Ask the Author: Jessa Stephens
Answered Questions (6)
Jessa Stephens
I'll answer this question in reference to Learning to Love Again. In today's society, most families are blended. I was at very dear friends wedding, both of them had been divorced for a long period of time. Her first marriage was abusive; forget about loving again, she had to learn to live again because her every move was dictated to her. She had two children and her knew husband had two children he had full custody of. It took him five years to get her to not only trust him, but agree to marry him. She knew she loved him. Trust is a hard thing to earn from someone who has been abused, mentally and physically. I felt it needed to be put out for the readers because I am sure their are others that have been through something similar.
Jessa Stephens
It can be anything...something I saw or overheard that day. Usually, it is music and pictures that look as if they have a whole story to tell on their own.
Jessa Stephens
Better question would be... what am I not working on. I have three books in a writing contest. (Fingers crossed!) I am also finishing up Hired by the Cowboy while I wait for another manuscript to come back from the editor.
Jessa Stephens
Just do it! Hire a good content and line editor. Lastly, but just as important, if you do not know how to format the finished book...hired someone to format it for you. You don't want your work going out looking nonprofessional.
Jessa Stephens
Wow! There are multiple things all for numerous reasons. In my opinion, writing is like creating one of my art pieces, the story transpires at little things you see, or a fleeing thought. My favorite is when I wake-up at two am and the story has materialized out of no where. That's the reason there is a notebook on my nightstand at all times. However, reading back through it and it has me in tears or laughing, it is very rewarding. The absolutely best thing about being a writer has to be hearing from readers; how it made them feel, how they can relate the the story or one of the characters. That is the most amazing feeling...knowing your work touched someone in someway. I'd have to say that is the best part of being a writer.
Jessa Stephens
Some times you have to step away, do something different. I never want my books to sound forced, if the characters aren't 'talking to me' then I work on a drawing...yes, I love art of all kinds. Once I've done something for a change of pace, the characters just start to talk again...then it is back to the writing cave.
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