Dear Readers, I know those of you who
read Destiny Defied have been eagerly
awaiting the release of book two in the series. J. A. is in the critique group
that meets in my home, and we have all loved her books. Her writing style and
subject matter is so unique that we had to come up with a new genre name for
her. Contemporary Suspense with a Supernatural Twist. The books give a different slant on human trafficking and spiritual
warfare. The characters leap from the pages and stay in your heart and mind for
long after you close the book for the last time.
BIO: J.A. Marx writes from Texas .
She and her husband of 30 years love to travel and spend time with their
grandchildren. Her hobbies include fitness, nutrition, and painting.
Articles on
nutrition, writing, and parenting, plus editing for an international healthcare
e-zine ride her resume, but J.A. favorite activity is illustrating God healing
the soul through supernatural suspense.
Destiny Defied, book 1 in The Destiny Series,
released October 2014. http://amzn.to/1vY0zOb
Destiny Delivered, book 2 officially released February
24, 2015 http://amzn.to/1yYWmoc
Destiny Defended, book 3 will officially release later
this year.
Family Lies, Deadly Ties releases in 2016 through Prism Book
Group
Welcome back, J A. Why
do you write the kind of books you do?
With few exceptions, I write what I like to read. Some
people read to escape. I read to immerse myself in deep thought. I need the
emotional and mental challenge. What I write challenges my beliefs and my
spiritual maturity. God wired me to analyze the behaviors and thought processes
of my characters as they deal with their circumstances and internal issues.
It’s pure joy.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
My happy meter reached a high the moment I realized my
children had made that final and complete leap from thinking like a child to
processing life as an adult. Very rewarding.
(The spiritual answer to this question: Each time I receive
a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ)
How has being
published changed your life?
I have to manage my time more diligently. Thankfully, I have
an understanding family when deadlines loom.
And I’ve now entered the realm of author highs and lows.
While it is vain in the light of eternity, I ask questions such as, “Does
anybody out there like my book?”
I’m right there with
you, and I can say, when the read the books, most people will love them. You
can’t please all the people all the time. What are you reading right now?
I’m reading Dr. James Richards’ How to Stop the Pain. Yes, it’s non-fiction. I apply a lot
psychology to my stories, and this book fits in great with my protagonist and
her emotional/spiritual healing process.
What is your current
work in progress?
Well, the 3rd book in the series, Destiny Defended, is in the queue, plus I have a romantic
suspense undergoing editing with a traditional publisher. So while I wait for
those two books to release, I’m editing the 4th book in my series.
What would be your
dream vacation?
Agh! Lena , I tell you how
hard I’m working, and now you’re tempting me to pack a bag and run off on some adventure?
Okay, if you insist.
Picture this: A cabin near a stream. Surrounded by mountain
peaks. Hiking trails. Wildlife. Fresh air. Blue skies and sunshine. Aromatic pine
trees ... Are you feeling it yet?
Right now, I’d love
to go there, especially if it isn’t covered with ice and snow as we are here in
North Texas today. How do you choose your
settings for each book?
Thus far, the settings have acted like characters in the
sense they naturally accompany the hero and/or heroine. On the other hand, the
locations have also been some place familiar. I’ve spent a lot of time in the
islands, lived in four different states, and visited many foreign countries. Those
experiences have worked magnificently to my advantage.
In essence, my characters go where I’ve been.
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
That would have to be a former mentor from Colorado , Joyce K. I learned so much just by
being in her presence and watching her do life, ministry, and family. Joyce and
her husband saved our marriage during what we called “hell week” when we almost
lost both our second child and me during birthing. I’d love the opportunity to
spend an evening catching up and telling her in person how much she means to me,
even twenty years later.
What are your
hobbies, besides writing and reading?
Nutrition. I’m always looking for a new recipe to add to my
menu. I’m picky when it comes to what I feed my temple. Thankfully, my husband
shares my desire to eat healthfully. My most recent concoction is fennel salad
with pine nuts and organic ground buffalo. Yum!
(My alter ego, however, loves an occasional slice of
chocolate cake and random visits to Yogurt Story.)
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Second-guessing
myself. This leads to possibly rewriting certain sections unnecessarily. I have
not yet overcome this, but I think the pressure of deadlines is changing me.
