Jami Gold - Guest

Hello Readers!

This week I would like to welcome Jami Gold to The Road to a Dream. I first met Jami in an online workshop she was teaching (under my legal name).

 

 

About you:

1.      Is there one person/group/thing that inspires and/or encourages you more than anything else?

For my fiction writing, I rely on both my very supportive family and my awesome writing buddies, Angela Quarles and Buffy Armstrong. My family puts up with a lot of insanity from me, and Angela and Buffy are the perfect best writing friends to keep me sane (or saner, anyway). For my non-fiction articles on my blog, my readers constantly encourage me. I couldn’t do this without all of that support.

2.      Describe your writing zone. Have you built a place in your home that is your “Author Cave?” Or do you write anywhere and everywhere?

I’ve been known to write anywhere and everywhere. I’ve used an ancient tablet, mini-computer, and laptop while away from home. My usual desktop computer space is LIKE a cave simply because the stacks of books, reference material, and general clutter keep it very…um, cozy. Some might say messy, but I’ll stick with “cozy.” *snicker*

3.      Are you a Plotter (make an outline and stick to it) or a Pantser (write by the seat of your pants) or a combination of the two?

I’m most definitely a Pantser. When I started writing, I tried plotting out a story and characters because I thought that was what “real” writers did, but that story never came alive, so now I follow my muse. I’ll sometimes vaguely plan some aspects, but nothing is ever detailed or set in stone.

4.      Do your characters ever “take the wheel” and lead you in an unplanned direction?

All. The. Time. Seriously, that’s the best when that happens. That feeling is a big part of why I write. LOL!

5.      What is one thing you must have at hand when you write?

I don’t do coffee or much alcohol (I know, I’m a writer heathen!), but I always have a glass of water with me. (I live in the Arizona desert, so drinking lots of water is a requirement.) I need a stash of chocolate nearby too. I get antsy if there isn’t chocolate in the house.

6.      What is your favorite part of being a writer?

When I get into a groove and the words flow, writing feels like magic.

7.      What is your least favorite part of being a writer?

The nitpicky level of editing, where you question every “as” or “could” or whatever, makes me want to tear out my hair.

8.      Do you prefer to work under a deadline?

Yes and no—I’m definitely more productive with a deadline, but I don’t like the stress aspect.

9.      Describe your next writing project.

Your audience is among the first to hear the news of my release! I’m releasing a freebie short story this week, and my debut novel is going up for pre-order this week too! These are both in my Mythos Legacy series. The short story, “Unintended Guardian,” features a shapeshifting gryphon who’s been cursed to darkness, and his one chance for freedom is interrupted by the heroine, who doesn’t take orders very well. *grin*

In fact, this news is SO new that I didn’t have the specific links ready for Ava in time, so check out the Books page on my website for the latest information.

10.  Is there anything you would say to Indie authors?

I’m a perfectionist, so I’m a big believer in quality and would debate anyone who thought all Indie books were poor quality. But at the same time, perfectionism can get in the way of Indie authors from ever releasing anything. So I’d say to find a happy balance to release the best quality we—and our self-pub team of cover artists, editors, or whoever else we wrangle—can make our books.

About your book:

1.      Is there a story behind how you came up with the idea for your series? If so, can you share it?

Back when I was first working on that failed Plotted novel, I interrupted myself to write a story idea that DEMANDED to be written that very minute. The experience revealed my voice and how pantsing works better for me. That novel about a dragon-shapeshifter heroine is now my debut, “Treasured Claim,” which is going up for pre-order this week.
Following that story, I had ideas for other mythology-based shapeshifters (unicorns, gryphons, gargoyles, etc.), and those ideas blossomed into my series, Mythos Legacy. The series falls on the contemporary fantasy end of paranormal romance and alternates between a paranormal hero/human heroine and a human hero/paranormal heroine couples, so it’s unique for the genre.

2.      What is one thing about your latest Main Character that you hope your readers connect with?

In “Unintended Guardian,” my freebie short story releasing this week, the heroine, Kala, struggles with loneliness because she just moved into her own apartment, started a new job with horrible hours, and is truly on her own for the first time in her life. I think we can all relate to that feeling, as we’ve probably all started fresh at some point in our lives.

In addition, society has tended to stereotype her because of how she looks, and most of us have probably run into people who expect us to conform to certain behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs. (So maybe a non-human hero is just what she needs to feel accepted for who she really is. *wink*)

Author bio: 

After playing fetch with a werewolf, Jami Gold moved to Arizona and decided to become a writer, where she could put her talent for making up stuff to good use. Fortunately, her muse, an arrogant male who delights in causing her to sound as insane as possible, rewards her with unique and rich story ideas.

Fueled by chocolate, she writes paranormal romance and urban fantasy tales that range from dark to humorous, but one thing remains the same: Normal need not apply. Just ask her family—and zombie cat.

In addition to her blog, which has been named one of the 100 Best Websites for Writers, find Jami on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Thank you so much for inviting me here today, Ava! It’s been great fun exploring these questions with you and your readers.

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You’re quite welcome, Jami. Thanks for being a guest here on The Road to a Dream.

Until next time…be kind to each other…and to yourself!