MEET THE AUTHOR
FEATURED AUTHOR: JETTE HARRIS
Hi there! It’s me, Jacks. Today I have the privilege and honor of sharing an interview of author Jette Harris known often to those on social medai as Jetterfly. Jette took time out to meet with us, and I am so happy that she did, to share some special insight on her novels and about herself. This is a fun and rare treat! Let’s hear what she had to say:
Hi Jette. Thank you so much for stopping in today. How about we jump right in and GET TO KNOW YOU better:
So Jette, what GENRES DO YOU WRITE?
Currently, I’ve only written thrillers, but I have plans for several other genres. I have no intention of sticking to just one. Historical romances, ironically, come easily, and apocalyptic lit.
I can’t wait to read them when you pen them.
Can you please fill us all in on the TITLES OF YOUR BOOKS?
COLOSSUS (My Name Is Not Heather Stokes, book 1) and Phoenix Rising – FLINT RANCH are currently available. Phoenix Rising is a series of novellas containing the backstory of the villain of My Name Is Not Heather Stokes.
Love those titles! And, I just started your first one, but I need to make notes for myself to get the second one.
While I am making those notes, can you share with us, HOW DID YOU START WRITING?
I don’t recall exactly, but I was very young.
When did you know it was YOUR CALLING?
I always wanted to write, but I never wanted to be *a writer,* not realizing one meant you were the other. I realized it was my calling when I realized teaching WAS NOT.
(smiling) I guess that is true, knowing you don’t want to do something does have a way of clarifying what path you should take.
Shifting gears just a tad bit, I wanted to ask, what is ONE THING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU JETTE?
I suffer from an anxiety disorder and medicate with my writing. It works out well. I am also a survivor of domestic violence (which is unrelated to the anxiety disorder).
Thank you Jette, that is so inspiring for you to share that with us. Writing is definitely therapeutic. All of us at SBC believe in standing with those against domestic violence and all forms of abuse. We admire your strength and are again honored that you decided to share this with us today.
In addition to what you have shared, is there ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOURSELF?
I am also a freelance editor and the in house editor at Moran Publishing. I edit all genres. If interested, check out my blog: http://jetterfly.wordpress.com/editingservices/
Outside of writing what are some of YOUR OTHER INTERESTS?
I love weightlifting and creating greeting cards.
That’s so cool, fun, and so very unique!
Where do you draw YOUR INSPIRATION from?
Mostly other forms of art. I may create a character from an actor or write a novel based on a song or poem.
Alright, so let’s talk a bit more ABOUT THE BOOKS:
What should someone EXPECT WHEN READING ANY OF YOUR TITLES?
A reader should go in expecting to be thrilled, and even a little uncomfortable sometimes. I capture pain and grief, physically and mentally, and do not hold back. I am not gratuitous or sensational about it.
That sounds like a great read!
If you could pinpoint it, where did you draw your INSPIRATION from FOR YOUR CURRENT WORK?
I wanted to write a series of short stories, but I didn’t have a plot or anything, only an image in my head of a young woman running through the woods. I was watching HBO’s Rome for the first time (this is 2014), and Avery Rhodes popped into my head, inspired loosely by James Purefoy’s depiction of Marc Anthony. When the young woman – Heather Stokes – and Avery Rhodes encountered one another in my mind, the story wrote itself. I was just along for the ride.
Those are the best kind of stories! Sounds like a wild ride!
What CHARACTERISTICS do you like IN YOUR MAIN CHARACTER? And, IN WHAT WAYS would you say SHE HAS A BIT OF YOU?
I would like to be more like Heather; She’s far more resilient and talented than I am. I did give her my taste in music, however, and her love of Atlanta.
From what I have read, she is a fun character!
If you had to pick, what would you say is one of your FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THIS SERIES?
It’s so thrilling. It’s visceral. It is the series I wish I had had as a teenager seeking brutal books (although I do not recommend teens read this book).
That’s funny. (giggles)
As I stop giggling, let me ask you this, WHO IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS and WHY?
My villain, Avery Rhodes, is my favorite character. He’s so textured and emotionally complex. He’s also clumsier than your usual suave, perfect serial killer. He’s very HUMAN. And, I mean…
Hi Jette. Thank you so much for stopping in today. How about we jump right in and GET TO KNOW YOU better:
So Jette, what GENRES DO YOU WRITE?
Currently, I’ve only written thrillers, but I have plans for several other genres. I have no intention of sticking to just one. Historical romances, ironically, come easily, and apocalyptic lit.
I can’t wait to read them when you pen them.
Can you please fill us all in on the TITLES OF YOUR BOOKS?
COLOSSUS (My Name Is Not Heather Stokes, book 1) and Phoenix Rising – FLINT RANCH are currently available. Phoenix Rising is a series of novellas containing the backstory of the villain of My Name Is Not Heather Stokes.
Love those titles! And, I just started your first one, but I need to make notes for myself to get the second one.
While I am making those notes, can you share with us, HOW DID YOU START WRITING?
