Why do you write the
kind of books you do?
There are so many options for teen readers in the general
market. And these days, it’s hard to know when a book is safe for a teenager to
read or not.
I wanted to offer books for teens that had those same wild
and fantastic elements but also included—and didn’t offend—a loving creator
God.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
When my son, Luke, was born.
How has being
published changed your life?
It gave me a full-time (if not full-pay) job. It changed how
life at home works. My husband pitches in with the kids and meals so that I can
make this work. But being an author gave me a voice and a way to encourage
people I’ll never meet. It’s a pretty amazing privilege.
I so agree with that.
What are you reading right now?
I’m reading a new book called Halflings by Heather Burch, another new Zondervan author who writes
for teens.
What is your current
work in progress?
Right now I’m working on a two-book series that’s scheduled
to release in 2013. The first, tentatively called Thirst, is an apocalyptic story, and the sequel is called Captives, and it’s the dystopian future
result of that first book.
What would be your
dream vacation?
Going to Great
Britain and being able to stay there for
several weeks. I’ve always wanted to explore that part of the world.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
They usually come to me when I’m planning the initial idea.
If I’m writing a fantasy novel, I like to draw a map to help me get ideas about
the place my characters live. If it’s a contemporary story, I try to choose a
logical place. In Replication, I chose Alaska as
the location for my cloning lab because Alaska
is a place where many people move to disappear. In Thirst, I chose Phoenix as the home
of my main character for two reasons: 1. He longs for wilderness and adventure,
so having him live in a barren city like Phoenix
added conflict to his life. 2. There is a nuclear power plant in Phoenix , and I wanted
there to be one nearby for a scene in the story.
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Beth Moore. She has taught me so much about God and my bible.
And she has inspired all of my books. I can’t help but think of my characters
when I’m at my Beth Moore Bible study. So I’d just like to chat with her about
life and thank her for her obedience to God.
My church has a large
women’s conference in April. This year, Beth Moore is one of the main speakers.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I play guitar. I would love to take piano lessons, but I
don’t have the time, so I play around on the piano some. I’m crafty, so I
sometimes like to make things like jewelry or clothing. I used to scrapbook,
before I started writing, but I don’t have time now. L
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Actually writing my books. Having an online connection is so
distracting. I often sit down with a plan to write and three hours later, I
still haven’t typed one word. I’m still trying to find a way to balance the
demands that come in my online world.
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
Write, write, write. Get into a critique group where you
feel you are learning. And finish that first book. Many new writers tend to get
stuck for years writing that first book. Train yourself to be a writer by doing
the hard work of completing a full manuscript. Then go back and rewrite it. And
when you’re done, put it down and write another book. Then write another. Then
another.
Also, read, read, read. When you read, study what the author
did. Look at their dialogue, action, punctuation, characters, plot, everything.
Learn all you can. It will help you be a better writer and storyteller.
And try not to be impatient. Work on making each book the
best it can be. When you finish a book, send it out. While you’re waiting to
hear back, write another one. I wrote six novels before my first book was
published. I’ve heard the same from many authors. So, try to have fun.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Abby Goyer is forced to move to rural Alaska when her father unexpectedly takes a
job in a remote laboratory called Jason Farms. Suspicious of her father’s
decisions, she investigates and finds more than what she was looking for when a
strange boy shows up at her door. Martyr, one of fifty-five identical clones,
escaped from the underground lab at the farm with one wish: to see the sky
before he fulfills his purpose and “expires” on his eighteenth birthday. Abby tries
to help Martyr see that God has a purpose for his life, one that is different from
the one the scientists originally planned for him.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Martyr stared at the equation on
the whiteboard and set his pencil down. He didn’t feel like practicing math
today. What did math matter when his expiration date was so near?
His wrist still throbbed from
Fido’s teeth. Martyr touched the strip of fabric he’d ripped from his bedsheet
and tied around his wrist to stop the bleeding. He hoped the wound would heal
before a doctor noticed it. A trip upstairs to mend it would be unpleasant, as
the doctor would likely use the opportunity to perform tests. Martyr shuddered.
To distract himself, he glanced
at the other boys. Every Jason in the classroom except Speedy and Hummer
scribbled down the numbers from the whiteboard. Speedy sketched Dr. Max’s
profile, staring at the doctor with intense concentration. His hand darted over
the paper, shading the dark face with a short, black beard.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Visit me at www.jillwilliamson.com,
where adventure comes to life.Thank you, Jill, for the interesting interview.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Replication: The Jason Experiment - paperback
Replication: The Jason Experiment - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
17 comments:
Great interview!
This looks like it is a great book. I also enjoy Beth Moore, Jill.
Beth from Iowa
As a teen, this book sounds incredibly intriguing! You have my attention. Thank you, Jill!
Rosie from FL
This sounds like a very interesting story. One that I would love to read.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Just started "By Darkness Hid." It is wonderful!
Sign me up!
Lana from Colorado
I've heard so many good things about this book, Jill. I'd love to win a copy.
Suzanne :O)
shartmann5@yahoo.com
Hi Jill!
I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only one that has this problem:"Actually writing my books. Having an online connection is so distracting. I often sit down with a plan to write and three hours later, I still haven’t typed one word. I’m still trying to find a way to balance the demands that come in my online world."
The only thing that has helped me lately (since I'm on deadline) is to set the timer on my cell phone and make myself be good, which is so hard!
I'd love to win a copy for my church. It's a great book! And I'm a Beth Moore fan too.
I've already blasted through the Blood of Kings trilogy, which I absolutely loved, and I can't wait to get my hands on Replication.
Eldra from B.C.
"Where adventures comes to life" - I love that. Thank you for a wonderful interview.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
"Replication" sounds very interesting. And our church library is always looking for good books for the teens.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Sharon from Eagan MN
Thank you for the great Interview, i always look forward to reading them. Your Book sounds real good would you please add me to your giveaway.
Blessings
I live in S.Illinois
ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com
This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.
Nancye from Kentucky
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book!! Thanks and God bless.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
"Replication" sounds fascinating. I am very interested in reading it. Thank you for entering me in your draw.
I am from B.C. CANADA
Jan
This seems like an interesting book. Please enter me in this giveaway!
I live in New York
This book sounds awesome! I'm so glad to see something like this in the Christian market. :) Thank you, Jill!
Lindsey
Oregon
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