Welcome to the Literary Library Lounge where I interview fellow authors. Today, I am chatting with Jannette Fuller from Clover, South Carolina.
Thanks for joining me, Jannette. Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.
How long have you been published? What titles have you published and with which publisher? Please give details.
I’ve only been published for a few days. My debut novel released on October 21st, 2016. Transgression (Book One in the Ambrosial Acres Series) is published by Solstice Faith Imprint.
Congratulations!
Tell us a little bit about your books — what genre you write, if you write a series, any upcoming releases or your current work-in-progress.
I write young adult entwined with mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. And I write from a Christian perspective intended for a wider audience.
I’m currently working on Delusion (Book Two in the Ambrosial Acres Series).
Sounds very nice.
Describe your goals as a writer. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years? What are you planning to do to reach these goals?
In the next few years, I plan to finish the Ambrosial Acres Series. I also have plans to write novellas for some of the supporting characters: Trent and Tirzah. I love them–they’re spunky and nutty! In order to reach my goal, I’ll keep jotting down notes inside my journal until I have enough content to start writing their stories.
Good idea to use your characters in other works. I’m a character-oriented writer myself.
What type of reader are you hoping to attract? Who do you believe would be most interested in reading your books?
Ooh. Good question. I wanted to write about spiritual warfare and the consequences of our choices, but without boring my readers to tears. Meaning, I didn’t want to throw Scripture at them left and right, making them feel as if I were preaching to them.
Honestly, I think my books are suitable for Christians, non-Christians, and anyone young at heart. Plus, I think a lot of people enjoy supernatural elements as well as a good mystery. 🙂
I agree. My first book featured some paranormal elements and my Cobble Cove mystery series are cozy mysteries.
What advice would you give other authors or those still trying to get published?
What helped me while writing my first book was to change my intentions. Instead of stressing myself out by writing what I think would be picked up by an agent/publisher, I was determined to write the story within my mind. Keeping that extra pressure to write what I thought would sell was kept at bay. And because of that Transgression is now available to the public.
That’s an interesting point. I said basically the same thing when asked on my recent radio interview what I would suggest to another author to make their writing easier. I said they had to listen to their own voice and write what was in their heart and not what they thought would sell. I think, if you do that, it will not jeopardize your marketing efforts. If you write what you feel, the rest is bound to come.
What particular challenges and struggles did you face before first becoming published?
Forming a habit of daily writing, structuring my novel, filling in the gaps where content was needed, redundancy, and refraining from over editing as I wrote. To sum it up–EVERYTHING.
Lol. So true.
Have you taken any writing or publishing classes? If so, please provide information about them and if you feel they helped you further your professional skills.
No, I haven’t. In fact, wanting to become a writer didn’t happen until my mid-thirties. I was currently taking online classes through Liberty University when this unexpected passion ignited within me.
After reading the entire Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, I pulled up Microsoft Word. But nothing happened. I just stared at a blank screen. Lol! Seriously, it’s true. Not knowing where to begin, I searched the Internet and came across Writer’s Digest. It was the place where I was introduced to all things writing. The place where I made my first author friend as well: Tetonia Blossom.
Writer’s Digest is great. I took one of their courses years ago and still read their magazine. I also took online writing and publishing courses more recently through my library’s Gale Courses. I think writing courses are optional for authors, but they can’t hurt. I learned more through my editing work on my college paper and, of course, from other authors — both those I read and those with whom I network.
What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?
I love working out, it helps burn off the anxiety, including calories. Which is always a plus! Staying active in general makes me feel better, less guilty for sitting in front of a computer screen for hours. Let’s see…I love Netflix, baking (cupcakes, especially), joy riding, shopping (well, duh), and hanging out with my family. We love to watch movies, play board games, and hang out.
Nice. I also try to exercise through walking or doing exercise videos.
What do you like most and least about being an author? What is your toughest challenge?
For me, the best part about being an author is creating stories and watching them take shape, growing into finished products. It’s even more wonderful when the day arrives for your story to be birthed into the world. Yay!
I feel the same way. I believe creating a book is like having a baby. It’s not easy, but it’s certainly worthwhile.
Thanks so much for the wonderful interview, Jannette, and please share your links for our readers.
If you have the time, I’d love for you to visit me at:
My Website:
http://www.jannettefuller.com/
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M2ZZRVC
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13895419.Jannette_Fuller
Twitter:
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/jannettefuller/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jannettefuller/
Thanks so much! Best wishes to you on your current and upcoming books and series.
Ruff Drafts 