fiction author. Instead, I read a lot and that has taught me so much. The book I have been most influenced by is “On Writing Well” by William Zinsser. It is not about creative writing, but it has certainly influenced my easy writing style.
What are you working on now?
I am working on another romantic suspense set in western Nebraska. This features a sculptor, a DEA agent, and a retired drug dog.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think most authors try to use social media as I do. I like Twitter best.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t over plan. Set a word count goal for each day and just write. Once you get the story written, then you can rewrite and fine tune it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you know.
What are you reading now?
“Purr M for Murder” by T.C. Lotempio
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to finish my work in progress and then write one more book set in Nebraska. I want everyone to realize what small town and rural life is like.
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?
I would take any random new release romantic suspense or mystery novels. It is always fun to discover new authors.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jacki Ring Website
Jacki Ring Amazon Profile
Jacki Ring’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account