Book Whales: Interview: Jayde Scott

Tell us your latest news?

I’m currently in the process of migrating and learning a new language, which is tough but also a very interesting experience.

When and why did you begin writing?

As soon as I could spell. I used to read a lot of romance novels (think Barbara Cartland and Sandra Brown) and rewrite the ending.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Because I used to spend most of my spare time writing, I’ve always considered myself a writer at heart. When I became published, I just changed my status from querying/unpublished to published.

What inspired you to write your first book?

It was a novel called The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice. I loved that book so much, I couldn't wait to start working on my own vampire novel. That one’s still gathering dust in some drawer.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Like most writers, I do. I prefer first person past tense and have a tendency toward description and sarcasm. My first draft tends to be rather verbose, but I have an editor who’s not afraid to cut.

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

Ghosts exist and they’re not always good…or so I believe.

How much of the book is realistic?

The haunting poltergeist parts are based on research, so I’d say that’s pretty realistic.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

My romantic chick-lit novel, The Divorce Club, is pretty much based on my own experiences with dating and cheating. But I tend to stay away from heavy topics in my paranormal romance series, Ancient Legends. So, Dead And Beyond is pretty much fantasy, but I wouldn’t mind meeting a handsome, blue-eyed vampire like Aidan though.

What books have most influenced your life most?

Definitely The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Tolkien has taught me so much about description and character development, he’s basically shaped my writing. Also Anne Rice. Without her inspiring books, it might have taken me a while to realize that writing about vampires, fallen angels and demons is what I want to do in life.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Tough one, but I’d have to go with Tolkien.

What book are you reading now?

I’m currently reading and editing my new scifi novel, which is the first book in a new series, which shall be out by September. Editing takes so much time that I don’t have the time or energy to read anything else.

What are your current projects?

The fifth book in the Ancient Legends series, Forever And Beyond, which follows Amber and introduces a few new paranormal elements and lots of dark magic and betrayal.

Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely. I see it as a job and try to treat it as such. However, most of the time it doesn’t really work because life and other commitments come in between.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I think it’s always been there. I loved books as a child, particularly their smell, and begged my mother to teach me to read before I started school. Whenever I loved a book, I would reread it countless times to remember the passages that fascinated me. And then I would try to write something similar.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

My most recent book is Dead And Beyond, which is a paranormal romance slash mystery. Having just been turned by her vampire boyfriend, eighteen-year-old Amber Reed is bestowed with the ability to see ghosts. Between trying to figure out how to control her bloodlust and solving the mysterious disappearance of a friend, Amber realizes someone wants to step into her shoes so badly, they'll do anything to take her place.

When one secret after another pops up, the only person who believes her is her enemy, Devon. Amber can't figure out if he's here to help or save his own immortal race from losing the ancient war against the vampires. What she does know, however, is that she can't resist his good looks just as much as she can't help becoming someone else...

In a world of dark magic and ancient enemies, three powerful courts fight for supremacy, and Amber might just be the pawn in winning this war forever. But how's a girl to survive when everyone wants her dead?

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Not editing while I write. It takes me forever to finish a chapter because I’m a compulsive perfectionist who keeps rewriting and tweaking until I feel everything’s the way I want it to be. I know you shouldn’t edit while you write but I just can’t help myself.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I’d say Tolkien and his talent for world building and fantastic characters. He can fill page after page with the most beautiful description and prose.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Writing the last chapter. I always get emotional and have a hard time finishing the last chapter.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Don’t wait for inspiration to find you. Write even when you don’t feel like it.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

See above. Also, continue to work on improving your style and prose.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you so much for reading my books -J