Hello everyone,
Welcome to our monthly feature for authors.
The author for the month of September is the Jacqueline Stewart, author of the recently published novella, ‘A Way of Escape’ and several other books. I have read and reviewed her latest novella on this blog and you can check out my review to see if it’s something you may be interested to read.
Today’s interview will give us a sneak-peek into Jacqueline’s life as a writer and published author. I hope you enjoy reading her answers to these ten questions but first let me introduce her to you all.
So here we go…..
The Author:
Jacqueline Stewart resides in the state of Louisiana. She’s a military spouse and mother of two children. She graduated from Northwestern State University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. Her roots in writing began with play productions. Jacqueline has written several inspirational plays, a web-series, and a short film. She’s also written inspirational books. Jacqueline is excited to expand her creative writing to women’s fiction and short stories. She hopes that her writing brings joy, laughter, and purpose to her readers.
The Interview:
WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?
Jacqueline: I started officially writing in 2009, not too long after I graduated from Northwestern State University in Louisiana. My major was theater, because I enjoyed acting. However, my love for theater moved into writing, directing, and producing inspirational plays at the church I went to and the community I lived in at that time. My writing eventually progressed into a web-series, then a couple of short films. I was not able to complete the short film projects due to the covd-19 pandemic. Now, I am tackling novels, which is very different from how I’m used to writing but I enjoy watching the stories unfold.
WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU DISCOVERED WHILE WRITING?
Jacqueline: I discovered that I can get really dirty with my language while writing. I make sure to go back and create a balance, so I do not lose my readers. I also make sure to not take too much of the truthful language away in order to keep the authenticity of the characters.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF GOOD WRITING?
Jacqueline: In my opinion, the most important elements of good writing are being able to create emotions in the writing that the reader can feel, and creating a scene through your writing that the reader can visualize. These two things create an everlasting imprint on the reader’s mind and emotions. Once an imprint happens with the reader, your work and stories are unforgettable to them.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR RECENTLY PUBLISHED NOVELLA – ‘A WAY OF ESCAPE’?
Jacqueline: “A Way of Escape” has always been a story in my mind that I kind of fantasized about. Not every element was a part of my fantasy, but pieces of it were so I decided to take those pieces and create a story. I wanted to do something different, and write a story that my female readers could relate to in every aspect of their lives. Even though this story is centered around a romantic relationship, it can connect to different kinds of relationships/partnerships as well.
DO ANY OF THE CHARACTERS HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN YOUR HEART? IF YES, WHO?
Jacqueline: Michelle holds a special place in my heart because she has a strength, boldness and assertiveness about her in one area of her life, however in the area of her relationship she is more passive when she should be more decisive. On the outside she appears to have it all together, but on the inside she struggles with fear. I think many women appear one way on the outside, but on the inside things are totally different due to fear.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART AND LEAST FAVOURITE PART OF THE PUBLISHING PROCESS?
Jacqueline: Of course, writing the story was my most favorite part of the process. Making sure that I had the correct format and editing was my least favorite part of the process.
WHAT ONE THING WILL YOU GIVE UP TO BECOME A BETTER WRITER?
Jacqueline: I will give up being afraid to collaborate with more beta readers to become a better writer.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE LITERARY CRITICISM?
Jacqueline: I allow constructive criticism to help me to become a better writer.
WHAT DOES LITERARY SUCCESS LOOK LIKE TO YOU?
Jacqueline: For me, literary success looks like me being well known in the literary world, being a top seller and writer, as well as me being able to turn my books into movies or shows.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOUR READERS?
Jacqueline: Yes! I am currently working on a full length novel that will involve love, heartbreak, healing from childhood trauma and friendship.
And that’s it from our author of the month. If you have any more questions for the author, feel free to ask in the comment box and she will respond accordingly.
Enjoy the rest of your day.
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