Readers, here's new author to this blog. Welcome, Jessica. Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
Well, like all writers, threads of my personal history and
scraps of my personality are intentionally woven into the characters and plot.
Yet at the same time, much like I believe Jane Austen did, I also throw
personalities that I've encountered onto the page.
In The Price of Privilege trilogy the three characters most
like me are Julia, Edward, and Isaac. Through Julia, my protagonist, I've
explored the deep sense of loss I've experienced, through Edward my unrelenting
sense of conviction, and lastly through Isaac (who is prominent in book two and
three) my deep longing for family and the strong desire to see the past
amended.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
I've done a lot of quirky things! The one most people talk
about was the time I wrapped my apartment, the ceiling and walls, in tinfoil in
order to turn it into a spaceship for a themed dinner with friends.
That sounds like fun.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?
In third grade, after a writing assignment, my teacher
announced to the class that there were two outstanding stories. To my shock,
mine was one of them. I remember being so stunned that she had singled me out.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love historical fiction and am always on the lookout for a
thick, long book that I can curl up with. My second favorite genre is YA and
Sci-Fi. I love the deep imaginative flights they'll take.
I especially love British authors. Tolkien and Lewis, and
their predecessors George MacDonald and Chesterfield
have inspired more people than they probably ever guessed they would.
Liz Curtis Higgs, Gina Holmes, and Francine Rivers are also
among my top favorite writers.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
It's not easy is it? I dream of owning a hobby farm where I rise
at dawn, gather eggs, and take cuttings from my herbs garden before settling into
writing.
In the meantime, I try to savor the hours I spend with my
daughter. I always take time for tea, coffee, and reading. Lately, I've been
reminding myself of Jesus's instructions that apart from Him I can do nothing.
I'm trying to give myself permission to worry less and trust more.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Most of my characters have rather old-fashioned names that
suit the era, like: Jane, Elizabeth, Charles, and Henry.
I spend a lot of time on the surnames, as those are the ones
I feel like I have to live with. The era was so formal that I see those names
more than I see the first names.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I've written a series of essays that I've called The
Jessica Years on Inspire-a-Fire. The idea was to chronicle the three years
after my recent divorce—both the healing and raw pain. My goal was to become
fully authentic. It's easy to feel pressured to project an image, and so hard
to admit that we're in desperate need of grace and mercy.
The essays are so honest that there are days I consider
removing them from the web, and yet I never do because they keep me from being
able to hide.
At the same time, I have stopped making The Jessica Years
public.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
I've tried really hard to come up with an animal, but
nothing seems quite right. Can I pick a plant? I would be most like
rosemary—distinctive yet hardy.
That’s fine with me. What
is your favorite food?
Oh, how can anyone choose between their survival tools of
coffee and chocolate?
May I pick both?
Yes. I seldom get an
author who only mentions one food. What is the problem with writing that was
your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Originally, it was very difficult for me to share my work,
which is vital if you're going to grow as a writer. I spent months lurking in a
critique group not feeling knowledgeable enough to participate.
Eventually I finally shared my work and tried my hand at
critiquing someone. If you know anything about the first time a writer receives
a critique, you can imagine how mortified I felt. I shed private tears, then
sent thank you notes.
Once I broke the ice it grew easier to participate. I can't express how much I grew in my writing
from it.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Set in 1838, Born of Persuasion follows the story
of a seventeen-year-old who distrusts her anonymous guardian after the death of
both parents. She's determined to free herself from her circumstances, yet she
continues to find mysterious clues about her family that leave her uncertain
whom to trust.
I'm really excited to be able to share my writing. A lot of people have told me it either
reminds them of an Austen or a Bronte novel.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Later, when I allowed myself to confront the memories, to
dwell on the particulars, I realized my arrival at Am Meer marked the
beginning.
Not the mysterious letters that drained the life from Mama.
Not her suicide.
And not the two men arriving at dusk, stomping mud from
their boots in the foyer, bearing ill tidings.
Nay—not even the disconcerting news that I had a guardian, one
who intended to keep me sequestered.
For those happenings were not my story. I was sinless there.
They were the end results of events set in motion long before I arrived at the cottage.
I could no more have stopped their unfolding than I could have prevented my own
birth.
