Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. Growing up, reading was my favorite thing to do. I thought authors were born with a gift and although I longed to write, I could never understand how to create a story. Because it wasn’t taught in school, I never thought it was a skill that could be learned. It wasn’t until I went to graduate school that I was fortunate enough to have some amazing teachers that broke it down for me and taught it as a craft that could be learned. I am forever grateful to Alexandria LaFaye, a gifted writer and teacher who presented the art of writing in a manner that was clear and learnable and, after several attempts, it finally clicked.
“Awakening” is a re-worked version of my first novel, Flat Earth Theory, which I published under a pen name. I also wrote a collection of short stories about New Yorkers called “Beautiful Minds,” a novella called “El Pombero!” and am currently working on my fourth book with the working title “Hobbit Doors.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Beautiful Minds,” was the last book I wrote. I have lived in New York for almost thirty years and I miss the sense of community that used to exist here. The city has grown exponentially and, like the rest of the western world, everyone walks around with ear buds. I wrote the book as an endeavor that would help encourage people to talk to one another again, in that deep and personal way that strangers used to do, once upon a time in NYC.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Oh gosh, if anyone took a video tape of me writing, I’d die! I shift my expression to mirror the emotions of my characters, sniff, gesture and talk out loud. All of this happens when my children are asleep or at school so they don’t sneak the phone into another room and call child services.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
It would take me hours to answer that question. I’d have to walk around the house, peering at every bookcase and scribbling down titles. Every good book I’ve ever written has influenced me, but I’ll tell you a secret: reading good picture books to my kids opened my mind to a new style of writing that is so beautiful, poetic and expressive. If you want to learn good writing, pick up Owl Moon, Night Song, Tar Beach, or anything by Patricia Polacco. The writing in these books is so beautiful, it used to make me cry.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on a novel with a magical realism component. It’s all about discovering truth, inside and out.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
1800SUICIDEPREVENTION.COM Bad joke, sorry…I’m still working on that. It’s tough.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Everyone is so different, it’s had to give advice. Just read and write and listen and learn. It will click eventually. Keep an open mind.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you love something, you will be successful. You don’t have to be the best in the world at it–there’s plenty of room for everyone–but try and fall in love with what you do for a living.
What are you reading now?
The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
What’s next for you as a writer?
I like doing mixed media books. Awakening incorporated graphic novel scenes. My next book will incorporate photographs.
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 Art of Fishing; Fire from Flint; Smoke Signals Decoded, A Love Story.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jackie Goldman Website
Jackie Goldman Amazon Profile
Jackie Goldman’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile