Interview with Janice Jones

Author of By Blood Sworn: The Dagger Chronicles Book 2

 

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Fort Worth, Texas originally. Moved to Arlington when I was 18.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

We moved from Fort Worth, Texas to Arlington when I was eighteen because my father was still working at General Motors and the house burned down. It was a fresh start for us, but I still feel like Fort Worth will always be my home. Plus, my older sister and I were in college at UT- Arlington, so it worked out pretty well.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I started out just wanting to do something for myself with no intention of publishing. But, as I spent more time writing and rewriting, I thought maybe I should get serious and try to complete something for publication. That’s when I decided to go back to school and get my Masters. I used my current work as my thesis, so to speak.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

They’re sort of a combination between romance and action adventure. Think Buffy skills and Bruce Wayne money.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Anyone that loves the vampire genre should give the series a read. My main character is a different kind of heroine. There’s a romance element to the story, but its not the focus. So, if you’re looking for a ‘sweep you off your feet’ romance, this is not it. I didn’t really follow the script on that. I think readers that want something a little different in their heroine and vampires will enjoy the series for what it is, a guilty pleasure. There’s a lot going on, but I think its fun.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Honestly, I didn’t expect some publishers to be so adamant about the race of the main character. I was asked to change that several times, but I didn’t. My current publisher was like “we love that she’s black and badass, so bring it on!” During the writing process, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved just sitting with a notebook (I write everything down first) and writing, writing, writing.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

I would tell my past self to do exactly what I did to get this far. Just stick with it and don’t believe those people that tell you it’s a waste of time or you’ll never get published. If I had, I wouldn’t be a published author.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I haven’t really thought about a specific number of people I’d like to reach. I would like a diverse readership though. That way, I can get feedback on different levels and incorporate it into the next project. I like constructive feedback, even if its someone saying they didn’t like the story. If they tell me what they didn’t like, I can improve. Its all about improving and expanding. Straight negative feedback isn’t helpful and I try not to take it personally. Although, I have from time to time.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

My biggest challenge is craving out time when my day job gets crazy. The most frustrating thing is getting people to leave reviews.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

As far as writing, my strength is in the dialogue. I love conversations. For me, having a publisher took a big weight off my shoulders. Financially, I wasn’t able to self publish at the time I starting, so landing a publisher was awesome for my first time out. When marketing, I live sites like Moo. I can create postcards flyers with my own ideas and get them out and people like I’m brilliant.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Exposition is my weakness, in my opinion. In my graduate program, that was the thing I hated the most about my own writing. I took my time between books for personal reasons and because I had so much to say, so I think my publisher would say turn around was my weakness in that respect. They were very patient with me and I really appreciate that about them. The relationship has been great. As far as marketing goes, I still working on being comfortable talking about myself to strangers.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

Book 3 is with the publisher right now, so I’m not sure when we’ll start the editing process. I’m working on a screenplay for book 1 and it should be ready very soon. My next book won’t be about vampires, but it will be just as fun.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Amberjack Publishing is a traditional publisher, but a small press.