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
I love working with beginning authors. First, start studying
the craft of writing and never stop. I still attend classes at conferences, and
I review writing basics once a year. I highly suggest getting into some sort of
critique group with writers that are connected to the industry. The feedback
from other authors is invaluable. Granted, finding a good group is not always
easy, but keep looking and ask God to connect you.
Destiny Delivered, book 2 of The Destiny Series takes place near
Cleveland , Ohio .
Chiara escaped nineteen years captivity and is now
rebuilding her life from scratch. Everything would be fine if there were no men
around for her to hate.
Isaac goes overboard in trying to get the mysterious Chiara,
a former sex slave, accepted into his community. Few are willing to look beyond
her social bumbling to find her hidden worth.
Just when things couldn’t get worse, the FBI tracks Chiara
down and coerces her into helping them catch a murderer/trafficker. Isaac’s
wish to understand her unimaginable past comes true. He not only experiences
her old world firsthand, he encounters the man who wants Chiara dead.
Please give us the
first page of the book for my readers.
June 1, 1990, Miami , Florida
The JetRanger helicopter soared up Biscayne
Bay . Isaac Young, fresh out of his first year of college, had
never been so thankful for his EMT training. His mentor’s private chopper
offered only a basic first aid kit, and to compensate, Isaac’s three friends
were following his instructions on everything from bandaging to positioning his
patient.
Chiara opened her mouth, and he bent close so she wouldn’t
strain. “Tongue. Numb.”
He rechecked her pulse.
The girl washed up on their island a week ago. Within seven
days, Chiara had earned his respect and, unknowingly, won his heart. He’d do
anything to keep from losing her. At the moment, that meant keeping her
conscious.
He searched out the window. What were the odds that the Lux
had followed them to Florida ?
How seriously did they want Chiara back? Isaac prayed they believed she was
dead, but his gut told him the men who shot her had intentionally left her
alive.
Or had God deflected the bullets?
“Stay awake, Chiara.” Isaac patted her pale cheek. “Jase,
Sabio, Kiko. We’re all here for you.”
She didn’t respond.
The chopper landed at an airfield on Miami ’s bustling shoreline. Kiko opened the
cabin door to the ambulance team rushing toward them with a metal stretcher.
Helping wheel the gurney, Isaac filled in the paramedics
with details on Chiara’s gunshot wounds and climbed into the ambulance with
her. Before the door closed, he waved a thank you to his three best friends who
would follow later.
How can readers find
you on the Internet
Website: http://jamarx.net/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JA_Marx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embattledspirit
Thank you, Julie, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers will love it as much as I do.
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Loved the interview and getting to know you better. The book sound great.
ReplyDeleteForgot to say Arlington, Texas
ReplyDeleteHi Terri from Arlington. Have you read Frank Peretti's books?
ReplyDeleteJ.A. Marx
This sounds like an exciting series.
ReplyDeleteMary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Marks would be a new author to me. I'd love to read her book.
ReplyDeleteI'm in NC
Yes! a chance to get book 2. Destiny Defied just came in my mail yesterday :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read this one too. & I do like Frank Peretti's books! Thanks for gifting someone a copy...
D Stevens from NEBR
Thanks Mary Preston. Yes, you'll have to brace for suspense when you read The Destiny Series.
ReplyDelete-J.A.
Nice to meet you Vera G. I hope we can get better acquainted in the near future.
ReplyDeleteJ.A.
Oh, Deanna I'm glad you received book 1. Funny how we're connecting on different venues...or are you stalking me? (Authors loved to be stalked!)
ReplyDeleteJ.A.
Enter me in this awesome giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteConway, SC.
Exciting!!
ReplyDeleteJean
Florida
We have the first book in this seires and I am so excited to read it! this one looks so good!
ReplyDeleteSierra
Indiana
Hi Jean. Destiny Delivered opens in your state. :)
ReplyDeleteJ.A.
Sierra, enjoy the suspense. After reading book 1, I'm sure you'll have to find out what happens next in the protagonist's life.
ReplyDelete:)
J.A.
Wow...my interest is definitely piqued! The Destiny Series sounds fascinating! Note to self: add series to my TBR list ASAP!
ReplyDeleteKristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com
Hi Kristen in OK. So glad you stopped by. :)
ReplyDeleteJ.A.