Interview With Author Jill Hedgecock
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I have written five young adult novels. The premise for my first novel, Rhino in the Room, was inspired when I went on an African safari and I learned that three rhinos are poached each day for their horns. I knew I had to write to raise awareness. My second series, which features a Doberman as as key character, was written to portray the sweet side of this maligned breed. I want my writing to have an impact. My freelance articles have touched on topics such as microplastics, impacts of pesticide use on honeybees, and ethical tourism. In addition to writing monthly book reviews and informative pet columns for a local magazine, The Diablo Gazette, my work has been published in Bark Magazine, Books N Pieces Magazine, American West, several anthologies, and an India-based online magazine called The Daily Brunch. I have judged the Mount Diablo California Writers Club’s young writer’s contest for middle schoolers and the nationwide National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for high school students on behalf of Mount Diablo California Writers Club.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release, In Shadow’s Reflection, is the third and final novel in my Doberman series. I had toyed with continuing the series, but I had initially envisioned the series as a trilogy. When the famous Doberman, Ruby_dooby_do (and new dog Bruce) who has 1.9 million TikTok followers (https://www.tiktok.com/@rubydobrucetoo) on my book covers passed away during the rewrites of In Shadow’s Reflection, it seemed appropriate to wrap up the series. The Shadow book series was inspired by my rescue dog Shadow who barked at a particular corner of my dining room and I had the thought, what if he is seeing ghosts? He loved to be petted between his eyes and I thought what if I could see the ghost he sees if I petted him there?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to create muse boards at the outset of a new project. The images provide visual cues to help me keep track of my characters and keep me focused on my major plot points.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I admire books with a clear message. Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior and Prodigal Summer and The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony and Graham Spence inspired me to write my rhino novels which I wrote to raise awareness about rhino poaching. I am a sucker for a good dog story and absolutely loved
What are you working on now?
I am working on a historical fiction novel that I started in 2013! I set the project aside to write other novels and only came back to the rewrites last Fall.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have had the most success ferreting out where Doberman owners hang out. Facebook Groups for Doberman owners has been particularly successful. I have done a U-tube interview for Doberman Planet, written pieces for dog and Doberman magazines,
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait to finish the book before you start building an author platform. Create a social media presence now. Start an author newsletter. Look for opportunities to speak or write freelance articles. The marketing side of the author life takes time to develop and a new author should not wait until their book is out to focus on this critical aspect of book promotion.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you love. It can take years to write a novel so the process will be much more pleasant if you like your subject matter.
What are you reading now?
I was a huge fan of Stephen King’s Dark Tower/Gunslinger series, but my career and family responsibilities overwhelmed me about the time the fifth book was released. Given the incredible time lapse since I had read the first four books, I had wanted to reread the early books before finishing the series. I made the commitment to read the series last fall and I am currently rereading Wizard and Glass. I am nearly finished and plan to read the 4.5 book in the series, The Wind Through the Keyhole, next.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have been publishing novels in the YA genre. I have an adult historical fiction novel sitting in the wings that I want to pick up after I complete my current project.
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?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and The Mirror by Marlys Millhiser.
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