Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the “newbie” of the bunch! I just released my very first book, a romantic suspense called “Trick Play”, and seeing my name on it has been an amazing adrenaline rush. I’ve dreamed of being a fiction writer for more years than I can count, so I keep pinching myself to see if this is actually happening. Luckily, it is!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called “Trick Play”, and the main character — Rebecca — isn’t too different from me. She’s got a dream she’s willing to work hard for, so she moves to a tiny town in Texas to work as a sports reporter at a local TV station. I’ve always loved writing AND sports, so coming up with Rebecca felt like the perfect combination.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Does writing with my cat on the desk count?! Seriously, though, I’ve done some great brainstorming out by the pool and on the beach. How cool is it that you can actually work in a spot that most people only get to see on vacation?!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always gobbled up Nora Roberts’ and Danielle Steel’s books. To me, those two have achieved what we all want — they create stories that you literally cannot put down.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m coming up with plot lines for my second book. It will take place in Curtinville, too, just like “Trick Play” did. You’ll see a couple of familiar characters in it, along with some new faces. And, of course, it would’t be Curtinville without tons of drama!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I”m still trying to figure that out! So far, I’ve seen a great response from my followers on Twitter. I actually started Tweeting right when I started working on “Trick Play”. I thought it would be fun to bring people into the writer’s world so that they could experience all of the emotions right along with me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Right now, I’m in their shoes! But the biggest thing I have learned from all of this is to move forward with your dreams. As great as the mental picture may be, working hard and actually achieving a life-long dream is even better!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep writing. There’s no shortage of stories to be told or characters to create. As long as you tell great stories, people will gobble them up. It sounds so simple, but it’s so true. There will always be a demand for great books!
What are you reading now?
I’m reading “I AM”, which couldn’t be more different from “Trick Play”! It’s actually an amazing book that focuses on discovering more about yourself and learning about the power you possess to make your life extraordinary.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing! My dream wasn’t just to publish one novel and call it a day. Instead, I want to be known for creating a steady stream of great stories. There are a bunch of ideas rattling around in my head, and I can’t wait to dive into all of them!
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, that’s tough! I would definitely take “I AM”, since I’d probably need an emotional boost while I was stranded! I’d also take “Zim” by the late, great Don Zimmer, because it’s chock full of funny stories that span his entire baseball career. And I’d take “Trick Play”, because I would want a constant reminder that dreams really do come true.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jessica Kelly Amazon Profile
Jessica Kelly’s Social Media Links