Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Jayne Harper Hill, a happily retired Teacher, Real Estate Broker, and House Designer. I was born and raised near Charleston, West Virginia, and graduated from West Virginia State University with a BS in Education (English and Mathematics), and the WV College of Graduate Studies (now part of Marshall University) with an MA in Gifted Education. I am a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Teacher’s Honorary, and was a Fulbright Exchange Teacher with Hampshire, England, in 2001.
From the age of five, I wanted to be a teacher. When I became one, I taught mostly Gifted and Talented classes, but spent a few years in regular classrooms. I developed a love of writing at a young age, telling myself someday I would write a book and publish it.
After retiring, my husband and I spent two and a half years on the road, traveling the USA in an RV. We saw about forty states and all the usual landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Yellowstone Park, Mount Rushmore, and Gettysburg. We wintered in Florida, and during our third stay there, we decided to make it our home.
My husband was a home builder and we moved often. We were living in Raleigh, NC, when I wrote the first draft of “The Charm Bracelet Murder.”
My idea of a fun time is shopping at thrift stores/Estate sales, swimming, genealogy, and reading. I have hundreds of books on my Kindle Fire and read for at least two hours when I go to bed at night
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Charm Bracelet Murder. My inspiration for this book was watching a Jeweler’s husband repair a charm bracelet that seemed to tell the story of the owner’s life. I occasionally filled in at their store, learning more and more about jewelry. Later, I did many months of research.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I plan the story out in my head and just start writing. I write about 70% of the day, unless I have other obligations. The Charm Bracelet Murder took about four months to finish.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
All the great mystery writers from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Edgar Allan Poe, to modern day writers. They include Michael Connelly, John Grisham, Lee Child, both Kellermans, John le Carre, Robert Ludlum, Ken Follet, Frederick Forsyth, Patricia Cornwell, J.A. Jance, Sue Grafton. and so many more. My current favorite is Jeffery Deaver’s The Burning Wire.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to The Charm Bracelet Murder, The Pearl Choker.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Probably Facebook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Nothing is impossible.
What are you reading now?
I am reading the Royal Institute of Magic Series by Victor Kloss. I loved Harry Potter, so thought I would try this for a change.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have plans for a non fiction book about growing up in Vietnam during the War. My sister-in-law is half French, one quarter Chinese, and one quarter Vietnamese. She live along the Mekong river in a shack with her mother and a dozen siblings. She was the oldest.
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 Burning Wire, the last Harry Potter book, the Bible, and my Kindle for as long as the battery would hold out.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jayne Harper Hill Website
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