One of the unexpected delights of being an author is getting to interact with others in the field. Going to conventions is one of my favorite things to do, be it I am there as a fan to have fun with friends, meet celebrities, cosplay to make others smile, or sell my works. With this comes interactions with fellow creatives, I being blessed to gain many new friends. One of my favorite people to see is Cathy Jackson and her husband. Cathy has a heart as beautiful as her flaming red hair and is so accepting and encouraging of others. Her gentle soul is woven through the pages of her enchanting works, her books uplifting and entertaining for everyone. This angel also has a supportive husband, their dynamic strong and pure like the beautiful family they made. Cathy is a voice in the local writers circuit, her Facebook Group page promoting other authors in a fun manner, showing how all of us in this outlet are a team.
So, after knowing all these fabulous things about this incredible person, here is the Interview I gave Mrs. Cathy Jackson! =D
Author Interview Cathy Jackson:
1. Where did you grow up? Did your childhood have any impact on your writing?
I grew up in a small town in rural Southern Illinois. The impact my childhood has on my writing is everything. I take a little bit of what I experienced growing up and add it to my stories.
2. Tell us about the first story you ever wrote, published or not?
The first story I ever wrote was more of a fanfiction of Doctor Who during the Tenth Doctor.
3. What are you currently working on, writing wise?
I have three manuscripts in progress: a dragon shifter romance, a horror novel, and a contemporary Christian romance.
4. What is your favorite character you have ever created and why?
John Westerling. Hands down. He is patient and kind, always thinking of others and so loving.
5. Do you have to write in order or do your ideas just come to you and you put them in order later?
Yes. Haha! Sometimes I get fully formed stories, but mostly I make things up as I write.
6. What was your path like until you found writing?
Mom. (Best job ever!) I love my hubby and children.
7. How is your relationship with your publishing company?
I adore Seventh Star Press. Stephen Zimmer and Holly Marie Phillippe are incredibly easy to work with. They are publishing the six novels of The Elorcuian Chronicles.
8. Tell us about your covers.
My covers are very special. As You Wish was created by Desiree DeOrto and she did a beautiful job. Matthew Jackson of Mad Celt Designs has created the covers of Bloom, Blossom, Broken, Bound. Betrayed, Five Coffees, Five Days, Five Months, Yours to Love, Yours to Claim, Yours Forever, Underneath My Innocence, Written On His Heart, Written On Her Heart, and Jericho’s Walls. Min Eurozan was designed by Seventh Star Press.
9. What inspires you to write?
Inspiration, for me, comes in various forms. An exercise video, an artificial plant, my children’s favorite YouTuber, a motorcycle, an envelope, a dream, the view out of a window. Anything can spark an idea for a book.
10. How do you get book reviews?
I ask. Often. I leave reviews for books I love and hope those who read the books I like do the same.
11. What is harder: writing, editing, or marketing?
Editing. I am NOT an Editor.
12. If you could publish every book idea you’ve ever had, how many books would you have out right now?
Forty. That’s about the amount of in-progress manuscripts I have started. Currently, I have three other story ideas “waiting patiently” for their turn.
13. Have you ever considered co-writing a book or series with another author?
I’ve actually tried co-writing a book, but I couldn’t do it.
14. What do you do to relax?
Sleep. A nap can “reset” an entire day.
15. If you could tell your 14-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
“You’re going to make A LOT of mistakes, but everything will be okay. You are so loved.”
16. What advice would you have for this upcoming generation?
You are loved, wanted, and needed more than you know.
17. Have you ever read a book that changed your outlook on life?
Yes. The Holy Bible. Jesus is my Everything, and I love Him with all I am.
18. Do you have a classic piece of literature or a classic author you are fond of? How about one that is overrated?
I adore the writings of Edgar Allen Poe. He has always been such an inspiration. I can’t think of one that is overrated.
19. Any type of music that gets your writing juices flowing?
Christian music. My mind comes alive with Michael W. Smith, Elevation Worship, and TobyMac really get the mind moving. Lately, I’ve been listening to a LOT of Central Worship on Spotify.
20. If you could pick three people who are your heroes or role models, who would they be and why?
Three people who would be my heroes/role models: Paul, Job, and David. They are all strong men from the Bible who went through such amazing situations in their lives and worshipped God through everything.
21. Dog or cat person?
Cat.
22. What do you want to eat right now?
Shrimp. I’ve been CRAVING shrimp lately!
23. If you could be in any movie that has already been made, which one would it be?
Finding Nemo.
24. What is your favorite holiday or time of year?
There are individual holidays? Really? Why has no one ever told me this? Kidding! My favorite holiday is tie between Christmas, my momma’s favorite holiday, and Valentine’s Day. I adore decorating the house with our family at Christmas, and giving them sweet treats on Valentine’s Day. I so love them!
25. Anything else you would like to add?
You are loved!
About the Author:
Cathy Jackson is a Midwestern mother of two twenty-somethings and two teenagers. Reading is a passion of hers, but she adores writing. Some of the best people have been placed in her life to help her with her books. They are a blessing and mean more than they will ever know.
Jennifer Harshman of HarshmanServices.com has been her Editor for the first eleven books. Opal Campbell of Videos by O. has designed her book teasers and trailers. Matthew Jackson of Mad Celt Designs has designed her book covers.
Three of the most excellent Actors have come alongside her books, too: John Wells, a Multi-Award-Winning Actor from Louisville, Kentucky; Tom Proctor Actor/director, another Actor and Stuntman; Official John J Thomassen from New York, and Martin Lopez, Leading Actor, Model, Stunt Man, and Author.
She reads books in almost every genre, but have published Contemporary Inspirational (Christian) Romances. She’ll be publishing books in other genres.
It is her goal as an Author to write scenes that uplift and encourage along with making one feel the experience. She wants readers to finish the books feeling hope, love, and happiness.