Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I always saw the world in terms of stories. As a kid, I’d rehearse dialogue in my head as a pass time. Specifically, the characters in stories fascinated me. I wanted to figure out their motivations, it was like a fascinating puzzle to me. As I got older, I’d take that interest and channel it toward studying psychology, but writing fiction was always my first love. My recently released novel, Yahto Orrin, aims to blend the two subjects in a satisfying way.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Yahto Orrin, is set in a science-fiction world some 200 years beyond our present-day but focuses on the people more so than setting. At its core, Yahto is a coming of age story and is aimed at a young adult audience. Though I believe it could easily be enjoyed by adults of all ages as well. Yahto Orrin is very personal and reflects my views of poverty and the low self-worth that often accompanies it. It’s a sort of commentary on class distinction and finding our sense of belonging in spite of a rocky start in life.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s all that unusual, but I always write while listening to music. In fact, it’s hard to do so without it. I look for songs that relate to the feel of the story and use them as a painter would different colors. Finding just the right song for a moment can really help me add intensity to whatever scene I’m writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy going off the beaten path a little when it comes to inspiration. Always looking for interesting characters in books rather than just plot. Though aimed at a middle-grade audience, I truly enjoyed Trenton Lee Steward’s Mysterious Benedict Society and Jeanne Birdsall’s The Penderwicks. Another book of note would be Mister Max written by Cynthia Voigt. All of them had a very strong sense of character-real people that leap out of the page and mean something to you. I wanted to imitate that, because, in the end, it’s the people in a book that make you fall in love with it.
What are you working on now?
I’m nearing the end of my sequel to Yahto Orrin and will be publishing it in the months ahead. Afterward, I’m giving thought to a possible third book in the series, and some non-related standalone novels.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been writing for years, but am still very new to the publishing business. From what I’ve seen thus far though, I’d say go to where the readers are. Choose a service or ad platform that is focused on putting you in front of readers when they are actively looking for a new book. If you put an ad on say social media, (as a sponsored post to strangers, I don’t mean your actual followers) then I think they’ll likely find it annoying. They are there to socialize not buy a book that just popped up out of nowhere on an ad. So I try to focus on where the readers are and when they’re ready to find a new book. Book newsletters, Amazon or Bookbub ads, etc, I think would be a better bet. Still though, whatever works for you personally is the best option.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
First off, make sure writing is what you really want to do. I was very affected by Rainer Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet. In it, he basically says that if you honestly ask yourself “would I die without writing” you’ll find out what writing really means to you. If it is in your blood then just stay at it. Consistent practice will lead to improvement if you stick with it. We all have off, and sometimes downright terrible writing days, but the key is sticking with it. You’ll only be able to do that if you really are in love with the craft.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
We as authors tend to have an informational overload when it comes to advice. But one thing that sticks out to me was the advice to avoid trend writing. In other words, don’t do something just because it’s popular. The story you’re telling has to mean something to you personally or it won’t move the readers. Simple as that.
What are you reading now?
Nothing much at the moment. I obviously love books and reading can be a big source of inspiration, but I’ve been a little too busy inside my own work lately. With that said, I love a good mystery to unwind with when I do get time.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My aim is to build up a little following of readers that enjoy my work and want to stick with me for the long term. I’m always going to be writing something new, so I’d like to find a group of people that would be eager to see what I’ve been up to.
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 Bible, The Penderwicks at Point Mouette, Mister Max: The Book of Secrets, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jeana Laurie Amazon Profile
Jeana Laurie’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile