Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing all my life, but in the past couple of years, I have decided to follow my dream and FINALLY make a career out of writing YA novels. My first novel, ARCANA BOOK ONE: RISE OF THE MOON, was published in December of 2019, and the sequel, ARCANA BOOK TWO: RUSH TO JUDGEMENT is currently slated for launch in the Fall of 2021. In addition to being a novelist, I am also a high school English, Speech, and Debate teacher. I have a wide variety of interests, but I will always be a sucker for anything paranormal/supernatural.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
RISE OF THE MOON actually started out as a slightly different story, but it took on its own life and evolved into the first book of what I expect will be a 4-book series. Originally, the idea was that a high school junior would accidentally “activate” a magical tarot card while using it as a prop in a school play. While this does still happen in the book, the world and conflict around this event grew into a much larger story involving a cabal of magical families who each own one of these cards and pass them down through the generations.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if this is particularly unusual, but I do tend to base my characters on former students of mine. I always ask their permission first, and it’s pretty common for me to reach out to them with questions like, “what would you order at Starbucks?” and “what would you do in this situation?”
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The book that started me on my lifelong love of paranormal fiction was JANE-EMILY by Patricia Clapp, which I first read when I was about 10. I loved the psychological suspense she created…her stories didn’t depend on “gotcha” moments or gore. I’ve tried to keep true to that in spirit, while incorporating more modern elements of diversity and cultural change. I also deeply love Piers Anthony, Elizabeth Peters, Rick Riordan, Kelley Armstrong, and Hailey Edwards.
What are you working on now?
RUSH TO JUDGEMENT, the sequel to RISE, is currently in its second edit (I made the first pass, and my editing team is looking at it now), and I’ll be sending it out to beta readers soon. I’m also interested in incorporating a sensitivity reader, since I have diverse characters playing major roles in the remainder of the series.
I may also re-launch RISE at the end of the summer with a new and updated cover. My graphic artist is hard at work.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
RISE OF THE MOON can be purchased in paperback and Kindle form on Amazon, and I can be reached on my website, www.jbcaine.com. I am experimenting with different types of blogs, so I’m always looking for interaction and feedback.
You can also find me on Facebook @realjbcaine, and Instagram @authorjbcaine.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
READ READ READ, especially in the genre in which you’d like to write. You have to know what’s out there in order to do it well. Learn the right voice, conventions, and tropes so you can create a story that will appeal to your audience.
I’d also say that it’s really important to find yourself a grammar-crazy friend if grammar and conventions aren’t your strong suit. Again, not the most exciting advice, but there’s no substitute for this basic writing tool.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
FINISH THE BOOK. Someone said to me a couple of years ago, “lots of people have good ideas. A writer is someone who finishes the book.” That sounds harsh, but it was a real wake-up call for me.
What are you reading now?
As do most authors, I have a sizable to-be-read pile, but I’m currently working on the mystery/thriller SPLINTERED by Kelly Miller.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The new-cover re-launch of RISE OF THE MOON later this summer, then the launch of RUSH TO JUDGEMENT this fall. I’m starting to outline ARCANA BOOK THREE: STRENGTH OF WILL in July, and plan to write the bulk of it during National Novel Writing Month in November.
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?
Oooh, that’s a tough one. Can I just bring my Kindle??
Author Websites and Profiles
JB Caine Website
JB Caine Amazon Profile
JB Caine’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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