Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

Fiona: Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we?

First, thank you for having me here. I love learning about the authors in your interviews! I’m J. S. Burke, author of the Dragon Dreamer series.

 

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’ve lived in six states, and now I’m in Georgia.

 

Fiona: A little about yourself (ie, your education, family life, etc.).

I’ve been fortunate in my education. My third grade teacher started a poetry club and published our poems. I became fascinated by words. I read the dictionary and discovered how words change with time. I learned French, the alphabet of the deaf, and a smidge of Spanish.

I chose a career as a marine biologist. My research funding fell through when I was a grad student, so I supported myself as an artist to become a scientist. I’ve often thought this was a bit backwards.

My most beautiful piece was a huge conch shell with a scrimshaw design: abstract waterflowed out from deep within the shell onto the wide lip, where this became sea waves with a manatee and her baby. The person who bought this later hired me as a marine biologist. I love research, writing, and the sea; this helps with novels.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Dragon Lightning won the Pinnacle Award for Best Science Fantasy Book. It’s been nominated for a SIBA award and two more Fantasy Awards. I recently won an author contest. I’m writing the third Dragon Dreameradventure. I’ve drawnthe new fantasy flakes to be used inBook III and my Fantasy Snowflakes Coloring Book.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I love the beauty and power of words! I’ve written poetry since I was a child, for fun; nothing I would publish. I write letters to change what cities do; it’s an inexpensive way to make a difference. I write educational Crystal activity book/kits to help beginners understand math and chemistry; these are used in school systems. When people understand science, they better understand the serious consequences of pollution and climate change. My marine science research papers are published in science journals.

In my snowflake with leaping swordfish, their sharp bills meet like the nibs of old-fashioned ink pens. The caption is: “The pen is mightier than the sword(fish).” Silly but true. Words are powerful.

My Dragon Dreamer series began when I saw a dragon world in my mind. The sea flowed in, and eventually this became a book.The series is a fun adventure story with layers of deeper meaning.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve been a writer most of my life, but the Dragon Dreamer books are my first novels. The Dragon Dreamer was published in 2014. When readers liked this, I wrote a sequel;Dragon Lightning was published in 2016. I feel honored to be part of the writing community. There are so many books I want to read!

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I collect rocks. I  LOVE rocks. I was admiring my blue ceramic bowl with its lumpy crystal rock in the middle when BAM, I know it was a dragon’s egg. The bowl was a dragon’s nest. Suddenly I saw dragon customs I’ve not read anywhere. So I started a novel and learned a new way to write. Very few people read science papers; novels have an actual audience!

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The working title was Storm Pearls. The editors felt that a “dragon” title would be better, but many are already on famous books. Arak, my young dragon misfit, is ridiculed as a worthless dreamer. When I checked “The Dragon Dreamer”, there were no books with this title. Success! This title felt right.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

Writing Science Fantasy is a perfect fit for me. I can research, write, draw, and even describe “alien” art that would be such fun in real life! I listen to my characters. It’s my world, and I love being there.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

My books are science-based fantasy. Most of this is real, with a fantasy take. Birds can see magnetic lines, and so can my dragons. Octopuses are as smart as humans and some types can shape-shift. Many experiences are my own. When dragon Arak squirms through a miserable water crawl in a cave, that’s me. When Scree-the-octopus skims above a coral reef or a ship is caught in a fierce storm, that’s me.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

I’ve done many stupid or dangerous things that are perfect for adventurestories, so I travel through memories and imagination. I watch documentaries to learn more of regions I have not explored.And I read more science articles.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I had a very clear idea of what I wanted, so I painted the images that were used for the covers.

 

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

The Dragon Dreamer books are layered for readers age 9 to 99. Within the adventure there are themes of diversity, ecology, compassion, “connectedness”, communication. Scree, an octopus Healer, saves Arak, a wounded dragon misfit. Their friendship leads to trading between octopuses and dragons. When an underwater volcano erupts, ittriggers a chain of events that threaten everyone. Can they work together to survive?

I read the reviews to see how the stories interact with readers. A three-year-old wants to be Scree-the-Octopus for Halloween; he made a Scree Healer bag from an old purse and wants a huge pink pearl like hers.A teenage girl wants me to hurry up and finish the next book.

A mother mentioned thatThe Dragon Dreamer helped her learn how to better communicate with her difficult teenage daughter. A grandfather wrote, “This book has a profound human message.” And there are no humans. JBut,as with many books, the story is universal.

 

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?

