Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Your typical Big City Aunt! I’m just now hurtling into middle-age but I’m not slowing down. Help, I’m speeding up! I’ve been writing as a fun hobby for over twenty years but only two books are commercial. I’m branching out now for egg money. Seriously, have you seen how expensive eggs are these days?!
When I’m not writing I’m working, reading, wrangling friends and family, and gardening as well as I can on my balcony.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘B’ or ‘How the Bogeyman Didn’t Save Christmas.’ Essentially it’s the holiday special I’ve always wanted to see. Danger! Suspense! Steampunk spookiness! Romance! I had to write something fun and funny so everyone could check out of reality for a while and just enjoy themselves with a holiday extravaganza. Paying it forward in honor of all the books I’ve loved throughout my life. It was also written as a love letter to my family, especially the kids, and I hope they treasure it down through the years.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I get going and the writing gets intense I sometimes just BREAK and hurtle out of my chair to flail around in the living room. Frightens people and pets.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Terry Pratchett’s ‘Discworld’ series is a pure blessing and I adore Agatha Christie and all her ilk. I love simple, straight-foward story and I try my best to provide the same.
What are you working on now?
‘Souls by the Sea’ (working title) an urban-fantasy Halloween story for teens wherein our heroine has to deal with yet another witch attack. She hasn’t gotten over the first one!
It’s going to be funny and, I hope, inspirational for teens that are struggling. And I love Halloween so there’s a heaping helping of that, too!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Best method so far is sheer socializing. “Buy my book or I’ll cry! Just kidding. But not really. Buy it.”
Do you have any advice for new authors?
KBoards ‘Writer’s Cafe’ is a great source for interaction and good advice. If Googling for the answer to your problem doesn’t turn up anything then KBoards will.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up. Never surrender!
What are you reading now?
‘Rebecca’ by Daphne Du Maurier. Our actual heroine is never given a name. And rightly so, she’s beginning to annoy me!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just continuing to build on what I’ve accomplished and never stopping. I will probably stay in the children/teen genre but the inspiration there is endless.
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?
Lord of the Rings, The Complete Shakespeare and, of course, How to Survive while Stranded on a Desert Island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jessie Talbot Website
Jessie Talbot Amazon Profile
Jessie Talbot Author Profile on Smashwords
Jessie Talbot’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account
Thanks for a fun interview!