Introducing: Jennifer Wylie

Guest Post : When Real Life beats Fic... Sweet Light: A Preview Preview

Introducing: Jennifer Wylie

Following on from her guest post yesterday, debut writer Jennifer Wylie also took the time to answer a few of my questions.

When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing in public school, but really got into it in high school. It was just something I wanted to do, needed to do. I have so many stories in my head and they need to come out. I did go to university and got a degree, however things happen, as they tend to do, and I ended up being a Mom rather than finding a career. I wouldn't change that for the world. I didn't write for a number of years when the kids were little but once they were a bit older, and my brain started functioning again, the need to write came back. Writing is something I can do from home, so I certainly lucked out there.

Did you know straight away that it was what you wanted to do?

I always wanted to write…getting published was an odd thought here and there, sort of a 'wouldn't that be cool!'. Then my parents finally convinced me to give it a try and I did!

What inspired you to write your first book?

Sweet Light is my first published book, however I had written some previously- back in the days of floppy discs, and I lost a couple to computer crashes and corrupted discs. As for inspiration, for the most part the stories just come to me randomly, popping into my head. Music plays a big part, setting my mood for a scene or sometimes a lyric will give me

an idea.

Do you have a specific approach to you writing? (plotting, scheduled writing times etc)

I just write. No outlines or anything. Though sometimes nearing an end of a book I'll jot down a few notes to make sure loose ends are all tied up. I also have no trouble writing in circles, if I get stuck at part I'll skip ahead, or if a scene later on comes to me I'll write it down and go back and forth like that.

As for writing times, usually in the evening after the kids go to bed and all the housework is mostly caught up. Sometimes I'll write a little during the day if I have a deadline or a spare moment

How did you come up with the title?

Ohhh, I soo suck at titles. I think because I know how important they can be and I want the perfect one. This one took me forever. Basically the Sweet comes from the many references to Shara being sweet throughout the book, and her men often call her pet names with sweet in them. The Light comes partly from her being very innocent at the start of the book, and also partly from her healing powers-which are described as a

green light.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I just hope they'll enjoy the story. Though it isn't based on anything in my life, it still contains many situations and emotions which people deal with. A person does their best with choices and situations they are given.

If you had to choose, which writer(s) or what book(s) has inspired you the most?

A wide range of fantasy. Some of my first favorites which sucked me in (at a preteen age) were Anne McCaffrey, Mercedes Lackey and David Eddings. I don't really find any particular authors or books inspire me to write…I just enjoy reading and enjoy writing

What book are you reading now?

Right now I'm read Senior Year Bites by J.A. Campbell.

What are your current projects?

I'm currently working on my Tales of Ever short story series, three have been published so far, with the fourth to be out any day now. It is a fantasy for reluctant young adult readers, however is quite popular with adults too. I also have Sweet Light's sequel I'm going over again before submitting. I've a number of other small projects on the go too, but we'll see how much time I have to work on them!

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Nope, I'm quite happy with how it turned out!

What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of writing?

I have had a number of technical issues with my writing. The last number of months I have

been working really hard on learning all my proper punctuation and grammar use. I guess I should have paid more attention in English class in school. Also doing the rounds and rounds and edits afterward LOL That rather makes my eyes cross.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their

work?

I have too many favorites, and it really depends on my mood. I love Michella Sagaras Cast

series, Theodore Sturgeons short stories always enthral me. There is a lot of great new stuff coming out lately as well. Pretty much I like anything fantasy with some twists and at least a hint of romance.

Who designed the cover?

My most awesome cover for Sweet Light was done by Nathalie Moore.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Mostly technical stuff. Proper word use, avoiding over use of words, punctuation rules etc. Nothing overly exciting

Do you have any advice for other writers?

DON'T GIVE UP! Seriously, everything takes a while. There will be a lot of not so fun times. Keep trying and plugging along and for goodness sake DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Google is your friend, find out everything you need to know about writing, publishing, marketing, editing. It will only help you!

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Big sun shiny hugs to you all and thanks so much for reading my work! I hope you enjoyed it and I love to hear from you, so feel free to drop me a note or say hi! I'm on twitter, facebook and you can stop by my website (www.jenniferwylie.ca) too.

You can contact Jennifer, and find her wonderful novel Sweet Light at any of the following places.