Being JM Powers

My first interview is with published author, JM Powers; writer of the delightful historical romance, Jewel of Ramstone.

Hi, JM. For those who may not be familiar with you or your work, could you please tell me a little about yourself?

Hi, Nic. I am a writer, avid reader and mom; not exactly in that order. (giggle) I’m currently querying agents for my next book—a historical romance. It’s born from a reoccurring dream I had as a child.

I used to have a reoccurring dream when I was younger. I wandered around my high school halls, not being able to locate my locker, my class room or the front office. I wore jeans and a pajama top and had a fruit hat on, like the Chiquita banana lady wears. Does that inspire a story?

Uhh…

Anyway, back to you. Will this new heroine have any similarities to Ruby, from your book Jewel of Ramstone?

Yes. Hope, love and self-discovery are reoccurring themes in my writing. I love to write about feisty, self-sufficient and out of the ordinary protagonists.

Feisty and self-sufficient. Hmm… Kinda sounds like you. (giggle) So, when did you begin writing?

I don’t recall a time when I didn’t write, so I suppose I was quite young.

Can you tell me why you write?

Nic, I write because I must. It is part of who I am. There’s stories waiting to be told and I can’t stop myself from sharing them.

Yes, I think a lot of us feel that way. Was there a particular time or event where you first considered yourself a ‘writer’?

Yes. After winning an international writing contest, I was published for the first time. It was a Christmas novella, titled Stellar Surprise. Of course, I had to promote a bit there. (giggle)

Um…yeah. Promote all you like. (sigh) Who first inspired you to write?

Well, that’s hard to pinpoint. The two who first inspired me are in a very close tie. It’s between my third-grade teacher, and a high school teacher. Both of them told me to never give up writing.

That’s awesome! Aren’t teachers great? I had a teacher who inspired me to join the track team. I ended up despising him though. Slave driver! Who or what inspires you now?

Many people inspire me now. My autistic son is a never-ending inspiration. I’m currently working on a non-fiction book about him. My sister, Cheryl, and my best friend, Rain Chapman, also inspire me. Both of them are writers, understand the need to write, and are my biggest supporters. I’m inspired by various different things and experiences. Sometimes, something as simple as a breeze, a sound, or even a rainbow, can inspire a chapter or character in my books.

What is the most difficult thing you have written?

My book about autism; a personal insight about my son, and the many obstacles he had to overcome. Hope is the main vein in the book. It’s almost completed.

What work are you most proud of?

Jewel of Ramstone. It is a historical romance about the destiny of a maiden without a past. She wakes alone in a forest, attacks a knight, then finds out he is the one who found her unconscious and watched over her. Without a memory, she has nowhere to go. He takes her to his home of Ramstone. Hearts are torn, secrets are unearthed, and long friendships are forged as her identity unfolds.

I loved that book. The characters are now my friends. Especially Galeron and Jac. I’ve seen them with their shirts off. Jac has an awesome six-pack! Back to you again… I hear you have a fabulous editor and are currently querying agents.

Yes, Nic. My editor, Laura Kepner, (you can find her link on my blog) did a great job of pointing out parts that needed polishing and now it’s ready for an agent. Any takers? (giggle) I have a query and synopsis ready!

Obviously, as a writer, you enjoy reading. What book are you currently immersed in?

Highland Knight; by Hannah Howell. I love the guy in this, and the woman is quite a spitfire!

What about writing goals—do you have any particular objectives?

I do this month! I am participating in Nanowrimo and Nablopomo. Whew! During the rest of the year, I write something every day, even if it is an idea, or a short poem.

Is there anything additional you’d like to say?

Yes. To all the writers out there trying to get published, never give up! Cliché as that saying is, it is true. You’ll receive many rejections, so be ready for them. Frame them, paste them on your walls, or dangle them from a string above your desk… Anything to keep them visible. Someday you will say, “See all those? That’s how many rejections I got before my book became a bestseller!”

Great advice, JM! Thank you for sharing your time with me.

Thank you for the great opportunity of this interview, Nic.

You can learn more about JM Powers and her work on her blog: http://jmpowersromance.blogspot.com . I’m sure she’d love for you to visit.