Today I'm pleased to share an interview with
Born of Persuasion author, Jessica Dotta.
If you missed my book review on Wednesday, go back and
read it here.
Grab a cup of coffee and settle in. I hope you enjoy my chat with Jessica....
What do you think is the most interesting element about the
plot?
Thanks so
much for interviewing me! I really appreciate it, Kim!
I've heard
quite a bit of feedback regarding the plot and most people are happy with its the
gothic overtones and the story twists.
As for
myself, I like that the plot is spring-loaded. There's one story happening, but
when the novel is finished, a reader can look back and see the fuller picture of
the plot. Then as a whole, when the entire series is finished, a reader can
look back over the books and see the whole picture again.
Are your characters based on any real people and which character
developed first? Also, I think most writers put some aspect or trait of
themselves into a character. Which character's trait is modeled after you?
Threads of my
personal history and scraps of my personality are definitely woven into the
characters. And at the same time, much like I believe Jane Austen did, I also
throw personalities that I've encountered or find humorous onto the page.
Julia is the
protagonist, and the story is told from her point of view, so I started with
her. Through her, I've explored the deep sense of loss I've experienced.
Through Edward, Julia's childhood sweetheart, my unrelenting sense of
conviction, and lastly through Isaac (who is prominent in book two and three)
my longing to see past hurts set aright.
You mentioned that writing this book was many years in the
making. What were your biggest obstacles
in finishing it?
This question
made me laugh, because I finished book about twelve times and have many
versions of this story. Deepening my craft as a writer sent me back to the
drawing board more than once, as did figuring out which market best suited the
series. I heighted certain parts of the novel, depending upon which market or
agent I pitched.
The
publishing wall is very difficult to scale. The odds of a manuscript being
traditionally published are estimated to be about 1%-2%. I say all this to say
that breaking into the market was the most difficult part of the journey.
Born of Persuasion is the
first book in a trilogy. Did you
originally envision your story as a trilogy?
When I finally started writing, it
was only to share the story that had been brewing in my mind since my teens. I ended
up with a 400K word story (1000 pages). And I still hadn't written the ending.
So I divided the material into two books and
worked to bring one down to a 100-130K words (300-400 pages.)
This is your first published novel. Did you do any type of writing before you
wrote Born of Persuasion?
Nothing that I published. I wrote short stories in high school. Later,
during my pursuit of publication, I've written press releases, blog articles
and essays.
You also hold a day job – what is
your profession?
Right now, I
spend my days working on finishing book three, The Price of Privilege, while
balancing the demands of being a single-working mom. To maintain the amount of
time I need to write, I work as a caregiver to the elderly at night, and
occasionally pick up an editing or PR job, when time allows.
Tell us a little about your writing
process. Where do you like to write – at
a desk or on the sofa? Do you use a
laptop or write long hand? Do you prefer
to write during the day or late evening?
I was given
an amazing executive desk when a dear friend moved out of state. It is my best
writing spot. Thankfully, I learned touch-typing, so I write on my laptop and
lately I've been using Scrivener software. It's absolutely fabulous!
When I
started writing, I would write late into the evening. I switched to 4 a.m. at
one point, but I had no idea what I was doing to myself. The muse now thrilled
to show up at that hour . . . while the rest of me isn't.
Have you visited England and if so,
what is your favorite area?
Visiting
England is high on my bucket list! I want to tour London and Gloucestershire,
the shire where my book opens.
Did you read a lot as a child?
Yes, once I
got started. I was a slow beginner, thankfully worrying my second teacher. She
took extra time to ensure my reading level improved. After that, you couldn’t
find me without a book in hand.
When you were in school did you
enjoy British history?
I had to pause
and think about this . . . as I can't remember learning much British history in
school unless it touched upon American history, such as the Revolutionary War. I
did, however, fall in love with British authors and their style of writing.
Because I've primarily chosen British writers to read, I feel a great affinity
for the U.K.
You favor British Literature. What’s your all-time favorite book and who
are your favorite authors?
I LOVE
British Literature! My all time favorite book is Jane Eyre, by Charlotte
Bronte. If you haven't read it, I'm so envious! The best reading experience is
yet to come!
I'm also a huge fan of Victoria Holt, Margaret
Henry (The Autobiography of Henry VIII:
With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers), Susanna Clarke (Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell,) the Bronte sisters, Jane
Austen. I have not read much of Charles Dickens yet, but he's on my to-read
list.
What do you like to do for fun?
When I have
free time, I adore cooking, gardening, and thrifting. I've been paying
attention to the trend of Urban Homesteading and at some point hope to have my
own chickens. Reading is a high pleasure. My daughter and I often play Wii or I
teach her to cook.
What’s your favorite indulgent
food?
That changes!
The more organic I go, the less indulgent foods I find to eat. I just found a
company called NatureBox, and love their snacks. Frozen cherries and
blueberries also top the list.
Everyone asks “What’s the best piece
of advice you would give to aspiring writers?”
So instead, I’m going to ask you what is the one thing a writer should not do?
Great angle! It's
easier to write a safe character than one that is transparent or unique. It's
always a temptation to chop off any characterization that isn't particularly
flattering. My advice is not to. Books that are different and have different
characters tend to become bestsellers.
When can we expect to see the second
novel Mark of Distinction released and can you give us a tidbit on what
to expect?
The Price of
Privilege trilogy is set in Victorian, England and is narrated by the
protagonist, Julia Elliston, who after a lifetime of silence is finally setting
the record straight about the scandal that shocked England during her teens.
In Mark of
Distinction we find Julia hiding among the elite of London, doing her best to
keep out of reach of a man she considers dangerous. Matters escalate quickly
when her new identity becomes a newspaper sensation, sweeping her into a life
that heightens her danger.
Thanks Jessica. How am I going to wait until the second book
is out???
Thank
you!!!
