Author Spotlight- Jayde Scott

We're back with another week of our Author Spotlight. This week I'd like to welcome Jayde Scott.

Where are you from?

I’m British, but I’ve lived all over the world. So I consider myself a bit of a nomad. My home’s wherever my heart is.

Tell us your latest news?

I’m currently in the process of migrating and learning a new language, which is tough but also a very interesting experience.

When and why did you begin writing?

As soon as I could spell. I used to read a lot of romance (think Barbara Cartland and Sandra Brown) and rewrite the ending.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Because I used to spend most of my spare time writing, I’ve always considered myself a writer at heart. When I became published, I just changed my status from querying/unpublished to published.

What inspired you to write your first book?

It was a novel called The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice. I loved that book so much, I couldn’t wait to start working on my own vampire novel. That one’s still gathering dust in some drawer.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Like most writers, I do. I prefer first person past tense and have a tendency toward description and sarcasm. My first draft tends to be rather verbose, but I have an editor who’s not afraid to cut.

How did you come up with the title?

I woke up and thought, “Wouldn’t it be lovely to write about a voodoo priestess who kisses a striking demon?” So I called the book Voodoo Kiss long before I came up with the plot.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Never trust a pretty face.

How much of the book is realistic?

The magic parts are based on research, so I’d say that’s pretty realistic.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

My romantic chick-lit novel, The Divorce Club, is pretty much based on my own experiences with dating and cheating. But I tend to stay away from heavy topics in my paranormal romance series, Ancient Legends. I wouldn’t mind meeting a handsome demon like Thrain though, or a blue-eyed vampire like Aidan though.

What books have most influenced your life most?

Definitely The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Tolkien has taught me so much about description and character development, he’s basically shaped my writing. Also Anne Rice. Without her inspiring books, it might have taken me a while to realize that writing about vampires, fallen angels and demons is what I want to do in life.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Tough one, but I’d have to go with Tolkien.

What book are you reading now?

I’m currently reading and editing my new novel, which is the first book in a new series and shall hit the stores around Christmas. Editing takes so much time that I don’t have the time or energy to read anything else.
What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on a new series I’ve been writing to write for ages. It’s dark and mysterious with lots of new paranormal elements.

Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely. I see it as a job and try to treat it as such. However, most of the time it doesn’t really work because life and other commitments come in between.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I think it’s always been there. I loved books as a child, particularly their smell, and begged my mother to teach me to read before I started school. Whenever I loved a book, I would reread it countless times to remember the passages that fascinated me. And then I would try to write something similar.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

My most recent work is Voodoo Kiss, which is a paranormal romance slash mystery about a young woman, Sofia, whose half-sister is killed. Sofia’s now plagued by nightmares and visions from a past she never knew existed. She knows she’s someone very important. She knows immortals will come looking for her, but she doesn’t know why. And so, together with the help of a very handsome demon, Thrain, she sets out to discover the truth about her past and her sister’s murder.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Not editing while I write. It takes me forever to finish a chapter because I’m a compulsive perfectionist who keeps rewriting and tweaking until I feel everything’s the way I want it to be. I know you shouldn’t edit while you write but I just can’t help myself.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I’d say Tolkien and his talent for world building and fantastic characters. He can fill page after page with the most beautiful description and prose.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Writing the last chapter. I always get emotional and have a hard time finishing the last chapter.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Don’t wait for inspiration to find you. Write even when you don’t feel like it.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

See above. Also, continue to work on improving your style and prose.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you so much for reading my books :-)

jayde-scott.blogspot.com

Voodoo Kiss on Amazon:Click Here

Voodoo Kiss book trailer: here