Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I think word that best describes me is eclectic. I’ve got so many different things going on all the time. As a writer, I’ve written numerous short stories, I love flash fiction, and most of them have placed or won contests. I’ve had one novel published and am working on another along with a couple short stories.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dragons of Jade was released on April first of this year. As to what inspired it, I’m really not sure. Maybe a dream? I find a lot of inspiration comes in the middle of the night and wakes me up. I love dragons and while I do believe at one time they existed, I don’t believe they required virgin sacrifices. Though I’m sure they wouldn’t turn down a free meal when offered.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. Usually there is a Doberman under my desk and another beside me. Sometimes the cat wants to lay on my keyboard but when that happens, no writing gets done. I do like to write in the middle of the night. There’s just something about that time when the whole house is asleep. It’s dark, quiet, and kinda scary.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Jack London along with Shakespeare and many classic novels. My grandmother had a wide selection of books and weekends spent with her were spent reading things that I probably shouldn’t have, well into the night.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on a sequel to Dragons of Jade. I hadn’t really planned one but have had so many requests for a sequel that I pondered a bit and discovered that the story wasn’t finished. I’m also working on Dark Descent, a mystery novel set in a small town in East Texas. It’s about ready to go to the editor so I’m excited about that.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure I have one. I’ve tried Facebook groups, other paid advertising, blogging, Twitter, and even attending book events. All have had varying degrees of success. Depending on what you call success. Some have sold books, others haven’t.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! Someone said “Great books aren’t written, they’re rewritten.” and someone else, “You can’t fix a blank page.” so you have to write. Once it’s on the page, you can fix it. And don’t ever let anyone crush your dreams.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There has been so much great advice but I think the advice that touched me most was that I was responsible for my writing career. I’m the one doing the writing, making sure it’s edited, and ready to publish. I’m the one responsible for reading guidelines and doing market research. I’m also the one responsible for doing the marketing. And while I’m not responsible for accepting my submissions, it is my responsibility to not give reasons to reject them. It’s easy to sit back and complain about how publishing is hard work and that editors just don’t understand my writing but does no good.
What are you reading now?
I just finished The Maze Runner by James Dashner. I’m not sure what I’ll start next. Maybe reread Scorpio Races.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing and editing. I have a stand alone fantasy started, the sequel to Dragons of Jade, plus I’m working on two serials, Where the Heart is and I Wish…. I also have a couple short stories in the works.
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?
Wow, hard question. Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler, and Lord of the Rings.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jean Lauzier Website
Jean Lauzier Amazon Profile
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