Those of you who were alive that year might well remember the
early frost of 1838. My arrival coincided with the hardship faced by the farmers
that August. Thought harvest hadn’t quite begun, an overcast sky stretched over
the rolling farmlands bringing a reminder of winter’s cruel bite.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
I so hope you visit www.jessicadotta.com.
Please do stop by! I'm also working to put together a free quarterly magazine
that will appeal to those who love the Regency, Victorian,and Edwardian era. While
you're there, sign up for its first issue.
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing with us today.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Born of Persuasion - Christianbook.comBorn of Persuasion (Price of Privilege) - Amazon.com
Born of Persuasion: 1 (Price of Privilege) - 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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, 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
I would love to win a copy of Jessica's book. Historical fiction is my favorite genre.
ReplyDeleteTonja VA
I would love to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteDeborah D, FL
Sounds like another great historical!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for you blog and giveaways...
Patty in SC
Would love to win this book. sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteCathy B.C. Canada
I've read good reviews about this one so I'm looking forward to reading it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHeidi, CA
The covers of books (I would think) have a large impact with selling the book. I'm guilty of checking out the cover before I ever read the back, and often make a decision based on that. This cover tells me YES, and the review did too!
ReplyDeleteDonna, TX
I'm guilty of the same thing, Donna!
DeleteI am looking forward to reading this series.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Amy C
VA
I look forward to reading this story of a young girl trying to free herself from her unfortunate circumstances. Thank you for sharing this interview and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBritney Adams, TX
Please enter me for this book. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteBrittany McEuen (TX)
Oh my, what a book! Thank you for your interview and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMelanie Backus, TX
I am so excited to read this book! The cover is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteMarissa from MN
I share a favorite author with Jessica. George MacDonald.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do take a second look when I see a book cover I like, I most rely on word of mouth and reviews on-line.
Martha
WI
ReplyDeletewould love to win.
would love to win. :D Angela in Ky
That would have been a LOT of tinfoil. I enjoyed the first page thank you.
ReplyDeleteMary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I have been reading all about this new book from several reviewers and book blogs! I love the cover, and i already love your writing, Jessica! Great interview.
ReplyDeleteKandra in OK
I love the cover of this book and would love to win it too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida
This sounds like a book I would really enjoy. Thank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteJean K
West Palm Beach, FL
Enter me!
ReplyDeleteSarah
N.C.
Fascinating interview! I would love to read Born of Persuasion.
ReplyDeleteAnne, rural NC
I would love to win one of Jessica's books. I know how very hard she's worked on this trilogy.
ReplyDeleteI like this book cover very much and like the idea of being raised with someone you don't know- what kind of guardian will they be? Love to win. sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to win Born of Persuasion! I have wanted to read it since I first heard about it. Mom and I are huge George MacDonald fans. What are your favorites? I guess it is the cover of the book that draws me, but not always. Sometimes it is the review, back-cover, or the first few pages that hook me. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Julianna Rowe, PA
emeraldelena@hotmail.com
I would love to win this!
ReplyDeleteRebekah TN
This book captured my attention a wee bit back, however, after that little tease you threw in, now I really can't wait! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Stephanie in IA
Thanks for the peek at Born of Persuasion, please add me to the drawing.
ReplyDeleteMerry in Mn
I've been hearing nothing but great things about this book! I'd love to be entered! :)
ReplyDelete-Tammy (AL)
Would love to win.
ReplyDeleteLourdes Long Island, NY
Looks Great!!! Please enter me! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBlanch, N.C.
Enter me!!
ReplyDeleteSharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
I love this time period and the story sounds great! I'm in MN.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jessica!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your interview & learning more about you. I read some of your posts in The Jessica Years - I admire your honesty & openness. I have been in your shoes, & can identify totally!
My faith is God, & my belief that he has everything under control, & that his plan for my life - is the only way to lasting happiness - are what pulled me through. Praying for you!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kentucky
I enjoy historical fiction. I want to find out what clues she finds out about her family!
ReplyDeleteBeth from Iowa
I'm impressed that you wrote "The Jessica Years" and published in online. Talk about brave! Wow! I have a interest in first names and last names. I love to look at meaning and combine different one. That might take me a really long time if I was writing. Kristie from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
ReplyDelete