mistletoes and mayhem

Author Interview with Katie Jordan

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Dragon Soul Press presents an interview with Katie Jordan, featured in Mistletoes and Mayhem.

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I first wanted to become an author in kindergarten. Creating characters, dilemmas, and unique worlds, brings an excitement and joy that makes me feel powerful.

2. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

The 3-Day Novel Contest is my kryptonite. I also have a dystopian novelette published in AND MAN GREW PROUD that was written in just 7 days. Writing under time constraints brings out the best and the worst in me. I love it!

3. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Dreams, thoughts, and random recollections are the driving force behind my ideas. People typically focus on the ‘where’, but I think the intensity behind thoughts, and the motivation to get them on paper, is more important. When you can write with fire, you will produce something that lights up readers imaginations.

4. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I am a full-time mombie. Favs include wearing pajamas on every day of the week that ends with ‘day’, hoarding chocolate, and snuggling my mini mes. 

5. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I am published in three anthologies and hope to be in a few more in the next couple years, before switching my focus to full length novels.

Charity anthologies are a current favorite.

All proceeds from MAGIC WE’VE FORGOTTEN go to Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. All proceeds from MISTLETOES AND MAYHEM go to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. These are both intriguing books supporting great causes.

6. Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

Definitely. Finding a writing name was no easy feat. I wanted to use a unique alias or initials, but the ones that appealed to me were taken. I kept it old school and stuck to using my first and last name.

7. Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I used to aim for originality but am starting to understand the importance of delivering content for the readers. Writing character flaws is something I enjoy, but it’s not always what readers want. I am working on a women’s fiction novel where the MC is vilified for all the wrong reasons and continually responds with unrelenting determination and strength. It’s my own personal challenge to give readers everything they want, including a strong female MC and ample opportunities for conflict.

8. What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

Who wasn’t giddy when they heard the stories of Stone Soup, The Little Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, or Strega Nona? Listening to stories as a child was my favorite. Those stories belonged to a world I wanted to be part of.

9. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Many! My works in progress include fantasy, science fiction, women’s fiction, and NA novels. I would like larger blocks of time to give these the final editing they deserve, so it will be at least two years before I’m able to complete and query these. (Maybe earlier for the fantasy book).

10. Where can readers learn more about you? 

On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Amazon, and my website.

Author Interview with Lincoln Reed

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Dragon Soul Press took the opportunity to interview Author Lincoln Reed. Thus far, he is a featured author in DSP’s Mistletoes and Mayhem, Imperial Devices, and Valiance.

  1. What was your dream job when you were younger?

Ever since I could walk, I was passionate about baseball, playing every summer and practicing all winter. It was my dream to become a professional baseball player. The closest I came to accomplishing that goal was participating in a professional tryout with the Atlanta Braves organization. I didn’t play professionally, but I did have a fun college baseball career at Taylor University.

  1. Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I’ve wanted to be a writer since the age of six. I have a strong memory of loving books at a young age and wanting to write one of my own.

3. How long have you been writing?

I wrote my first series of short stories at the age of nine, but didn’t develop a serious interest in a writing career until my undergraduate years. I had my first short story acceptance after completing my MFA at Miami University (Ohio). Since then, I’ve completed two full novel manuscripts and have had more than 15 short stories published in various print anthologies and online magazines. I love writing and plan to craft stories for as long as I’m able.

  1. How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?

I’m always working on new plots. As a writer, I hold the perspective that nothing in life is wasted. Every experience, heartbreak, and adversity can be a source for material or inspiration. I’m currently working on an outline for a novel about one of my characters in the story “Why the Ship Burns” featured in Dragon Soul Press’s Valiance anthology. I love westerns and would love to add my voice to the genre.

  1. Who is your favorite character?

Of all the great characters in literature, it is difficult to choose a favorite. I love J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. The books and films are fantastic. Aragorn and Gandalf are two of my favorite protagonists. I also enjoy any book featuring characters Jack Reacher and Walt Longmire.

6. How do you handle writer’s block?

I adhere to Jack London’s advice on writer’s block. According to London, “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” I may not always know what to write, but I push myself to meet deadlines. Often inspiration comes when I am disciplined in my writing schedule.

  1. How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

I need to know the main character’s backstory and their motivation before I start writing. I believe it is important for a writer to have an understanding of their character’s journey. When writing about an unfamiliar topic, I do my best to research or speak with people who are informed. As my high school English teacher once told me, “Writer’s write what they know, and then they know more.”

  1. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I am a vigilant self-editor. During my MFA years, I had a mentor who helped me realize the importance of creating fresh writing. As a result, I often proofread my work aloud, especially the dialogue. I have a strong dislike for echoes and redundancies. As an editor and a professor, I often find writers (myself included) repeating the same word several times in a sentence or paragraph. I’m always encouraging my students to strive for crisp writing and word choice. I believe strong self-editing is crucial for literary success.

9. What is the best part of your day?

The best part of my day is spending time with my wife, Gabby. She’s my best friend. I’m thankful for each day we get to share together.

10. Where can readers learn more about you?

Readers can find more information about me at my website. I can also be found on Twitter.