I don’t recall exactly, but I was very young.
When did you know it was YOUR CALLING?
I always wanted to write, but I never wanted to be *a writer,* not realizing one meant you were the other. I realized it was my calling when I realized teaching WAS NOT.
(smiling) I guess that is true, knowing you don’t want to do something does have a way of clarifying what path you should take.
Shifting gears just a tad bit, I wanted to ask, what is ONE THING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU JETTE?
I suffer from an anxiety disorder and medicate with my writing. It works out well. I am also a survivor of domestic violence (which is unrelated to the anxiety disorder).
Thank you Jette, that is so inspiring for you to share that with us. Writing is definitely therapeutic. All of us at SBC believe in standing with those against domestic violence and all forms of abuse. We admire your strength and are again honored that you decided to share this with us today.
In addition to what you have shared, is there ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOURSELF?
I am also a freelance editor and the in house editor at Moran Publishing. I edit all genres. If interested, check out my blog: http://jetterfly.wordpress.com/editingservices/
Outside of writing what are some of YOUR OTHER INTERESTS?
I love weightlifting and creating greeting cards.
That’s so cool, fun, and so very unique!
Where do you draw YOUR INSPIRATION from?
Mostly other forms of art. I may create a character from an actor or write a novel based on a song or poem.
Alright, so let’s talk a bit more ABOUT THE BOOKS:
What should someone EXPECT WHEN READING ANY OF YOUR TITLES?
A reader should go in expecting to be thrilled, and even a little uncomfortable sometimes. I capture pain and grief, physically and mentally, and do not hold back. I am not gratuitous or sensational about it.
That sounds like a great read!
If you could pinpoint it, where did you draw your INSPIRATION from FOR YOUR CURRENT WORK?
I wanted to write a series of short stories, but I didn’t have a plot or anything, only an image in my head of a young woman running through the woods. I was watching HBO’s Rome for the first time (this is 2014), and Avery Rhodes popped into my head, inspired loosely by James Purefoy’s depiction of Marc Anthony. When the young woman – Heather Stokes – and Avery Rhodes encountered one another in my mind, the story wrote itself. I was just along for the ride.
Those are the best kind of stories! Sounds like a wild ride!
What CHARACTERISTICS do you like IN YOUR MAIN CHARACTER? And, IN WHAT WAYS would you say SHE HAS A BIT OF YOU?
I would like to be more like Heather; She’s far more resilient and talented than I am. I did give her my taste in music, however, and her love of Atlanta.
From what I have read, she is a fun character!
If you had to pick, what would you say is one of your FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THIS SERIES?
It’s so thrilling. It’s visceral. It is the series I wish I had had as a teenager seeking brutal books (although I do not recommend teens read this book).
That’s funny. (giggles)
As I stop giggling, let me ask you this, WHO IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS and WHY?
My villain, Avery Rhodes, is my favorite character. He’s so textured and emotionally complex. He’s also clumsier than your usual suave, perfect serial killer. He’s very HUMAN. And, I mean…
So Jette, ever so often randomly, we chose an author to do a Speed Round of questions SPECIFIC TO YOU AS AN AUTHOR. And, today, I am going to do that with you. The way that it works is that I fire questions and you answer them. Here goes:
What is your WEBSITE?
www.jetterfly.wordpress.com
Who are some of YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS?
My favorite author growing up and now is Alice Hoffman. I love the magic in her everyday worlds, the richness of her language, and her shining characters. One of my new favorite authors is Joe Lansdale. I’ve always loved Southern gothic, and his novels (specifically the Hap and Leonard novels) are written as if MASH were a Southern gothic novel. His characters are raw and realistic, and their banter pushes the envelope right of the edge of the desk.
What are you MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
I love, love, love hearing from people about how much they engaged with the plot or related to the characters. I always look forward to that.
Thanks Jette, for doing that! That’s all that I have for the speed round.
Now, moving on to this. If you could share anything, one of the BEST PIECES OF ADVICE that you received or a quote that you live by, what would it be?
Show, don’t tell. Everyone says this because it’s true. Use sensory descriptions to paint a scene for your reader. Don’t say He’s anxious. Say that the muscles in the back of his neck are twisted and he can’t stop rubbing his hands, although the skin is already chapped and cracking.
Excellent advice Jette!
Any additional TIP you would like TO SHARE WITH ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Get others’ opinions, especially people unlike yourself. Cultivate relationships until you have a small army of four or five beta readers. Respect their opinions, although you don’t have to follow through with every little bit of advice.
That is definitely helpful!
Jette, I just have to ask you, WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
What is the name of YOUR UPCOMING RELEASES?
Two Guns (My Name Is Not Heather Stokes, book 2) and Phoenix Rising -Salvage
What should people EXPECT TO SEE from you IN THE FUTURE?
I think I am going to take a short break from My Name Is Not Heather Stokes after book 3 (RUIN), and foray into other genres. Look out for a historical romance.
