Location: Florida / U.S.A.
Question: How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since I was just a
little girl, but started writing novel-length fiction about a year ago.
Question: What was the name of the first book
you ever published, and when was it published?
The name of my first book is "The
Last Navigator". I published it in May of 2013'.
Question: Was this book published by a publisher; or
did you self-publish?
I chose to go the self-publishing route
with "The Last Navigator" using Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing
(KDP) program.
Question: Tell our readers about this very first
book. (For example: What was the inspiration for writing it, and
what was it about)?
My
inspiration to write "The Last Navigator" came from
experiences I had while participating in a graduate school course in Hawai'i
several years ago. While visiting the School of Social Work at the University
of Hawai'i at Manoa, we learned of the Navigators, and of Nainoa Thompson, one
of the few remaining true navigators. The Navigators are a group of people who
use natural elements, such as the stars, the planets, the movement of the waves
and clouds, to find their way in the ocean. The title, "The Last Navigator",
was inspired by the Polynesian Navigators and, although it is not about them,
the Navigators in my book do use the stars to find their way. I pulled from
elements of the Polynesian Navigator traditions to write "The Last
Navigator" and develop my characters. The storyline and many of the
characters were also shaped by my background as a social worker and my desire
to learn about and understand the human condition.
In
writing "The Last Navigator", I wanted to create a story that pulled
from my experiences in Hawai’i as well as from current societal and personal
life themes. Themes such as the empowerment of women
and the hardships of single parent households are evident in the book. The main character in "The Last Navigator", Lani,
is a young female whale who dreams of being more than average. She wants to
make a difference—and she does. In developing her character, I wanted to
empower young women to follow their dreams and not simply conform to the norms
of this world. Lani is shaped by her life experiences and her relationships
with other characters, such as, Mother, and Kilo, and even the zany character
of Manny, the sea turtle. She learns through trials and overcoming obstacles
that she can indeed reach for the stars and achieve great things. My hope is
that in reading "The Last Navigator", some part of Lani’s character
will resonate with each reader. Whether that resonance is found in her search
for life’s meaning, or her desire to go against the grain, I hope she will
touch the hearts of readers young and old.
Question: Can a person still buy this book? If so, where?
"The Last Navigator"
is definitely still available for purchase on Amazon.com. You can use the
following link:
Also, I am currently working on making
a print version available for purchase through Amazon. I’m in the final stages
of proofing the print copy and hopefully will have it available for purchase in
the coming month.
Question: How many total books have you published?
I’ve published only one book thus far,
but I hope to be publishing more books and short stories in the near future. I
have a short story that is published and available to download for free on
Smashwords called:
"The Woman in the Zebra Hat"
"The Woman in the Zebra Hat"
is a short and sweet story about a girl who dreams big and discovers true
happiness in unexpected ways. It’s a tale of dreams, love, family ties, and
self-discovery. "The Woman in the Zebra Hat" is the perfect “lunchtime”
read.
Question: List all of your titles
The Last Navigator
[Kindle Edition] (2013)
The Woman in the Zebra
Hat [Smashwords Edition] (2013)
Question: Any future writing projects in the
works? If so, tell us about it, and any
pertinent dates to go with it.
I have several “works-in-progress” that
will be coming out soon. The first one is the companion novel to "The Last
Navigator" called, "Through Ryan’s Eyes". It is a companion
novel, rather than a sequel, because it tells the same story as is told in "The
Last Navigator". The difference is that the story is told through the
point of view of Ryan, an important character in "The Last Navigator".
"Through Ryan’s Eyes" gives a bit more background to "The Last
Navigator" and gives a different perspective to the story, replete with
different life experiences and trials. Whereas, "The Last Navigator"
is aimed at an audience of middle grade readers, "Through Ryan’s Eyes"
is written for a young adult audience. The writing is a bit grittier and it will
resonate with a different subset of individuals who have experienced hardships
in life and managed to overcome obstacles. The target release date for "Through
Ryan’s Eyes" is November or December of this year.
I have been working on a novella called
"Waltzing with Raindrops", which is a story of a young woman who
returns home to care for her ailing father. It is a romantic tale about a
Daddy’s Girl who finds love when she least expects it. My hope is that it will
combine a little steamy romance with family struggles and the loss of loved
ones in a story that tugs on your heart strings and makes you smile, laugh, and
cry. I’m not sure when this one will be
complete and released, but hopefully by the beginning of next year (maybe even
Christmas, if I work really hard).
Finally, I am working on my own story
of adoption, family relationships, struggles, joys, laughter and tears. It may
take me a few years to write this one but I have started the journey.
Question: What is the title of your current
book, and tell us a little about it.
The book that I’m currently working on
is "Through Ryan’s Eyes". It is the companion novel to "The Last
Navigator" and it is written from the point of view of Ryan, a pivotal
character from "The Last Navigator". The projected release date for "Through
Ryan’s Eyes" is November or December 2013.
Below is a brief blurb:
Ryan Watterson, the owner and operator
of a whaling fleet in southern Japan, is on top of the world. Whaling season is
in full swing and Ryan’s father gets a tip from an old friend. Being in poor
health, he enlists Ryan to captain the fleet and venture into unknown hunting
waters. Ryan proudly accepts the offer to take the control of the esteemed
Watterson Whaling Fleet. Leaving his beautiful wife, Mary, and his infant
daughter, Sarah, behind, he embarks on a journey that will lead him far from
the comforts of home. When the Sweet Sammy burns and sinks into the Pacific, a
stranded and hopeless Ryan is befriended by a whale named Lani who changes his
life forever.
Last question,
if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell
them about why you think they should try reading your book or books? (Basically, what can you offer
them in the way of information or entertainment)?
If you are looking for stories that
will touch your heart, I would definitely recommend both "The Last
Navigator" and "The Woman in the Zebra Hat". There’s a little
something for just about everyone in my stories so I guarantee you won’t regret
reading one or both. The books are easy to read and are great if you are young
or old; or anywhere in between.
Anything else you'd like to add that I
didn't ask you, but you would like to share with our readers?
A
few random facts about me:
1.)
I
was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
2.)
I
love wedding cake, country-fried steak, and college football (especially, LSU
football).
3.)
I
should have gotten a degree in graphic design because I love Photoshop, Flash,
and InDesign.
4.)
I
never, in a million years, thought that I would grow up to become an author.
5.)
I
was adopted.
6.)
Follow
me on Twitter @JGMcNease
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