Interview with M.J. Smith

Jen: This weekend we are happy to welcome M.J. Smith to Romancing the Book. Will you please share a short bio with us?
Jackie: I live in Quebec, Canada. I have a sociology degree and I love ice hockey.

Jen: Tell us about Forever Yours and where it's available.
Jackie: Forever Yours is a historical romance set in WWII. War in England reunite two childhood friends and separate them. My book is available online at http://jackiemsmith.weebly.com/ and at Amazon.

Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Jackie: I discovered writing when I was sixteen. I started with short stories, poetry. My book was first published in August 2009. When I received the call, first, I couldn’t believe it. Then, I read and reread the email until it sunk in. Sometimes, I look at my book on my bookshelf and still cannot believe I’m a romance writer.

Jen: Are there any other writers, published or not, in your family?
Jackie: My sister is a writer. She’s not published yet. But she will be soon. I encourage her to pursue her dream.

Jen: How does your family feel about your career?
Jackie: Everyone is so proud of me. My mother has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. And she brags about my book to all her friends and other family members.

Jen: Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?
Jackie: Definitely. I must have a comfortable place to sit, a good pencil because I write everything by hand before typing it. And I must have a quiet place to write.

Jen: Do you have a writing routine?
Jackie: My writing routine is pretty simple. I write in the evening and I type everything during the day.

Jen: What kind of research did you do for this book?
Jackie: For my first and each book I write, I research on the internet, I read lots of books, watch documentaries, period movies and of course interview people if possible.

Jen: Do you feel as if the characters live with you as you write? Do they haunt your dreams?
Jackie: Oh yes! Sometimes it’s scary. I can feel them and see them when I write. They definitely haunt my dreams especially when I write just before going to bed.

Jen: What five authors or people, from the past or present, have been important to you as an author? What question or comment have you always wanted to say to them?
Jackie: Danielle Steel, Dan Brown, Jane Austen, my mother Rita and my sweet soon-to-be-husband. I’d like to say to them “thank you”.

Jen: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Jackie: I love Danielle Steel’s Jewels. Right now, I’m reading Margaret Moore’s A Lover's Kiss (a regency romance). I love historical romances.

Jen: What do you do in your free time?
Jackie: Anything to relax and get my mind off of writing.

Jen: What's next for you?
Jackie: Right now, I’m writing my fourth book, a contemporary romance. I’m really concentrating on my writing career. It’s not easy because it demands a lot of patience and hard work but I see results.

Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Jackie: I have two main websites. My blog http://jmsmithromanceauthor.blogspot.com/ and my author website http://jackiemsmith.weebly.com/

Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Jackie: If possible to leave me a comment on my website or blog. I’d love hearing from them.

Jen: Readers, Jackie is giving away a copy of Forever Yours to a lucky commenter. Due to shipping costs, the contest is open to US and Canada residents only. To enter, first leave a question or comment for Jackie. Then to finish your entry, either leave your email address in your comment or send a message to contests.bookblog@gmail.com. The winner will be chosen on Thursday, May 13.