Today I have the pleasure of introducing all of you to another one of the many author-type-like-people I’ve met along my own publishing journey. Ashley has a few different pen names, each nom de plume being used for the different genres she writes. I admire authors who can do this. I’m stuck in that Urban Fantasy grind, ‘cause magic in the ‘here and now’ is my jam, but writers who can spread their talented wings and jot down stories of all kinds impress the hell out of me. I’m not sure I could ever do that.
So, without further ado, everyone, please meet Ashley.
Ashley, this is everyone!
A.Fae: **waves**
JP Jackson: “So, which do you want to do first? The rapid-fire questions, or the talk about your new book?”
A.Fae: “Oh, let’s talk about New Girl!”
JP Jackson: “Sure! I’m actually really excited about your new book, and to have you here on my blog because you’ve written a little something-something for the ladies in our crowd who like other ladies! I think that’s awesome, and we need more queer lady romance books out there.”
A.Fae: “I couldn’t agree more. It’s hard to find really good F/F Romance, and even more so when the main characters are sexy curvy girls.”
JP Jackson: “I love LGBT+ stories where the focus is on everyday normal folks. Not cover models or six-pack musclebound guys, but instead, regular folks just like me and you. Granted if they can cast a spell or summon a demon then I’m really impressed.”
<Giggles>
JP Jackson: “So, New Girl, how would you categorize this read?”
A.Fae: “It falls into the New Adult Romance genre. It’s a quick read, more like a novella, but I’m really excited because it’s the first in a new series I’ve created called the Collegiate Curves.”
JP Jackson: “Fantastic. There’s nothing quite so exciting as fresh new plots where you want to sit down and write all day long just to get all the stories out of your head. Congratulations. I think this is marvelous. How long did it take you to write this first story?”
A.Fae: “Collectively? Perhaps a couple of months. But I started it before Christmas.”
JP Jackson: “Writing can be like that. I know for me, because I have a full-time day job, the writing time comes in fits and spurts, and so does my energy levels at the end of a long day.”
A.Fae: “Exactly. I don’t get a chance to write nearly as often as I’d like.”
JP Jackson: “Do the characters in your story represent anyone in real life? What was the catalyst for the characters?”
A.Fae: “I can’t really say that there was any one thing, or person, who suddenly spawned an image in my head of a character. It was more of a concept. I started with an idea and built the characters up from that.”
JP Jackson: “I think I know what you mean. I know I hunt for pictures that reflect the ideas I have going on in my head and those images help me to construct the worlds and people in my stories. So, something like that?”
A.Fae: “Something. I wanted to write a story that showed a setting where curvy girls were sexy. ‘Cause they are.”
JP Jackson: “Amen. Give me a little Meaghan Trainer, please.”
A.Fae: “Yes! Please.”
JP Jackson: “Okay, so, if this is a series, is each book about someone new?”
A.Fae: “Well, yes, but the same characters keep popping in and out of the different stories. I have six books planned out. They each could be read as a standalone, but will be much better when read as a series.”
JP Jackson: “Oh! Like an intertwined curvy lesbian soap opera. Damn – you know this is gonna sell like hot cakes, right?”
A.Fae: <Laughs> “Well I sure hope so!”
JP Jackson: “How about your writing process? Everyone is a little different in how they create, or edit or…it’s all a very personal experience. Tell me, what do you have to have near you while you’re writing? I absolutely need music and either coffee or wine. You?”
A.Fae: “Easy! My Chihuahua, my tea mug and my phone.”
JP Jackson: “Yay for Chihuahuas! Next time we’ll have to bring my two over to play with yours.”
A.Fae: “Oh that would be fun.”
JP Jackson: “Okay, last serious question before rapid-fire. What’s your biggest pet peeve in the writing industry right now?”
A.Fae: “It would probably have to be either the overwhelming number of books saturating the market. Or the lack of editing despite the fact that authors are actually paying people who claim they can edit.”
JP Jackson: “Funny you should mention that. This exact topic is actually going to be a future blog article. I’m about halfway through it. As much as I love the number of books that are out there right now, I’m often appalled at how badly they need technical assistance and content editing. I love that there are more LGBT+ books out there, but damn I wish everyone went the distance with polishing up their stories.”
A.Fae: “Yes. Quality wins out over quantity every time.”
JP Jackson: “Amen! Okay, you ready? Here we go…If you could be friends with one supernatural creature, who would it be?”
A.Fae: “A faerie! Of course.”
JP Jackson: “Not gonna lie, I saw that coming. Okay, describe yourself in three words.”
A.Fae: “Oh…I hate questions like this. Um….let me see…”
JP Jackson: “Rapid-Fire.”
A.Fae: “UGH! Okay…ah…curious, witty and….Eager!”
JP Jackson: “That’s an interesting combination. I can see you getting into trouble with those.”
A.Fae: <eyebrows wriggle>
JP Jackson: <Laughs> “Alright. Romantic Comedy or Suspense Thriller?”
A.Fae: “Depends on my mood.”
JP Jackson: “Fair. Give me one piece of technology you cannot live without.”
A.Fae: “My laptop and Kindle.”
JP Jackson: “That’s two.”
A.Fae: “Take it or leave it.” <Wry grin>
JP Jackson: “Taking it! What about breakfast?”
A.Fae: “Naw.”
JP Jackson: “Fast or slow?”
A.Fae: “Ooo. Depends on what you’re talking about! Ha ha!”
JP Jackson: <giggles> “I think Romance Writers have devious minds. Okay, what’s the strangest food you’ve eaten?”
A.Fae: “I guess it would have to be Alligator.”
JP Jackson: “Oh! I love Alligator. I had some on Valentine’s Day when the hubby and I went out for dinner. I call it swamp chicken.”
<Laughs>
JP Jackson: “How about piercings?”
A.Fae: “Yes.”
JP Jackson: “And we’ll just leave it at that. <cocks an eyebrow and looks mischievous> Tea or coffee?”
A.Fae: “Tea. I can’t stand coffee, not even the smell.”
JP Jackson: “OMG, really? Coffee first thing in the morning is the best smell ever!”
A.Fae: <makes gagging noise and face>
JP Jackson: “Ha, okay, last one. What city would you love to stay in and write a book?”
A.Fae: “Gosh, I’ve always wanted to go to the Pacific Northwest. Some place where it rains a lot and I can just stay inside and write.”
JP Jackson: “Oh that sounds dreamy. I love that idea. Cabin off in the woods, with a gentle fire crackling away in the hearth, and a slow steady rain coming down. The coniferous trees outside dripping raindrops off the tips of their needles while the petrichor and pine scent lays heavy in the air.”
A.Fae: “See? Wouldn’t that be the best?”
JP Jackson: “When do we leave?”
A.Fae: “How about now?”
JP Jackson: “Deal! But first, before we go, where can people find New Girl?”
A.Fae: “Through Amazon.”
Purchase Link:
JP Jackson: “We’ll make sure people have the links! Now, because I know people will see this interview and say to themselves – I gotta go follow this A.Fae faerie girl who eats Alligator, because I need some sexy curvy girl reading – where can readers find you?”
A.Fae: “Here’s my links!”
Email | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
JP Jackson: “Thanks, Ashley. I’m so glad you came by, and all the best with New Girl. Give the Chihuahua a scratch and cuddle when you get home.”
A.Fae: “Thanks for having me and I certainly will! She’ll love that.”
J.P. Jackson 