"Hi everyone, today I have the pleasure and honor of welcoming my friend, award-winning author, Janice Spina. We're going to discuss her new book An Angel Among Us. I'm so excited to have you here today, Janice.
"You're welcome, Deanie. It's always fun to chat with you."
Tell me about your new book An Angel Among Us
This
book is dedicated to my friend, Anne Gillis Benedetto, who passed in January of
2017 from breast cancer. A few months before her death I had started this short
story collection and decided to write a story just for Anne and dedicate the
complete collection to her. It was a labor of love. I was fortunate enough to
complete Anne’s story and send it to her before her death. Anne was thrilled
with the story and honored to have the book dedicated to her.
An
Angel Among Us is an eclectic
collection of genres – romance, grief/loss, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery,
paranormal, suspense, and a little bit of horror. I thoroughly enjoyed writing
this collection and hope to write another one in the next year or so.
I've read and reviewed this wonderful book. I agree there is a story in this collection that would appeal to everyone.
Do you have a favorite story from this collection?
Yes, the first story which
was dedicated to my friend means the most to me and is the title of the book. I
feel it is my last connection to Anne while she was alive.
I know your friend, Anne is proud and honored by your accomplishments.
How did you get the idea for your book?
Since
the collection is of multiple genre my ideas came in different ways. Some of my
ideas I received in the form of dreams, everyday life, or just something that I
saw on TV or in the movies that spurned my creativity.
You have a great imagination, Janice. It's a big help for an author, don't you think? :)
What would you most like readers to remember about
this book?
I
hope readers will enjoy the eclectic mix of stories, some with a twist or a bit
of surprise in the ending. Those who knew my friend, I hope, will remember her
story.
I have no doubt many readers, as well as your friends, will love these stories.
Are you working on any projects now?
Yes,
I am currently working on Book 5 of the Davey & Derek Junior Detectives
Series. This book will introduce two new characters, girls who are cousins.
These girls will have their own series next year. This book will be coming out
in the next month or so.
Also,
my husband/illustrator is working on illustrations for a new children’s book
about a giraffe that is dedicated to a little boy by the request of his
grandmother. I have two more projects waiting for my attention, a re-edit of my
first novel, Hunting Mariah, and writing its sequel. These two projects I
hope to complete before the end of 2017.
My goodness, you are a busy lady, Janice. We have lots to look forward to with all of your amazing stories. I can't wait to read them.
If you were advising an author or prospective author,
what would you tell them?
Believe in yourself and never
give up doing what you love to do – write. Don’t let anyone discourage you from
meeting your goals. Most of all write every day in some form so that you will
hone your skills. Learn all you can from others online and by reading their
books.
That's perfect advice Janice. We all have discouraging moments, when we need to focus on our goals and our passion for writing.
What do you think is your most effective marketing method?
I
feel that the most effective marketing method is…boy, I wish I knew. I use
Facebook to keep my readers up-to-date on what I am doing, Twitter to spread
the word about new books, Goodreads for meeting other authors and doing
giveaways to capture the attention of more readers, and my blog and website for
posting updates and providing places to purchase my books. With the help of
wonderful online friends like you, Deanie, word is being spread about my books
on their blogs. For this, I am truly grateful.
Word of mouth is the best way
to get the word out there about an author’s books.
Marketing can be a huge challenge, but you have given us some good advice. Thank you for the compliment. I'm always happy to help other authors. We can accomplish a lot together.
What has been your proudest moment so far, as an
award-winning author?
That
is a good question, Deanie. I felt proudest when I first became an author at
the young age of 65 after wanting to accomplish this since I was nine years
old. The rest is frosting on the proverbial cake. I was shocked to receive five
awards but eternally grateful and humbled to be recognized.
The
main thing I want to accomplish is to see children of all ages reading my
books. Then I will know that I am doing something worthwhile.
As
my motto says: Reading Gives You Wings to Fly! Soar with Jemsbooks!
You have a great motto, Janice. Reading can take us on unbelievable adventures. You should be proud of all of your accomplishments. It's no surprise you have many fans.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Yes, I want to take a moment
to thank you for all that you do to help me and other authors by posting our
work on your blog. You are a wonderful support and I am grateful for your
friendship. Blessings to you and your readers, Deanie.
I do want to add that it is
of utmost importance that parents and caretakers read to their children daily
to help instill a love of reading in their children that will last a lifetime.
Thank you so much, Janice. I love helping you, and other authors. It is most important for parents and caretakers to spend time reading to children. It makes a world of difference to them in so many ways.
Also, I love to hear from
readers and welcome reviews.
Yes, we authors love to hear from our readers. It's a rewarding part of being an author.
Please include any pictures, covers and links you’d
like.
Here are the links to
purchase my fifteen books:
Barnes & Noble: Children’s Books
An Angel Among Us – Barnes & Noble:
Follow me online:
"Thank you, everyone, for stopping by to read this interview with amazing author, Janice Spina."