I don’t have a favorite writer; each has something different to offer. My kindle is filled with indie author books.The talent and creativity is astounding! I love reading books by Alex E. Carey, Timothy Hemlin, Rose English (Su Echo Falls S’ari), Michelle Zeman, Rick Mullins, Jenn L. Deese Neal, James Reid, Les Lynam, C.D. Gorri, Theresa Snyder, William Stuart,Pamela Winn, Wanda Mital Luthman, Michael Stern, Dianna Wyles,Tom Fallwell, and more; there are manyindies on my TBR list.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

I was fortunate to be a founding member of a small, local writer group. We met every other week, read a chapter or two by each member, and offered constructive criticism. Three of us became published authors and one became a successful artist.

When the other writers moved away, I met readers and writers onsocial media whogive feedback and encouragement; they help me as a writer.It’s a mutually supportive network, and I’m proud to be a part of this!

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Writingis an important part of my life, and would be a fun career.

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

Dragon Lightning is written, published, and I’m content. Now I’m working on the third book of this series.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

Lots! Research is my mind candy. I studied super volcanoes, diving in arctic waters, plants of Greenland, butterfly migrations, and much more. The arctic sea is a strange, alien environment.

The new dragon and octopus characters were fun to meet.In Dragon Lightning, Drakor, an ice dragon, faces an impossible challenge. “He gazed into the night sky, seeking the calm beauty of a golden aurora. But the elaborate folds of light were as tangled as his thoughts.”

 

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

It would be an animated movie, and I have no idea who would voice the characters. But I’d have a HUGE party to celebrate, with chocolate for everyone!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Find some writer friends. Carefully consider feedback. Keep writing andre-writing!

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I’m grateful to every person who reads my books. I love when a reader takes the time to leave a review. Thank you!!!<3

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m readingWater’s Reflection by Alex E. Carey, the third book in her excellent paranormal/adventure/romance series. The world, characters and storyline are great!

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I remember reading a beautiful, illustrated fairy tale. I still love legends, fairy tales, and illustrations. The Dragon Dreamer books have legends of sea beings and of dragons.There’s a picture or drawing for each chapter, including several fantasy flakes.

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Silly, ridiculous jokes make me laugh. Many Facebook friends share these! Seeing anyone suffer . . . child, adult, dog, elephant, octopus, any being . . . makes me cry inside.

 

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

There are many people I’d love to meet. I recently watched Hacksaw Ridge, a movie about a “conscientious cooperator”.  Desmond Doss was a WWII medic who refused to touch a weapon. Doss was ridiculed as a coward until he saved 76 wounded soldiers, alone, while under fire, during one long night. I love his inner strength, conviction, and desire to help others.

 

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I read, draw, paint, make jewelry. I’ve always loved to make cards; now they’re fancier and connected to my Dragon Dreamer books.

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I love nature films, historical movies, science fiction movies and series. Doctor Who, Star Wars, and Star Trek are favorites.

 

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Chocolate, rainbow colors, and a variety of music. I love “Hallelujah”, “Pachelbel’s Canon” played on the harp, Enya, “Pearl Harbor” movie sound track, and much more.

 

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

Read! And make more artwork.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

Perhaps “Just one more book!” (to write and to read)

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

Absolutely. And thanks again for inviting me to be part of your amazing blog!

http://www.jennysburke.com/blog/

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Jenny-S-Burke-721518861218158/

Website Blog: http://www.jennysburke.com/blog

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/J.-S.-Burke/e/B00NVRVHWE/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/j-s-burke-49b143b6-fbae-4b3a-a5c0-7571b588de62

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TheDragonDreamr

Google+: https://plus.google.com/109374949212770892369

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8283255.J_S_Burke

BOOK LINKS FOR THE DRAGON DREAMER:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Dreamer-J-S-Burke-ebook/dp/B00K9DHTU2/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22886684-the-dragon-dreamer

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dragon-dreamer-j-s-burke/1120629824

ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-dragon-dreamer/id933034842

KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-dragon-dreamer

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragon-Dreamer-J-S-Burke/dp/0996042504/

Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/Dragon-Dreamer-J-S-Burke-ebook/dp/B00K9DHTU2/

Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/d/ebook/Dragon-Dreamer-J-S-Burke/B00K9DHTU2/

BOOK LINKS FOR DRAGON LIGHTNING:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MA1ZOJ6/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32598789-dragon-lightning

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-lightning-j-s-burke/1124857029

ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1166420789

KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/dragon-lightning

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Dragon-Lightning-Dreamer-Book/0996042563/

Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/Dragon-Lightning-Dreamer-Book-ebook/dp/B01MA1ZOJ6/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Dragon-Lightning-Dreamer-Book-ebook/dp/B01MA1ZOJ6/