Please tell us a little about yourself and how long you've been writing. Have you always gravitated toward being an author?
Along with writing, I’m a busy mom of 3, avid volunteer, certified health coach, yoga teacher, and writing teacher. I like to keep my plate full with the hopes that it will keep me out of trouble. *grins* I’ve been writing professionally for 10 years, and have always loved playing with words. I did technical writing for a brief time, but fiction is a better fit for my creative mind.
How do you balance family life with your writing?
I wouldn’t go so far as to say I balance everything, but now that my kids are all in school I have an easier time getting my work done before everyone is home for the day. I’m pretty lucky because my kids think writing is cool, and love to read or write while I’m racing to meet a deadline. I also keep a chocolate stash handy for days when my schedule is out of control.
If you could trade places with a character in one of your books, who would it be and why?
I’d love to trade places with Luna for a day. She has no qualms about speaking her mind and she’s got her own unique style. She’s also got that killer red hair/blue eyes combo that I’ve always found so striking. I had a little too much fun writing her firecracker personality.
Anything your fans would be surprised to know about you?
I love to read books on nutrition and brain science. I’m as in love with those topics as I am paranormal romance. And I can turn into a total geek and watch TED talks and research statistics all day long. My brain is full of semi-useless trivia, stats, and tidbits.
Dealing with writing deadlines can be a challenge. What do you do to cope with the stress?
Chocolate, a very understanding husband, and I schedule a massage as a reward for when it’s done. I actually work better under pressure, because I don’t have time to mess around and can focus better. And I hear sleep is overrated. *grins*
Is there something special you do to celebrate when one of your books is released?
I don’t celebrate as much as relax. I like to avoid my computer and read a book by one of my favorite authors so I can immerse myself in someone else’s hard work for a few hours. Or I stay in my pjs and watch multiple episodes of Supernatural. A girl’s gotta have her guilty pleasures, right? Unfortunately, my muse rarely lets me rest for too long, and my mind is soon spinning with other ideas. Or maybe those Winchester boys inspire me…
Tell us about your latest/upcoming release. What is this gem about?
STONE COLD REVENGE is a continuation of Elle’s story as she reluctantly steps into the role of heir to her father’s twisted shadow elf empire. She’s coming into her powers and meets her unlikely mentor. Luna is short, sarcastic, and deadly with weapons. However, she’s no help when it comes to romance. Elle hasn’t had much time to sift through her feelings for Jax and MacLean, but she knows she has to make a choice between the gargoyle and phoenix soon. To make matters worse, her memories return with the knowledge that her father has been manipulating things from behind the scenes for far longer than she’d realized. Elle is soon faced with a devastating choice: use the powers she can’t quite control, or lose someone she loves.
Anything coming from you in the next few months you want to share or are working on?
I’m currently working on a steamy contemporary, and then have a ghost story I need to finish so the characters stop haunting me, but no official release dates yet.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m chomping at the bit to read Kim Harrison’s latest Rachel Morgan book, and The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. I’ve been trying to work my way through my TBR pile, but I swear it multiples overnight.
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
I’d love to meet Kim Harrison because she’s so gracious online, and writes incredible stories. I’d love to talk to her about writing, including her characters—Jenks is one of my favorite characters across all genres.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Keep writing. Someone out there wants and needs to read your story. And go to as many writing conferences as you can. Networking with other writers is invaluable.
If we asked your muse to describe you in five words, what would they say about you?
Oh, that’s a great question. I think my muse would say I’m tenacious, playful, inspired, savvy and a pantser.
Anything else you want to add? Links?
Yes, I’d love to thank you again for having me on the blog today! I love to chat with readers, and hope you’ll connect with me on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/JessMacallan) Twitter (http://twitter.com/jessmacallan) Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5039686.Jess_Macallan) JessMacallan (http://www.jessmacallan.blogspot.com/)
About Jess Macallan:
Jess lives in the Inland Northwest with her husband and three children. She thrives on creative chaos. Curiosity drives her to try new things as often as possible. When not writing or chasing trouble, she teaches yoga, writing classes, reads, experiments with new recipes, and gardens. The only things she takes seriously are chocolate, tea and world domination. But mostly chocolate.
2 comments:
I'm excited to read the new book! You are a terrific writer. Will try to read slowly and savor this one. lol
I absolutely LOVED Stone Cold Seduction and can't wait to read SCR!!! CONGRATS on the release, Jess!!!
yadkny@hotmail.com
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