The book started with the idea of reincarnation and what if a couple bumped into each other in a next life.
Jen Printy – 12 May 2014
The Back Flap
An endless love, for an endless price.
Jack’s immortality is exposed when he prevents a liquor store heist, forcing him to flee to protect his secret—a secret not even he understands. But when he meets Leah Winters—a mirror image of his decades-lost love, Lydia—his very soul is laid bare. He begins to question his sanity. Is she real, and if so, what does that mean for Jack and his secret?
Jack’s not the only mystery man in town. A stranger named Artagan hints at knowledge Jack is desperate to possess. But can he trust Artagan, or does the dark newcomer harbor deadly secrets of his own?
As Jack’s bond with Leah grows, so does the danger to her life. Jack must discover just how much he is willing to risk in order to save the woman he already lost once.
About the book
What is the book about?
Jack Hammond’s immortality is exposed when he prevents a liquor store heist, forcing him to flee to protect his secret—a secret not even he understands. But when he meets Leah Winters—a mirror image of his decades-lost love, Lydia—his very soul is laid bare. He begins to question his sanity. Is she real, and if so, what does that mean for Jack and his secret?
Jack’s not the only mystery man in town. A stranger named Artagan hints at knowledge Jack is desperate to possess. But can he trust Artagan, or does the dark newcomer harbor deadly secrets of his own?
As Jack’s bond with Leah grows, so does the danger to her life. Jack must discover just how much he is willing to risk in order to save the woman he already lost once.
When did you start writing the book?
May 2010
How long did it take you to write it?
From idea to publication, 4 years.
Where did you get the idea from?
The book started with the idea of reincarnation and what if a couple bumped into each other in a next life. I played around with different scenarios. Would they recognize one another? What if one did and one didn’t? By the end of the day, I had two scenes in my head. One is the scene at the beginning of the first chapter when Jack runs into Leah, and the other was Jack’s dream at the end of the chapter.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Ed’s death, for a lot of reason. First, he is one of my favorites. Being a happy-ending kind of girl, I wanted to give him his, but I knew his death was important to the plot. In the middle of a re-write, I lost my dad. Naturally, seems death is an overwhelming theme in My Soul Immortal, I had to set the book aside for a few months. During the editing process, I was able to tap in to those emotions and use them.
What came easily?
The climax. It flowed into my head like a movie. I felt like I was just reporting what I saw.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Overall, they are fictitious, although I see pieces of friends and family in some of their traits. For example, Jack’s gentle side is my dad. (Not something I realized until after the book was published.) Sally is a mixture of my mom and my friend Sarah. Grady’s sarcasm and weak puns come from my eldest daughter.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Cassandra Clare. Her attention to detail is awe-inspiring. By the end of a scene, you know everything about “your” surroundings, from the feel of the stones under your feet to the dank taste in the air.
Suzanne Collins. She wrote a strong, likable female character. Not an easy task.
Stephenie Meyer. Her personal story made me pick up my pen, put it to paper in hopes that someday I’d fulfill my dream, and become a published author.
Do you have a target reader?
Lovers of paranormal and romance mainly, but readers who love adventure and mystery will enjoy My Soul Immortal too.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
For My Soul Immortal, I started with a general path of where I expect the plot to go. I had my main characters and their backstories figured out mostly. However, I found that sometimes during the writing process the story flows in a direction of its own and I’m just along for the ride. The plot takes a twist that wasn’t originally planned. New characters develop and some fade away. So for me, I find my writing process is half planning and half winging it
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I do. First, I write a brief synopsis, then I divided out the major scenes. Each scene is explained in two or three sentences.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I have “detailitis,” so I edit chapter by chapter.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I do. I listen to alternative rock—anything from Imagine Dragons to Muse, Black Keys and Coldplay, whatever sets the music sets the mood.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I did for a while.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
Self-publishing wasn’t a viable option for me. I knew from the beginning that I didn’t know enough about the publishing world to do it well. Sure, I could do my homework and learn all the do’s and don’ts, but that takes time. An indie publisher was the best of both worlds. They’d know all about this foreign world called publishing, and I’d retain some say in what the finished book looked like.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did it you do it yourself?
Red Adept Publishing uses Streetlight Graphics for all their covers. They did a wonderful job. I couldn’t be more pleased.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I’m still learning. I know reviews are key, so I’ve been working on getting more. The next step is to get my book into independent bookstores in the area, and maybe beyond.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
If you decide to go with a publisher, indie or otherwise, do your research. Check out their books, look up reviews about them, and make sure they are the right fit for you. Publishing a book can be a long grueling process. It’s exciting, but stressful too. You need to make sure your publisher is someone who will help you along the way. My hope would be that in the end you could sing your publisher’s praises as I can.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Falmouth, Maine
Where do you live now?
About 30 miles away from Falmouth, in Buxton, Maine.
What would you like readers to know about you?
When I’m not writing, I work as a freelance doll artist. I sculpt baby dolls for collectible doll companies, like Ashton Drake and Paradise Galleries.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book of the Fated Eternals Series. I’m excited where this story is going. I can’t wait to show you around the world of the Concilium Animarum.
End of Interview:
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