Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written 9 novels (the 10th is written, still to be edited, and I’m on the third chapter of my 11th novel).
When I write, I go on a high that is unlike anything else I do (even sculptures or paintings – I am also an artist). I get fired up, energized and come alive inside when the urge comes upon me. It’s as though visions and scenes and concepts and ideas wash through my experiences and learning to become the pages of my books.
I now realize this phenomenon has always been with me – English being my favorite subject in school, essays my favorite assignments, and I could never get enough of reading books (fiction) – the written words taking me to that other world, that place of awe, mystery, excitement and crucial life lessons.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘why?’ is the name of my latest book, my first self published novel made available through Amazon and chapters.
Because of the ever increasing rate of suicides now, I began to vividly recall my own walk with suicide when I was a young adult. I remember it so clearly, how it had hurt so much and how it seemed like there was no way out of that place of pain.
But, I journeyed back to life. I struggled, and stumbled and searched for answers wherever they seemed to be. Eventually, I found what gives me hope, strength and meaning.
The discovery of what brings me life inside, such as the beauty of nature, the uplift of great music or the shivers felt from words that touch the heart took me to places inside of my own self that I’d previously been unaware of. I’d found life.
Now, I want everyone else to feel like I know I can feel. To turn from the road to misery and wanting to end it all to the road of genuine awe and moving forward with confidence was definitely worth every tear I’d shed and every effort I’d given.
Looking back, I realize that all my novels have been inspired from the same source – the emotional hurts, the awareness and then the healing. It’s the winning, the finding of the light at the end of the tunnel, and arriving there, there to that place of bliss, the place of the spirit, the place of LIFE.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I want to smile; no, laugh. Sometimes the energy I feel is so tremendous I’m whooping it up and screeching ‘hoorahs’ as I’m frantically trying to key in the thoughts that are going faster than my fingers. When I think of anyone watching these kinds of moments, well, call it what you like…
I like the crazy feelings, acting like hockey fans do or suddenly coming upon an insight that words somehow unveiled.
And, I do that thing called writing through the night and on into the morning. Eight hours is never enough. And because I have to write just one more thing, just one more and just a little bit more, I have even ended up eating my eggs at nine p.m. instead of a.m.!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Good question!
I’ve read so many novels, of various genres, that have held me spellbound.
As for influence, Louis L’Amour’s writing abilities, Danielle Steele’s insights and Dorothy Corkille Briggs’s gentleness are as mentors to my own writing.
Although I’ve always been fascinated with psychology, spirituality, astrology, the paranormal and many other intrigues, if these same lessons, insights and wonders are incorporated into fiction novels, I go with the fiction.
What are you working on now?
I am now working on ‘The Heights’ (first editing sessions), which is literally a take off of ‘why?’ When I finished ‘why?’, there was so much energy left from it that I felt compelled to write more words, get it out of my system so I could get at my next novel, ‘Xtremes’. Next thing I know, another novel was completed!
It was phenomenal! It seemed to have happened on its own! Wow.
Now, I’m working on ‘Xtremes’, a realistic, inspirational fiction novel about addiction.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website: http://www.inspirationalfictionnovels.com (weebly)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hurtandheal
And, I’m also a Goodreads Author.
My novel, ‘why?’ is my first attempt at promoting my books via social media, so I have yet to find out if this way will work out. This whole promotion thing is quite new to me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I was told to write what I know, but didn’t realize the fullness of this statement until I’d written a number of novels. What I know seems to pour forth from the inside of me, from my heart, from my passions, from my inspirations. This is what energizes me, prompts the words to be expressed onto the pages, and draws upon inner resources to become the scenes, the answers, the conclusions.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Be careful about what your think, for it tends to be.”
What are you reading now?
Dr. Wayne Dyer – so much food for thought…
Books like this, or like Sylvia Browne’s books or Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs of Love Signs fascinate me.
How much more could we know?
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll keep attempting to reach out to readers, get to know a few other authors, but most importantly, I have to write.
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?
Books with blank pages so that I could fill them all (plus The Bible).
Author Websites and Profiles
Linda Sonnenberg Jackson Website
Linda Sonnenberg Jackson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile