Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a new Indie author from the Pacific Northwest. Jake’s Redemption is my first published book. It is a cross-genre, full-length prequel that introduces a dystopian society and the first characters of this long, romantic story.
I love cowboys, ice cream, and reading almost any kind of romance and feel that every one of my stories, no matter how dark, must have a happy ending. I also strive to make them impossible to put down until the very end.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jake’s Redemption: The Angel Eyes Series Prequel
History is where I get a lot of ideas in general. The very first idea for this series came to me in high school history class. We were studying the American Civil War. I remember thinking, “What could be worse than living as a slave?” The idea grew and morphed as my friends and I discussed the topic. Especially after I brought up two questions:
1. “What if slavery wasn’t about race, but instead about gender?”
2. “What if women were the ones in control and they weren’t all that nice.”
Those ideas sparked a long, interesting conversation, which encouraged me to put pen to paper.
History is where a lot of the societal base and the inequality in the story comes from, both older and more contemporary. Jake’s story came to light about two years ago, when I felt, that because he plays such an important part in the lives of the main characters in the series, that he needed his own story told first.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure about unusual, but I can write almost anywhere, as long as I have earbuds (to block out any background noise if needed) and somewhere to sit. I do enjoy working outside when it’s nice out.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My first favorite author was Tolkien. I loved the scope of his writing, the worlds and cultures he created enthralled me. I wanted to do the same. Kathleen Woodiwiss and Karen Robards are long-time favorites of mine. Both of these writers grab you and drag you into a story. Kathleen’s epic tales are a little old fashioned, but the stories are still beautiful. Karen weaves humor into her books which I love about her. The first erotica book I ever read was The Lover by Rodin Schone and it was a good one. There was a lot about hot sex, but there was definitely a growing connection between the main characters and wonderful/intriguing supporting characters. The first dark romance was Deliver by Pam Godwin. Another great story by a talented author. She takes terrible situations and spins them into something good. Two of my favorite cowboy authors are Maisey Yates (Broke Down Cowboy) and Peggy L. Henderson (Diamond in the Dust). They both inspire me every time I read them. There are more in the sci-fi, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic genres that I also enjoy, but I’ll stop here.
What are you working on now?
Editing Masters’ Mistress, Book 1 of the Angel Eyes Series and trying to finish Book 5 of the same series, Masters’ Betrayal
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Just started, so not sure.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. Writing is a gift, if you have it inside you, let it out. You could be the next Nora Roberts or even the next Stephen King! You’ll never know unless you try.
But I’d also say that writing is not easy. It’s also not high paying until you are as lucky and talented as those two authors I just mentioned. It’s hard work to get to that level and then more work to stay there. But even if you don’t reach those lofty heights, the act of writing and then sharing your story with others who appreciate it, maybe even love it, will be extremely fulfilling. It’s a challenge, but well worth it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you have a story to tell, tell it, and don’t worry about what others may think or say.
What are you reading now?
Just finished “Not Quite Broken” by Abbie Zanders
Am now reading “Saving Maverick” by Debra Elise
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the Angel Eyes Series and start on the next book or books as I go.
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 Lord of the Rings (they do have it all in one book and I’d definitely take that)
Dark Torment by Karen Robards
Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss
Author Websites and Profiles
Jamie Schulz Website
Jamie Schulz Amazon Profile
Jamie Schulz’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account