Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Over the years and including past glory which means squat in today’s climate, I’ve produced about 25 books. I am a slow writer. Too, life events get in the way of creativity. I once wrote for Harlequin Books–but Harlequin as I knew it is no more. I’m an indie author now and I love it. I love the highs, the lows and even the frustrations. Oh, my gosh, when I first stepped into the indie universe, I ate stupid for breakfast every dang day for almost a year. I knew it, too. And, boy! People were quick and joyous to tell me I didn’t know what I was doing. I just had to stop and learn the industry. I am far more savvy today, but still learning. I used to travel between books. I have a few favorite destinations–Golfito in Costa Rica and a village in the mountains in Central Panama and also a small island off the coast in the Pacific Ocean. But! Indie authorship is keeping me at my keyboard at the moment. I haven’t been farther than a wedding in Cancun in a year. I live in a snug mobile home in a small rural area, feed seven feral cats on the back deck, keep a garden in spring and summer, have Keeper who walks the dog and does the dishes–so I’m good for the moment.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
No Perfect Secret is my newest indie release. Like most fiction writers… an idea arrives unbidden and who knows from where? I often wonder if I have a multiple personality disorder, because the characters for my books leap onto a page as soon as I turn on my computer. And every blasted one wants to be front and center. Figuring out their backstories drives me nuts. I have written into books a couple of characters who wandered into my life. I found Clarence in No Perfect Secret walking on the sidewalk in front of the White House in Washington D.C. Holy smokes! He was wearing Jimmy Choo knockoffs, size twelve, a Royal silk leopard print blouse, a short skirt, Tammy Faye eyelashes and fielding catcalls from passersby with joie de vivre. When he came abreast of me, he said: “What’re you starin’ at honey?” I said: “You. You are awesome.” He said: “Ain’t I just though?” We had coffee and I picked his brain. He was fabulous then and I hope still is.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. Writing is lonely. Nobody can do for you. If you want to write a book you just have stick with it. I tell myself to write one word after another and I will have book–eventually.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My all time favorite book is the African Queen, by C. S. Forester. He put Charlie Allnut and Rose Sayer on page and on that rickety boat and golly–what an adventure! What a love story. I read a lot of biographies. Since I now own two Kindles, and indie authors are so prolific, I’ve branched out in my reading tastes. I’ve explored genres I’ve never read before, such as fantasy and vampire. I enjoy suspense and thrillers. I like non-fiction, especially anything by Farley Mowat. I do read a lot of history. And when I visit small towns across the South, I head for the local museum. Some of the tracts, books and pamphlets written by the natives and settlers of small towns are fascinating.
What are you working on now?
I have two works in progress. I don’t talk about works in progress. I’m superstitious. I hope to publish one or both next year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The fact is if we don’t promote our books to get them visible, they will sit on a cybershelf and sink into oblivion. Almost every promotion site offers something that benefits a book. Networking with like-minded indie authors is critical. I have all of my indie titles in Amazon KDP. As a rule, I promote one or more in every 90 day cycle, sometimes sending it FREE, sometimes in KCD. It depends upon my promo budget how much promotion I manage.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Funny, you should ask. My best advice is: Think for yourself. If you are a serious writer–make the best decisions you can for your book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Mind your own business!
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Lily Cigar. I love it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Same as for any author. Another book.
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?
First, would be a matchbook! The African Queen. A Perfect Storm. And George Carlin’s, When Will God Bring the Porkchops?
Author Websites and Profiles
Jackie Weger Website
Jackie Weger Amazon Profile
Jackie Weger’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
I have to admit that I haven’t read The African Queen. I have seen the movie–wonderful–and I’m sure the book is better, so I’ll have to put that title on my TBR list.
Great interview!
Nice interview. I feel I know you a little better than before.
A few things I love about Jackie Weger:
1. Absolute lack of pretense. If you didn’t know her, you’d think she’s just feeling her way along, but in fact she is a very successful author with many thousands of fans, and she keeps putting out lively, funny books.
