Interview With Author Jayn Wilde
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Jayn is my pen name. I have been an avid reader since I was a small child. As I got older, I realized that the stories I read and made up when I played alone were worth putting on paper. I had written about a dozen books by 2013, but most have been pulled as I was going through a difficult time and was concerned about my stories being tarnished by an unsavory person in my life. I finally found my Prince Charming in 2016 and have begun to move back towards writing. This led me to update and strengthen the stories I once wrote, and relaunch them.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest is Daniella’s Gift. I have always loved fantasy and supernatural stories. I love when the “underdog” or “wallflower” starts to find their strengths and confidence. Add to that a sparkle of humor and the heat of romance.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. Well, maybe…when I used to write, I just typed away on the laptop as much as I could. Now, with the advancements in technology in the past decade, I don’t need a pricey software program to transcribe my stories. So, now, most days, I sit outside in the shade and talk into my phone, allowing it to voice-to-text. I am pretty sure my neighbors think I am crazy, but that’s ok.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh wow. I started with Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Agatha Christie, Judy Blume…so many. I read those books when I was in elementary school. Plus, my parent’s store sold comic books, old Harlequin novels, newspapers, magazines, and we owned a collection of encyclopedias. I have been influenced by dozens, if not hundred of books and authors.
What are you working on now?
I am going through all of my old books and giving them a bit more meat, and re-launching them. I also have, about a dozen ideas voice-to-text(ed) in my documents. I have about a 1/4 of a book to follow Daniella’s Gift, where we learn more about her and Sam, her cousin.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am rebuilding my author platform, because so much was lost. I am reconnecting with old Author friends and making new connections on Instagram and Facebook. I feel like my Ideal Reader would hang out in those 2 places the most, so I’m just working on getting seen right now.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes…marketing is as vital to your book as your finished product. Most of us know to start the pre-launch phase before the book is published. Either way, just focus on your Ideal Reader. Where they hand out and what value you can bring to them. Overdeliver as much as you can.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s not advice, necessarily…one of my favorite quotes:
“Your life is an occasion. Rise to it.” Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium
What are you reading now?
Oh wow…I have been going to back to my old habit and have been reading a book almost every day…Last one was Mistaken Identity by Evelyn Jeannie Hall. Haven’t picked the next one out of the 200+ on my TBR list.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to help other authors with their marketing journey. I have learned a lot in the past 2 decades of working online and as I implement strategies, I want to share them with others.
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?
1. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling
3. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Author Websites and Profiles
Jayn Wilde’s Social Media Links