Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello there, my name is Jessi Brooklyn!
I have been writing since I can remember. That sounds cliche but it’s true. As a child, I loved reading encyclopedias and history books. During my teen years, I wrote fanfiction for the Bonanza show running from 1959-1973. When I had practiced sufficiently for five years, my attention was turned to becoming a novelist. I am a romantic so when my first book was in question, the romance genre seemed the best place to start. I’ve written two books so far but have three more in the works. Still early days but I have faith that my break will happen soon. I’ve worked hard and received good reviews for my work.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book, “White Fir Lodge: A Holiday Tale”, is a novella I wrote to research a novel. Adam and Victoria, the two main characters worked very well together and I was pleased. Their colorful pasts will be explained in the longer prequel novel. Their mountain horse ranch, White Fir, is based outside Carson City, Nevada. Adam built a great lodge to host horsebreeders from around the world and then his wife some time later.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say unusual exactly but I do love a bowl of ice cream while I’m writing throughout the night. Not a healthy habit but it helps my brain think up better scenes. At times, I’ll drive to a park and sit for a few hours, writing in a journal. I find the physical act of writing is a historic and ancient form of communication. I’m a history buff so the activity gives me a nerdy thrill.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up, I adore Janette Oke’s work along with Jane Austen. “Pride and Prejudice” is my favorite still. Of course, I must confess a guilty pleasure in The Hunger Games, Twilight and Divergent series.
What are you working on now?
Two books are currently in progress. A Western historical prequel novel for “White Fir Lodge: A Holiday Tale”. This one will be entitled “White Fir Lodge: The Origin Story”.
The second book will be entitled “Praetorian Angel”. This historical fantasy book’s main character is an ex-prostitute making a new life in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the 1860s.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be honest, I am still finding my way and constantly learning. I have a website, www.jessibrooklyn.org, which I think is vital for my books to have a home. The greatest marketing tool in my arsenal so far would be business cards. I hand out those often and they have provided sales.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not that I’m qualified enough but I would say that if one is serious about writing, don’t push your career. Do things in your own time. Don’t be pushed or discouraged by family, friends, etc. Life and writing a book are both marathons, not sprint races. When in doubt, make sure that you’re taking a step forward for your career at all times, not backwards.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best I have heard was the advice I gave for new authors. Honestly, I can’t remember where I heard those tidbits but they stuck with me. A main realization I have come across throughout the writing community is that authors are a highstrung lot. We are prone to mood swings, drama and tears. Every blog post has confirmed my worst fears. Creative, imaginative people do have their drawbacks.
What are you reading now?
Unfortunately, I don’t have the time for heavy fiction reading but I keep up with historical and medical texts for new book ideas. I love researching!
What’s next for you as a writer?
For starters, I’d love my work to be known nationwide and not just local though I appreciate every sale. I would like to quit my full-time job eventually and devote my time to cranking out books. And if one of my books were turned into a movie eventually, I wouldn’t object!
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?
Off the top of my head?
Book 1: The Preppers Survival Handbook: The Essential Long Term Step-By-Step Survival Guide to the Worst Case Scenario for Surviving Anywhere—by Buck Collins
Book 2: The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help is Not on the Way—by Joseph and Amy Alton
Book 3: Outdoor Survival: The Ultimate Outdoor Survival Guide for Staying Alive and Surviving In The Wilderness—by Gavin Williams
Book 4: Pride and Prejudice—by Jane Austen
Author Websites and Profiles
Jessi Brooklyn Website
Jessi Brooklyn Amazon Profile
Jessi Brooklyn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account