Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.
Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?
Hi Fiona, thank you for taking the time for this interview. My name is Mark Adduci, but I write under the name of J.M. LeDuc. It was my mother’s maiden name, and I chose it as a way to honor her memory. JAge: I am old enough. LOL.58, to be exact.
Fiona: Where are you from?
Originally from Burlington, Mass (just outside of Boston), one of the old Revolutionary War towns. I’ve lived in South Florida since 1984.
Fiona: A little about your self (ie, your education, family life, etc.).
Where do I begin? I graduated from Providence College with a degree in Biology. I then graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic with my Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine. I practiced for 28 years. During that time, I had 8 hip replacements, and finally had to give up practice. It was during my rehabilitation from one of those surgeries that I began writing. I am currently the Assistant Academic Dean at the Academy for Nursing, in West Palm Beach as well as being a full-time writer.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news.
I am very excited about my next release. “EVIL AWAKENED,” a YA paranormal thriller/fantasy will be released on October 21st, 2017
Jon Land, USA Today bestselling author of The Rising, described it this way:
“EVIL AWAKENED features a sultry balance of fantasy, thriller and epic YA adventure—a Native American-themed Game of Thrones!”
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I have always been an avid reader, but when I was younger, writing didn’t interest me. I began writing after a difficult surgery. It started as a cathartic activity where I was able to write down my feelings. I found writing to be the best way to rid myself of my depression and disappointment. The more I wrote, the more ideas for a story came to me. Before I knew it (2 years later, lol), I had a manuscript.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
That’s a tough one. Even though, “Evil Awakened” will be my seventh published novel,I still consider myself to be a student of the craft. If I had to guess, I would say it was after my second book, “Cursed presence” was released.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
Again, for me, it was just something that happened organically. If you were to ask me who my inspiration was, that’s easy: my mother. She had a gift and a love for the written word. She was an amazing poet. That’s where my inspiration came from and still comes from, today.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
It was almost ten years ago, so I really don’t remember. I can tell you that the original title was “The Endowment.” For me, titles come as I write. At some point in the process, the title starts to take shape. For my first book, it ended up being, “Cursed Blessing,” which ended up being the first book in a trilogy. And before you ask, it is not something I would recommend. If I had to do it over again, I would have made the books part of a series, but not a trilogy. Why? Because, in my case, I realized the story wasn’t complete at the end of the third book. I ended up finishing that storyline with my next book, “Cornerstone,” which unfortunately wasn’t marketed as such.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?
Writing style? I consider my style to be fluid. I don’t write from an outline. I start with a seed of an idea and a lead character, then the story and the character(s) dictate where the story will go, I have never had a book end in the way I thought it would when I began writing it.
As far as genre and style, I consider myself to be a thriller writer, but I write in many subgenres, including inspirational (The Trilogy of the Chosen and Cornerstone), hard-core crime (The Sinclair O’Malley series), and now YA fantasy (Evil Awakened is the first book in the Kiche Chronicles).
As far as challenges, I always start with a seed of truth. That seed takes a great deal of research in order to do it justice. As the seed grows and sprouts roots, the fiction takes over.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
My latest book, “Evil Awakened,” is based on Native American folklore. It’s important to me to make sure the foundation of the book, and entire series, is cemented in their traditions and culture. I want to pay respect to the First Peoples of this country through these stories.
Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?
I wish I was able to travel more. When I do travel, I am always looking for ideas or research for my current or future projects. I do most of my research through the internet and personal interviews with experts in the appropriate fields.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
My latest cover (see above) was designed by Keri Knutson. I love her design.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I think I’ll let one the people who blurbed the book speak for me:
“Evil Awakened tells a story so tangible and accurate my ancestors would be proud! This is a story for all ages.
“Remember, it is not what is in your blood, it is what is in your heart.”
—Lollie, Choctaw/Cherokee American Indian
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?
Oh gosh, there are so many. My favorite author is R.J. Ellory. His writing is gritty, dark, yet poetic all at the same time. My influences are many, starting with Dostoevsky. “Crime and Punishment” in my opinion is one of the greatest books ever written. As far as new authors (I don’t know if I’d consider them new, but . . .), Amy Lignor, Leslie Borghini, J. Kent Holloway, Jeremy Robinson, Kane Gilmour, Matthew James, and my newest favorite, who I can’t get enough of, is K.R. Thompson.
Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.
My greatest supporters outside of my family are the amazing people I get to work with: Shannon and John Raab at Suspense Publishing and Kim Thompson at Magic Quill Press. The other person I would want to thank is friend and author, Amy Lignor. She has been a great inspiration and a wonderful support system.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
I see it as a passion that is evolving into a career.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No. I love my latest book. It’s helped me evolve into a better person.
Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
So much! My respect for our Native American brothers and sisters, and the love and honor that they have for their culture and traditions increased drastically. The respect they have for, not only each other, but for those of different cultures, and their love for nature and the land has influenced my life.
Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
I don’t know. My daughter, Chelsea, if it was possible. If I had to choose from those in the acting field, I would probably choose, Selena Gomez.
Fiona: Any advice for other writers?
Do it because you love it, not because you think you can make money. Passion lasts, money is fleeting.
Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
I love to stay connected with my readers, and the best way to do so is through my News Letter. The link to it is: http://eepurl.com/cZ4ivH
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I just started reading “Wonder Woman: Warbringer” by Leigh Bardugo
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
The first? No, but it was probably a Dr. Sues book or a Curious George book.
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
What makes me laugh: I have a very sarcastic sense of humor, so I enjoy sarcasm. What makes me cry: memories of loved ones no longer here.
Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?
My first thought would be Jesus. I’d just like to walk with him. The other person that comes to mind is Hemingway. I’d like to drink with him. J
Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?
I am an avid reader. So when I’m not writing, I’m usually reading. Other than that, I still hit the gym regularly, and I enjoy going to the gun range. I find shooting (targets) to be peaceful in some bizarre way. That’s about it. I lead a pretty boring life. LOL
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I don’t watch much. I love “The Big Bang Theory” as well as any of the singing shows: “American Idol,” The Voice,” and X Factor UK.” I watch those with my daughter, so that’s what makes them special. If I’m flipping channels, I’ll usually end up on The Discovery Channel.
Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?
Food: Anything Italian. Music: I’m pretty eclectic. I like everything from Heavy Metal (Metallica is a favorite) to alternative to gospel. There are times I’ll catch myself listening to Opera and really losing myself in it, even though I don’t understand one word. I like the emotion that a song delivers.
Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?
Read. I will always read.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?
That I respected others, regardless of who they were or their station in life.
Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?
Absolutely: my website is www.jmleduc.com
You can find updates and events on the site as well as on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/J-M-LeDuc-259333374080003/
and my author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/J.M.-LeDuc/e/B0096DTNOQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1504207352&sr=1-1
But the best way, moving forward, will be through my News Letter. That’s where you’ll find offers and giveaways:
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