Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in the Bay Area with my husband, our one year old son, a crazy whippet and too many cats. I work as a 911 Dispatcher for an East Bay police department. I have a background in art and film, so my writing style is a hybrid of a novelist and screenwriter. I love writing stories with paranormal/supernatural elements, complicated romances, twisted plots and realistic characters. My favorite characters blur the lines between bad guy and good guy.
I’ve written eight books and published five in my Anomaly series. The other three need a little refreshing before seeing the light of day.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Anomaly series was inspired by a dream. I woke up and wrote the prologue and built the story from there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write every chance I get (usually write between 911 calls on my Iphone notes) I have so many ideas bouncing around and get inspired so easily. When I get an idea, I have to write it down or it’s lost forever. My novels usually start with a few “scenes” and then I write an outline that resembles a screenplay and hen flesh it out so that it becomes a novel.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been obsessed with Grimm’s Fairy Tales for as long as I can remember and the incredible world that J.K. Rowling spins is awe inspiring to me.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a Psychological Thriller inspired by lucid dreams.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new to publishing, so I have dipped my toes into many social media sites. I’m not sure yet which ones are the “best” so stay tuned…
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read as much as you can. I have always been a little self conscious about my writing because, admittedly, I watch a lot more television and movies than I read books. My writing style has never really “matched” the novels I read. I am currently trying to take my own advice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There’s no point in worrying about things you have no control over.
What are you reading now?
I just started “Brave” the third book in the Wicked series by Jennifer L Armentrout
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just trying to navigate the rough waters of self promotion while working on my next book
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?
Grimm’s Fairy tales & The Harry Potter Series (If I can’t take them all I’d take the last ones because I need to have resolution)
Author Websites and Profiles
Jessica Gilliland Website
Jessica Gilliland Amazon Profile
Jessica Gilliland’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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