Name: Jacquelyn Ayres
Age: 37
Where are you from? New Jersey originally but have lived in New England for half of my life. I’ve recently relocated to North Carolina.
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc : I have three beautiful children (8, 6, and 3) who give me drive in every way (right down to crazy 😉 ). Before they became my world, I spent many years working in the nursing field (which I loved).
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing at the age of 8 with my very first poem. It was about my grandmother who had passed before I was born. I loved to listen to my mom and aunt read their poetry and that’s what inspired me.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Well, I think I always considered myself one but it wasn’t until I was writing my first novel that I took the title more seriously.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
I had written fan fiction during my teens and early 20s with a friend of mine. It was racy and not something we were looking to publish anywhere. Back then (crap I sound old!), they didn’t have these online groups to belong to and do that with. It wasn’t until I read 50 shades that the spark lit up in me again but in a more serious light.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
Yes, I think so. My books always cover different serious topics however, I always write with humor. There’s always some suspense (more in some books than others) and I always try to bring awareness to a good cause or disability.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
With the Lost & Found Series there are three books. In the first book, Goodbye Caution, Becca Campbell goes feet first into a relationship without much hesitation. This, of course, is very unlike her especially given her past. Book 2, Goodbye Secrets, is just that. Everything Becca and the reader thinks they know is completely blown out of the water. Book 3, Goodbye Uncertainty, is about gaining strength from the journey she’s had and learning how to help herself and the people she loves to trust the new path ahead.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
So far, every book I have published has had a message in it. I think to sum it up; most of my messages are about love, acceptance, and perseverance.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
All of my books are very realistic to a degree. I usually write what I know or know of. There is a section in Goodbye Secrets that is purely from my own imagination. You’d have to read it to know what I mean. 😉
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
I’d say about 80% overall. Some characters slightly resemble people in my life. There are events that I’ve taken from my own life. For instance, Becca (from the Lost & Found Series) talks about co-piloting Cessna planes when she was 7, in Long Island, while visiting her Aunt. That was my favorite memory from my childhood. It really was the most amazing feeling to fly a plane! Under Contract was actually inspired by a woman my aunt had met in the early 80s whom was left in the same situation as my character, Charlotte. Like Charlotte, her first instinct was to provide for her children. That story stuck with me and I wanted to showcase it. It’s very different from the usual reason a woman becomes a call girl.
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
Books that are thought provoking. I love nothing more than to have something brought to my attention that I never gave much thought about. I love to learn interesting facts. Jennifer Chiaverini (Elm Creek Quilts Author) is one of my favorite authors for this very reason; I always learn something new in her books.
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Paige Weaver. She was the first author who really helped me out. She answered all of my questions. She’s a lovely lady and writes some amazing books!
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I am just finishing up Rescue Breathing by Zoe Norman! Love it!!
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Oh, where to begin? Olivia Luck, Courtney Cross, TJ Tims, Zoe Norman, Stevie J. Cole, Theresa Sederholt, Fifi Flowers, Faith S. Lynn, and Carolyn Mahoney. I have a list of about fifty others, to be honest! So many wonderfully talented writers out there!
Fiona: What are your current projects?
I am currently working on “In The Mix” book 2 for the GEG Series. There are 3 other books in that series to be written after. In between, I will be working on the Prequel for The Lost & Found series.
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My biggest supporters have been my fans. I can’t begin to tell you how much they push me! I’m so grateful for them. It’s tough to keep focused and positive sometimes and they always manage to say the right things to me to keep me motivated.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely!
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
The only thing I would change in my last book is to take away the last chapter number. It was a short chapter (I tend to write long ones) and I think it made some feel that the ending was rushed. I wouldn’t change anything else about the book. Charlotte and Mitch’s main story was told. It is a series and while the other books will focus on the other friends, Charlotte and Mitch’s story will continue as a side story but through the new main characters.
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I loved listening to the poetry that my mother and aunt wrote. This inspired me to write poetry. When I was a teenager, I kept a creative journal.
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Sure! This is from “In The Mix”
“I want to touch you.” He slides his hands back on to my hips. His chest presses into my back, giving me no space to turn if I wanted to. “But,” he continues, “if I touch you, I won’t be able to stop until you’re screaming my name while your legs are shaking around my hips.” Is it a little wet in here or is it just me . . . and my panties?
I bet he’d give me good leg shake.
Also, I may have just whimpered . . . slightly.
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Staying focused! When I began to write seriously, it was just me, a pen, and notebook. I stopped watching TV and I barely bothered with social media. I wrote night and day. It was amazing. Once you’re published though, you have to spend a lot of time promoting and being a part of a wonderful community. I’ve met amazing people that I love to talk to everyday. So, in short, staying off of FB! Lol.
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Jennifer Chiaverini ( I mentioned why above), Paige Weaver because her stories are original and she has a wonderful way of really pulling you into her books. Debra Anastasia because she writes beautiful stories that have you crying and laughing and Alice Clayton because her books make me want to pee myself from laughing so hard.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I haven’t this year but I will be next year!
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Robin from Wicked by Design and Cover to Cover Designs for The One
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Finding time to myself to do so. I have 3 kids, it’s hard for them to understand that I’m working when I’m right in front of them. So I’m usually up till 4am doing all of this.
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Yes. Never let go of your dreams. I did for a long time and I’m so grateful that I had the wisdom to not only see that but to correct it.
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Yes. There will be people who love and hate your books. Try to learn from the good and the bad. Learn from your editor and grow. If you are really serious about what you do then that should show with every new book you write. You should only get stronger as a writer.
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you a million times over!
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
I read a lot but the first one that engrossed me so much I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next one was Flowers in the Attic by VC Andrews.
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
Yes. I love to scrapbook and do anything artsy fartsy. Lol I also love to cook and bake.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Days of our Lives (what?!), Blue Bloods, Orange is the new Black, Biggest Loser (with an unhealthy snack, of course!), Star wars, and I love romantic comedies.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Italian (eggplant parm is my fave), Purple, and I listen to everything but I will forever love The New Kids On The Block!
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I loved the nursing field so I would probably still be doing that!
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it? I do but I’m so bad at keeping up with it, it would be better to visit me at my author page! http://on.fb.me/1cKvErT
Amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jacquelyn-Ayres/e/B00JFZ0HYA/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
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