Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a former journalist from Chicago, getting an early start in both fiction and nonfiction as a teenager writing for the local paper and online ezines. Out of college, I first wrote 3 research books on given topics from Atlantic Publishing on business, housing and pet care.
As recently as October 2013 I published my first novel ALL THAT GLITTERS, a YA Urban Fantasy/Suspense.
ALL THAT GLITTERS is the story of a jewelry thief with the ability to get by undetected. The only trace he leaves is candy in place of what he steals, the media dubbing him “The Candy Caper.” He won’t give up until he finds the item said to be possessed with ancient magic…but what is in it for him? And what if someone else gets in his way?
This is my first published novel, as I have many written that need to be tweaked!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Currently I am working on a YA Paranormal/Thriller entitled GUARDIANS OF LIGHT, in rough draft mode.
In GUARDIANS OF LIGHT, Freshman Sky Monroe seeks sanctuary and spiritual guidance from the campus spirituality group. To her, they seem to have all the answers…and not to mention some spiritual “connections.” Sky has her own reasons to join the group, but she finds more than what she bargained for… and once she gets sucked in it doesn’t look like she can turn back.
I had a lot of inspirations behind this book, namely real paranormal encounters I’ve read about! There is another real event that happened that is a major plot point in the book, and I can’t reveal what it is!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think my inconsistency is unusual. I know many writers who have a set schedule: Get up, write an hour before work, write an hour coming home from work, etc. I write when I can and when the mood strikes me. I just don’t really follow a schedule.
One funny thing that I have been doing lately is writing with the TV on. Sometimes you just need a little background noise.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I do love Sarah Addison Allen’s writing style, how she can take the normal life and add a little bit of magic to it. Also, the creative minds of Neil Gaiman and of course, J.K Rowling to create worlds that are so believable we feel as though we are a part of them.
Currently, I am reading Stephen King and Gillian Flynn for current inspiration in thriller and horror. They are inspiring me to create tension and buildup in a story and center it around the story’s main antagonist or threat.
What are you working on now?
Writing up a draft of GUARDIANS OF LIGHT to be given a full-body treatment later. There are some loose ends to tie up, especially with paranormal providing believability and explanation.
Also writing up some plot outlines for a horror series, I’ve got about 10 books so far with a good idea of where they are going. I have plans for this to go on even further and I can’t wait to build on it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still new to the promoting and marketing department, but online communities such as Goodreads and Facebook are always a huge help. Book reviews are important to get as many as soon as possible, and keep them going. People read book blogs for ideas and new things to read and if someone reads a review of your book on one, especially a though-out and detailed description, it is basically advertising.
Websites are important too, and they do tie in with social media and other sites. If people read about you somewhere, they are going to want to see more and the website is the place to go. Consider it your online headquarters to showcase all of your work and have your readers have a place to connect with you.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you do not have a website, get one very soon. You should have one up and running before your first book comes out in order to build anticipation. You can use that space to blog, take pictures, share excerpts of writing and links to your reviews.
I would also say to have a Facebook page separate from your personal one. Create a page for your author self and that is where you post all of your book-related activities and gather followers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Early on, I heard to develop a thick skin. You will hear this often, but it is the most important.
Our books are our babies. They are precious to us and hearing any form of criticism will be a hard thing to deal with. Not everyone is going to like your book. Even a friend or family member might not like it, which is actually perfect for them to be honest instead of giving you false praise just because they want to support you. They support you better by giving you information you can use. The important thing to remember is everyone is going to have a different opinion.
I’ve had people tell me that my first novel was wonderful, they loved the characters and the storyline very much. I’ve had people tell me that it wasn’t what they expected and were disappointed. The only thing I did was shrug, and be thankful that they had an interest and took the time to read it in the first place.
If you ever get a bad review, and we will all get them, go to Amazon and type in the name of your favorite book. Scroll down and read all of the one star reviews. You will feel better.
What are you reading now?
Finished all of Gillian Flynn’s books and am now in my Stephen King collection. Reading The Dark Half.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Creating a draft for GUARDIANS OF LIGHT and working on my horror series.
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?
3-4 books on how to survive on a desert island. 😀
Author Websites and Profiles
Jackie Sonnenberg Website
Jackie Sonnenberg Amazon Profile
Jackie Sonnenberg’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile