Reading by Deb: INTERVIEW with A.L. JACKSON

I want to thank A L Jackson for taking the time for this interview!

BIO:

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, and CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART.

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

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When and how did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always loved words and wrote poetry in high school and college, but I’d never imagined it could be a career. But sometime in my early 30s I’d begun to read romance voraciously, and it sparked my love for words again. I got an idea for a story and began writing it on a fluke, and I fell in love, and I’ve never stopped writing since then.

Did you have any influencing writers growing up?

I didn't know any writers growing up. I grew up in a very small town and went to a small school, so I think that is possibly why I never imagined that I could become an author as it was something that seemed outside of the realm of what I knew.

Are any of your characters based on people in real life?

I have never wholly based a character on someone that I know, but I definitely use bits and pieces of different characteristics of people I know and use them to develop different characters.

Where do you draw your book inspirations from?

I never can answer this question because I don’t know LOL! I know the types of books that I’m drawn to as far as a reader, so I think I lean towards writing those same types of feelings and vibes when I get into a story.

But really, I just sit down and start writing and see what comes to me. I don’t plot or plan out my stories other than to know I’m going to write a series in a certain setting.

Do you use have a basic outline when starting a new story or do you let the characters lead the way?

Characters definitely lead the way.

When you are picturing the characters in your book, do you have a cheater photo for inspiration?

Yes! I love to create Pinterest Inspiration Boards for each of my stories. If I get stuck, I will often go and stare at those images to help me get inspired again.

Many people read as a form of escape and relaxation. What is your favorite way to sit back and relax?

Reading as well! I also love sitting around the pool with friends and family and relaxing.

Who are your favorite current authors to read?

I love Colleen Hoover and Amy Harmon when I want an intense, emotional contemporary or historical romance. I’m also reading a bunch of TL Swan’s books right now and loving them.

What are your favorite books by others?

The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon is my favorite book ever. I’ve never felt so changed than when I read that book.

Do the locations in the stories have any meaning to you?

Not usually – I tend to make up towns or cities so I can create the setting that I want.

Do you write in single or multiple POV?

Dual POV.

What do you find to be your best research tool?

Probably Google LOL

Do you write under a pen name? Also, do you write under more than one name?

Yes, I do! But A.L. Jackson is the only one I have at this time, although I’d love to write paranormal romance sometime in the future, and may use a different pen name for that.

What genre do you write and why is this your preference?

Contemporary romance just because it is what I personally love to read.

Tell me something about yourself outside of writing. Jobs, accomplishments, family, quirky trait...what led to you being you?

I guess I am the sum of a million things, but the most important of those are my family.

I am married to an incredible man for what feels like a gazillion years (and I still want to keep him) and have three grown children who are my world. My daughter, Devyn, actually runs the business side of my books, and we have an absolute blast working together every day.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

If you have a burning desire to write, then you’re meant to write. Listen to your heart and let it lead you to what you want to put on the paper. Then figure all the rest after that.

How do you deal and process negative book reviews?

I do my best to never read them 😉

What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

All of it! For me, writing is a painful process, but one that I love. Every step seems impossible until I’ve made it over it.

What do you need in your writer’s space to keep you focused?

Quiet. I can’t really have any outside noise to distract me.

What is your naughty indulgence as you are writing?

Coffee. So much coffee.

If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose? And why?

I would love to spend a day with Nora Roberts.

She is an incredibly prolific writer, and I’d love to know how she continues to find inspiration to write.

What is your schedule like when you are writing? Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?

I try to create a pretty strict writing schedule for myself.

I work out in the morning, shower, and then am at my desk pretty much for a solid eight hours.

Do you listen to music when you write – what kind of music is your favorite?

I wish I could listen to music, but I need the quiet when I’m writing.

Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?

Oh yes, I got a new puppy last year and it was so difficult. I had to get up and down with him constantly throughout the day and I wondered if I’d ever get another book completed again! Luckily, he’s settled down and is used to my writing schedule now.

What is your kryptonite as a writer? What totally puts you off your game?