Photograph copyrighted 2013 by Dale Lewis
and used by permission
The wildflowers are popping out everywhere, and they are
gorgeous with thick, vibrant colors. Mixed in
with the blues are the reds, yellows and purples. The traveler takes in extensive vistas on the
highways, but the real joy comes when one leaves the thoroughfare to wind
through country lanes. You’ll find
windmills, barns, fences, and a cow or two.
These treasures are a photographer’s dream.
I’m featuring Texas author, Jayna Morrow Aspromonte. This beautiful and talented lady writes under the name Jayna
Morrow and is an author under contract for Prism Book Group. She lives in East Texas, where
at this time of the year, the Azalea’s make a splendid show.
Jayna and Gay at a book signing.
I recently interviewed Jayna.
Were you born in Texas?
Yes, born and raised in the East Texas
Piney Woods. I’ve also done a stint in West Texas, where my father is from.
East meets west for this gal. All of my novels are set in the Lone Star State.
Have you lived elsewhere?
I’ve never lived anywhere but Texas, but
it’s been a privilege to visit Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, New
Mexico, Colorado, Mississippi, and Tennessee. I’ve also stood in 4 states at
the same time (Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona) at the Four Corners
Monument.
What is your favorite season in Texas?
Hello flip flops! Summer for sure is my
favorite season. Hot sun, warm lake water…not to mention a two month vacation.
I teach elementary school.
How do your characters come to mind for your books?
It usually starts with a quirk or gesture
and grows from there. People watching can be fun, too. There have been a few
times I worked in reverse, starting with a unique plot and thinking about what
kind of person would fit in that scenario. I’ll admit that characterization is
the most fun part for me.
How do you plot your books?
I’m a heavy plotter, and over the years
I’ve developed a multi-layer plan for plotting. I use three valuable resources:
“First Draft in 30 Days” by Karen Weisner (my timeline), “Story Structure
Architect” by Victoria Lynn Schmidt (my plot arches), and “45 Master
Characters” by Victoria Lynn Schmidt (my character arches). I’ve got it down to
a science.
How long does it take to
write one?
Right now, I’m logging 6 months. My goal is
4 books a year, so I’ve got some room for improvement.
What is the hardest part of writing?
The hardest part of writing is finding
time….er, making time. I have two daughters, a husband, a teaching career, and
hobbies. It’s a balancing act for sure.
When did you start your writing career?
My writing career began in 6th
grade when I asked for an electric typewriter for Christmas….and got one! Up to
that point, I use an old-fashioned sticky key typewriter with a manual return.
I sent copies of my manuscript (a collection of short stories titles Tall Stories and Short Tales) to the
publishers of all my favorite books. Then, I promptly collected my first round
of rejection letters. I will say that several attached handwritten words of
encouragement, including Knopf.
Out of the books you’ve written, which one is your
favorite?
In the Sweet Home series, HOLDEN is my
favorite because it features a nerdy hero. I am such a nerd. He’s also ADHD
with a tinkering habit. And he’s annoying. What’s not to love? As funny as this
book is, it’s also has the most emotional depth.
(Holden is to be released in April, 2014)
Is there a new genre would you like to try next?
Definitely interested in romantic suspense.
I already have a project in the works. I can’t wait. I love reading novels in
this genre, so I’ve known for a while that I’d be writing it, too.
If you could speak another language what would it be?
Spanish. I love all the Hispanic culture we
have in Texas. Overall, I’ve taken 8 years of Spanish classes and I still can’t
speak it well at all. I read it almost fluently. I can understand a good bit –
in context – if it’s spoken slowly. Rosetta Stone is on my bucket list. With
it, I hope to completely learn Spanish. And now that I have an Italian husband,
I plan on learning Italian as well.
If you had all the time and money in the world, what
would you be doing?
I’d be traveling around the USA in an RV –
visiting National parks, strange museums, all the restaurants featured on
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and writing a book in every state.
I've read Garrett and Gabriel, they are excellent books, set in Sweet Home, Texas. Handsome brothers find romance with beautiful women.
Holden
The third book in the series will be released in April.
http://www.jaynamorrow.com/
Follow me on Twitter @JaynaMorrow
http://www.jaynamorrow.com/
Follow me on Twitter @JaynaMorrow
No comments:
Post a Comment