Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a first-time indie published author. I’ve spent a life-time dreaming about being a writer. I guess you could say I’ve spent a life-time dreaming about books. Books were my first friends. Thought that might sound a little sad it really isn’t. I had plenty of ‘human’ friends but none that could take me on adventures with them. Books took me around the world and back without me having to leave the comfort of the bottom bunk (my favorite reading spot). Books expanded my imagination and challenged me to think, to dream beyond my world. Now that’s a cool friend.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Heart’s Journey Home. I’ve got more than a little age on me so I never really thought I’d write a book about teens for teens. I was watching something on TV and the teen angst was so poignant, the friendships real, the characters full of depth and the book sort of started to evolve from there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Laughing, I probably have a few. I do my best writing at Panera’s and LaQuinta Inn (as a matter of fact this interview is being conducted while I’m at LaQuinta). I researched the heck out of the book first. I probably spent close to a year just doing the research for The Heart’s Journey Home. It’s a book series so I did an outline of all the books up front, which was a mini-novel itself. I’m old school so I write long-hand first then type the manuscript from there. I’m trying to retrain myself to just sit down in front of the laptop and start typing. It’s a bit of a struggle though.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oddly enough I think Steven King is just a great author. I say oddly enough because I am so not into scary movies so I haven’t read/viewed all of his works, but the stuff I’ve seen has been enviable. The Green Mile, The Shawshank Redemption, The Storm of the Century, Stand By Me, Misery, and on and on and on. He’s written some great scary and non-scary stuff, novels and movies. If I could just have a 10th of his career my writing soul would be satisfied.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on book two of the series and it’s a lot of fun. I love my teen characters – Tori, AJ and Kalea. The more I hang out with them the more they’re growing on me. I’m hoping they grow on the reader.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I guess I’ve had a spaghetti-type attitude toward promoting my book. I’m just throwing everything at the wall and glad when any of it sticks. I think the toughest part of self-publishing is self-marketing. You can write the great American novel but if nobody knows it exists it’s just going to sit and collect dust. I’m grateful for sites like Awesomegang. I’m not just interested in publicity, I want to actually connect with readers. This site helps me to do just that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Know you’re a writer. Respect the craft. Believe in what you write. Enjoy yourself. Never give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Easy reading is damn hard writing. But if it’s right, it’s easy. It’s the other way round too. If it’s slovenly written, then it’s hard to read. It doesn’t give the reader what the careful writer can give the reader.” Maya Angelou
What are you reading now?
Don’t laugh, but The Heart’s Journey Home. The best way for me to stay in touch with the characters and the story line for book two is to review the original often.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More books. The Nobel Peace Prize. Movies. An Oscar. More books. All a writer can do is write and dream.
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?
Easy – The Bible, To Kill a Mockingbird, Survival: A Beginner’s Guide to Help You Survive on a Deserted Island and The Heart’s Journey Home Series
Author Websites and Profiles
Nikki Jackson Website