Any APPEARANCES that we can catch you at IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
I am talking to @PoirierPages about the #DarkLitChat blog tour at the moment.
HOW CAN WE:
BUY THE BOOKS
One can either go through Amazon to get a Kindle eBook or paperback, or directly through me via PayPal (jetterfly@gmail.com) for a paperback.
Buy COLOSSUS
Buy FLINT RANCH
CONTACT YOU
Twitter: @JettimusMaximus
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JettimusMaximus/
TO KEEP UP TO DATE ON RELEASES AND NEWS
Follow my blog http://jetterfly.wordpress.com/
Jette, thank you so much for taking time to answer my questions today! It was such a treat getting to know you and I really enjoyed learning more incredibly interesting, fun, layered, and fresh things about you and your novels!
And, on behalf of SBE, I have to say that we love that you dropped in and would love to have you come back anytime! Looking forward to all of your new releases and to sharing your review of COLOSSUS with our readers soon!
AND WE CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEW BOOKS TO BE OUT!!!
Jacks, Silver Beans Reviewer and Interviewer
Posting: THRILLER
Posting Date:7/6/2016
JETTE HARRIS Book SBC Reviews Averages: COMING SOON (On Amazon 5 stars)
What is your WEBSITE?
www.jetterfly.wordpress.com
Who are some of YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS?
My favorite author growing up and now is Alice Hoffman. I love the magic in her everyday worlds, the richness of her language, and her shining characters. One of my new favorite authors is Joe Lansdale. I’ve always loved Southern gothic, and his novels (specifically the Hap and Leonard novels) are written as if MASH were a Southern gothic novel. His characters are raw and realistic, and their banter pushes the envelope right of the edge of the desk.
What are you MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
I love, love, love hearing from people about how much they engaged with the plot or related to the characters. I always look forward to that.
Thanks Jette, for doing that! That’s all that I have for the speed round.
Now, moving on to this. If you could share anything, one of the BEST PIECES OF ADVICE that you received or a quote that you live by, what would it be?
Show, don’t tell. Everyone says this because it’s true. Use sensory descriptions to paint a scene for your reader. Don’t say He’s anxious. Say that the muscles in the back of his neck are twisted and he can’t stop rubbing his hands, although the skin is already chapped and cracking.
Excellent advice Jette!
Any additional TIP you would like TO SHARE WITH ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Get others’ opinions, especially people unlike yourself. Cultivate relationships until you have a small army of four or five beta readers. Respect their opinions, although you don’t have to follow through with every little bit of advice.
That is definitely helpful!
Jette, I just have to ask you, WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
What is the name of YOUR UPCOMING RELEASES?
Two Guns (My Name Is Not Heather Stokes, book 2) and Phoenix Rising -Salvage
What should people EXPECT TO SEE from you IN THE FUTURE?
I think I am going to take a short break from My Name Is Not Heather Stokes after book 3 (RUIN), and foray into other genres. Look out for a historical romance.
Any APPEARANCES that we can catch you at IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
I am talking to @PoirierPages about the #DarkLitChat blog tour at the moment.
HOW CAN WE:
BUY THE BOOKS
One can either go through Amazon to get a Kindle eBook or paperback, or directly through me via PayPal (jetterfly@gmail.com) for a paperback.
Buy COLOSSUS
Buy FLINT RANCH
CONTACT YOU
Twitter: @JettimusMaximus
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JettimusMaximus/
TO KEEP UP TO DATE ON RELEASES AND NEWS
Follow my blog http://jetterfly.wordpress.com/
Jette, thank you so much for taking time to answer my questions today! It was such a treat getting to know you and I really enjoyed learning more incredibly interesting, fun, layered, and fresh things about you and your novels!
And, on behalf of SBE, I have to say that we love that you dropped in and would love to have you come back anytime! Looking forward to all of your new releases and to sharing your review of COLOSSUS with our readers soon!
AND WE CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEW BOOKS TO BE OUT!!!
Jacks, Silver Beans Reviewer and Interviewer
Posting: THRILLER
Posting Date:7/6/2016
JETTE HARRIS Book SBC Reviews Averages: COMING SOON (On Amazon 5 stars)
HUGE THANKS AGAIN...
JETTE HARRIS for popping in for a chat!
Look for Jette Harris' new releases TWO GUNS and PHOENIX RISING-SAVAGE in mid 2016
JETTE HARRIS for popping in for a chat!
Look for Jette Harris' new releases TWO GUNS and PHOENIX RISING-SAVAGE in mid 2016
Additional Fun Fact:
JETTE HARRIS penned thrillers and will be branching out into other genres soon. Author of COLOSSUS
JETTE HARRIS penned thrillers and will be branching out into other genres soon. Author of COLOSSUS
Looking...
for a good book SBC readers. Check out Jette Harris' NOVELS.
for a good book SBC readers. Check out Jette Harris' NOVELS.
COLOSSUS by Jette Harris
PHOENIX RISING by Jette Harris
Want more from this Author: JETTE HARRIS
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LET US KNOW