Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an empty nester with 2 grown children who, I am lucky to say, live close by. I worked in the Marketing Research industry for over 30 years and retired from in 2020. I had always wanted to write a book so with retirement and the pandemic happening together, I took the time to write a book. I had started the outline a number of years ago, but I now had the time to write it all down in a book. So, this is my first and only book I have written.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is Espoused. The inspiration and idea came from my sister, Beth Ann, who had been through a very contentious divorce. We were sitting on the beach (reading and talking) after her divorce had been finalized when she commented on how well her kids, ex-husband, and herself were doing now that everything was over. Beth Ann made the comment, “I think it was the break-up that caused all the friction. We were supposed to stay together and it was difficult to undo it. Now that I think about it, I believe people should have to uncouple after a certain amount of years. Let those who want to stay together fight it out in court!” An idea was born – what if you legally had to uncouple after 15 years? What would that look like in society? That was the beginning of the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write in complete silence. I also can’t write with music. I get too distracted and usually start humming along with the music. I play a movie or tv series in the background. Maybe it was all those years working in an office and being used to the sound of people’s chatter in the background? My go to’s are: Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson, Ocean’s Eight with Sandra Bullock, Friends, Big Bang Theory.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Where to start? So many. During my high school it was Steinbeck, Graham Greene, and Jane Austen. I also loved to read inspiring stories – Wilma Rudolf (runner), Harriet Tubman, Amelia Earhart, and Vince Matthews (another runner). Every 2 years I re-read all 6 Jane Austen novels – her writing is inspirational. I never want to feel sorry for myself or think I can’t do something. Many of the books I read were about people who truly had difficulties in life and no matter how tough things may seem to me – it was nothing compared to what other people had to endure in their own life.
What are you working on now?
During the pandemic I became very interested in cozy mysteries (Emily Brightwell, Ashley Weaver, Maria DiRico, Catie Murphy). I not only enjoy the mystery, but love getting to know the amateur detective and all his/her cohorts. I’ve begun outlining my own cozy mystery series and am currently working on the first book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new at this game so I’m not sure what is the best method! I’m hoping to find more locations where readers like to look for new types of books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I didn’t know where to start when I decided to write a book. I had an idea, but that was it. I started by reading books about writing books – Wired For Story by Lisa Cron, Fast Fiction by Denise Jaden, Writing your novel from Start to Finish by Joseph Bates. Everyone’s style will be different, but it gave me some direction to start to put the idea to paper.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Follow your heart, don’t let anyone say you can’t do something, be kind.
What are you reading now?
I just finished the crime mystery series of Cormoran Strike books written by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling). I’m currently reading Northern Spy by Flynn Berry.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I just released Espoused so I’m going to promote that for a few months and then begin my new cozy mystery.
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?
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, My Race Be Won by Vincent Matthews, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling (for a laugh).
Author Websites and Profiles
Jean Marie Davis Website
Jean Marie Davis Amazon Profile
Jean Marie Davis’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.