2. Terrific advice. Her pen is so lively it’s easy to overlook the hared-earned wisdom about the writing life that she dispenses in every interview.
3. She sounds like nobody else on Earth. This interview is vintage Jackie–full of spunk.
Thanks Awesomegang, this is a great interview.
Jackie, I’m with you on the ‘eating stupid’ thing. When I self-pubbed my first book. I sat back, rubbed my hands together and waited for the readers to swoop in and start buying. And I waited, and I …
Then I started learning the system. Promotion is key. I’m still learning, but the readers are starting to find my books. 🙂
Good luck with your upcoming projects.
🙂
25 books is amazing, Jackie! Maybe I can match that one day. Have never read (or seen) African Queen. Perhaps I should read a few classics.
Love that interview. Great answers, Jackie. Nice to have a chuckle on a Monday morning. 🙂
Jackie is the driving force behind a group of indie authors who are serious about reaching readers. She is also a lady who has had fascinating adventures and writes characters that burst from the page.
Great interview.
Jackie, your books are amazing, and your characters leap off the page. They are such good company! Thank you for all the delightful hours you’ve given to me and to so many other readers. Can’t wait for more!
I love your desert island choices. Carlin! AWESOME interview, Jackie!!
Great interview with Jackie, which made me chuckle – and that’s not easy on a Monday morning with only one coffee inside me. One of the great things about Jackie is that as soon as she learns something which will be useful to indie authors she shares that knowledge.
What can I say? All the others said it all before me, especially Mike Markel. Jackie is a mighty river that holds nothing back and is unstoppable. She is a force of nature. I’ll just say I try and get every bit of wisdom I can get from this woman, like a flower seeks the sun. Sure, as an indie she is a newbie still, just like most of us. But when it comes to E.Q. , knowing the ways of the world, humor, common sense, generosity, guts, and decency, she simply blinds me with her luminosity. Another awesome interview, Jackie!
Thank you, Vinny, for sharing Jackie’s words with us. She’s such a great woman, so it’s always nice to learn more about her.
I loved… “Same as for any author. Another book.”
Or at least it should be…
🙂
Fabulous! I would have loved to have coffee with Clarence. Great to learn more about Jackie, thank you.
I love Jackie’s books and I love Jackie. She’s vivacious and spunky and it comes out in her writing. As an author she is one to admire and I’m glad she’s still turning out stories. Funny, endearing, smart – her books exude it all and characters that leap off the page with life. You like sweet romance? Grab a Jackie Weger novel and get comfortable, you’re in for an enjoyable time.
I love Jackie’s books and would highly recommend them to anyone who loves romance. I have my copy of No Perfect Secret and can’t wait to finish it.
Jackie, I’m amazed by how much you’ve accomplished and how many books you’ve written. You’re a fascinating person, a wonderful writer, and a font of knowledge!
Thank you authors and colleagues for the lovely comments. What I love about interviews is we all have to say something NICE.
I love the nuggets of authorly wisdom. Thanks Jackie.
Love the story about Clarence! I’m going to out today, I hope I bump into a character!
I enjoy Jackie’s practical advice and sense of humor. I’ll take a matchbox every time!
I love that you would take a George Carlin book with you. Lets me know you’ve got a great sense of humor!
Yes, a great story about Clarence. But then Jackie Weger produces lots of good stories. I can recommend them!
Nice interview! I enjoyed getting to know more about you.
This is an awesome interview, in which you let us know you, but don’t give away all your secrets! I am also someone who has not read The African Queen and now think I will be doing so soon! Unlike several others, I have not even seen the movie! I like to read the books first and then see if and how bad the movie if different than the book!
Again, thanks for putting yourself out there for us to know!!
Jackie your interviews are as entertaining as your books. You are truly inspiring. I learn a lot each time you share something. Now I have new books to add to my reading list.
He was wearing Jimmy Choo knockoffs, size twelve, a Royal silk leopard print blouse, a short skirt, Tammy Faye eyelashes and fielding catcalls from passersby with joie de vivre. Holy Smokes is right!! You have found some interesting characters 🙂