Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My romance novels and a resource for writers have spent time on the Amazon Top 10 lists. My goal is to bring to life heartwarming stories that embody realistic plots with an uplifting message, giving readers a sweet and warmly satisfying sense of love and hope.
I amis the author of the Sweet Home, Texas series – Garrett; Gabriel, and Holden, numerous sweet contemporary and inspirational works; a short read with several other Prism Book Group authors, A Blizzard Wedding; many resources for writers in my Fiction Fashion series, a book of devotionals for writers, 45 Devotionals for Christian Writers, and several children’s books. I’t’s been a pleasure to have been featured at eReader News Today, Daily Cheap Reads, Working Writers and Bloggers, Books for Book Lovers, Book Goodies, Goodreads, and Christian eBooks Today. I’m an active member of the East Texas Writers Association and a regular guest speaker, presenting mini-workshops on plotting structure, drafting a novel in 30 days, and the layering process.
In addition to writing novels, I’m an elementary school teacher. Maybe that’s where my teaching spirit comes from. My husband, Chip, and I are patrons of the arts, especially fine arts and music. We also enjoy the outdoors and frequently go off-roading, canoeing, barge riding on Caddo Lake, and camping.
I’m a devoted mother to two precious little girls, Rebekah and Ella, and spend a majority of my time creating memories with them. We live in East Texas, near the Louisiana border.
I’ve had experience presenting to groups small to large on various topics on the craft of writing. I’ve authored over 15 books, six of which are published. My books are available in print and eBook formats.
You might have seen me…
on YouTube
Facebook
ETWA (East Texas Writers Association)
NETWO (Northeast Texas Writers Organization)
ETWG (East Texas Writers Guild)
I’m completely in love with the writing process and dedicated to helping others achieve their publishing dreams! Writing is my ministry, and I’m blessed every day in this business.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Revision Runway, a nonfiction guide for fiction writers. It was inspired by years of research and was used as a promotional piece for my speaking engagements. Now all writers can have access to this valuable information. Here’s how it all began…
One thing I noticed several years back is the term “layering.” This sent me on an internet search to learn more about it. What I discovered is that there isn’t a website out there with information dedicated to the process of layering that I could find. Instead, I followed links to many authors’ websites where they mentioned it briefly. Each author had one or more items on their layering checklist. It wasn’t enough. I wanted a comprehensive list for layering. Alas, none existed. So I created my own. I’ve been sharing the information with authors all over Texas for several years. Layering really can make the difference between talking heads and submission ready text.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m very old-fashioned. I use a tickler file to keep track of all my writing and promotion activities…even housework. The tickler file resides in a plastic crate that I’ve adapted into a mobile office. You can see a video of my mobile office and tickler file system on my channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxajLm0xqDXW21eU-ZeyjQ
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve followed Shelley Hitz for several years, and now she’s my writing and marketing coach via the Author Audience Academy. She has many books on writing and marketing that I love and use as references often.
What are you working on now?
I’m heading back to fiction land for awhile. There are two more books to go in my Sweet Home, Texas series, and I’m determined to wrap that up in 2016. The last two Hearth brothers, Henry and Eli, have waited long enough to have their stories told.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There’s nothing comparable to harnessing the power of Amazon. Shelley Hitz at Author Audience Academy guides authors through the complicated marketing maze with easy to follow, step-by-step videos, checklists, and action steps. I encourage any author at any level to check out the Author Audience Academy.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to give plotting a try and set up systems for planning, writing, editing, revising, submitting, publishing, and marketing now that help them build a brand and a career that will carry them through.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is, “put your butt in the seat and write.” That goes right along with a much older quote: “I can fix a bad page, but I can’t fix a blank one.” To put it simply, just write. It’s easy to get lost in all the information the web has to offer. Write first. Worry about all that afterward.
What are you reading now?
Did I mention I was old-fashioned. In the eighties (when I was a child), my grandmother and I watched Murder She Wrote every week. On a recent trip to the dollar store, I came across a book based on the series….or is it vice versa. Anywho, I’m reading Murder, She Wrote: A Fatal Feast. Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I pray a lot about this, for success…just enough to pay the bills. Like most writers, I know. Honestly, my prayer is to turn my passion into a profession. I’ve started writing nonfiction, so I plan to meander between the fiction and nonfiction. I’m working on booking more speaking engagements. I have a teacher’s spirit, so helping other writers achieve success in a priority, too.
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?
My carry-on would include: 1) 45 Master Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt, 2) Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schmidt, 3 & 4) thick, blank journals to write in. A writer’s gotta do what a writer’s gotta do!
Author Websites and Profiles
Jayna Morrow Website
Jayna Morrow Amazon Profile
Jayna Morrow’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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