Author Stephanie Jackson

Hi all!

Please help me welcome author Stephanie Jackson to my blog today!

My name is Stephanie Jackson; I prefer to go by Steph. I'm the youngest in a set of quadruplets and I also have two older brothers (they are not twins). My sisters and I have written and published our debut novel, the first of a four-part series, entitled Two Pair: A Quadruple or Nothing Story in September a few days before we turned 20.

I then ventured off and published my own book, the first in a three book series entitled Lasso Me A Mom - A Bluebonnet Novel in late September a few days after I turned 20. So I'm probably one of the only people who can say they published a book when they were 19 and 20.

Here’s my interview with her:

What is your name? Do you use a pen name (if so, why?)?

Stephanie Jackson and I don’t use a pen name because I’ve always wanted to see my name on a book cover and on a book i can hold in my hands.

Tell me a bit about yourself:

My name is Stephanie Jackson, I prefer to go by Steph. I'm the youngest of a set of quadruplets and also have two older brothers. My sisters and I have written and published our debut novel, the first of a four-part series, entitled Two Pair: A Quadruple or Nothing Story in September a few days before we turned 20.

I then ventured off and published my own book, the first in a three book series entitled Lasso Me A Mom - A Bluebonnet Novel in late September a few days after I turned 20. So I'm probably one of the only people who can say they published a book when they were 19 and 20.

It was always a dream of mine to be published and now that I can say that it's happened, it's just one thing to cross off my life bucket list.

What type of genre do you write?

Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, General Fiction

What genre to you personally read?

Young Adult, fiction, and fantasy but the fantasy books have to have a good hook, plot, or bring something new to the table, unlike all of these recent zombie and vampire books.

Tell me about your latest?

This book, Lasso Me a Mom, is about Nicoletta 'Nikki' Turner and Cassandra 'Cassie McGregor' in the fictional city of Sterling, Texas. Nikki is a junior in high school, a star dancer, and is dating the most popular guy in school. However, from past experiences she has trouble trusting people and doesn't smile that often. Her English teacher is Cassie McGregor and the two don't get along at all. No one is really sure why but they have been butting heads since they met when Nikki was a freshmen.

When it is revealed that Nikki is homeless and in the foster care system, Cassie, who is a certified foster mother, is chosen to be her temporary guardian, an agreement they both object from the start. As their animosity begins to deplete, Nikki and Cassie realize that what they've always wanted just might bring them closer.

The story for Lasso Me a Mom came to me from a dream. In the dream, Lasso Me a Mom was a movie and I was watching it in theaters. Nancy McKeon, my favorite actress, played one of the two leads Cassie McGregor. She became my inspiration/template for the character Cassie. After I woke up from that dream, I knew i had a great story to tell and I got to writing the same morning. Originally the title of this book was going to be called 'Cassie and Nikki' but I felt that it was too plain and too simple.

I asked my sisters for their input and one of them suggest Lasso Me a Mom as the title because the book is set in a ranching town. I immediately decided to use it and when i told friends the title they loved it. It's all thanks to them that I came up with a great title. I had to research a lot of things for this book, mainly emancipation and foster care laws/rules/guidelines in the state of Texas because that's where the book takes place.

What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story?

My 6^th grade English teacher. She always told me that I have a flair for creative stories. It just grew from there.

Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way?

No, not really. I’m still looking for it.

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

Yes, my book is about family, self-sacrifice, and acceptance. I want my readers to understand that somewhere out there, someone will accept you for who you are and what’s in your heart.

What challenges have you faced in your writing career?

Not much, yet. I’m waiting for it. I guess when i first tried to send my books to publishers. They say it’s good but not quite there. What exactly are they looking for? They’re never specific.

What has been your best moment as a writer?

When I get a review on Amazon saying I made a reader cry.

Who is your author idol?

Denise Hunter and Colleen Coble. And JK Rowling of course.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Yes; Nikki is a lot like me in my wit and sarcastic humor.

Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?

I feel like part of my dream has come true. My ultimate dream is to be on the NY Bestseller list.

What does your workspace look like?

I type on my computer, so my workspace is where every my computer is. But usually, I’m sitting on my bed or on a couch.

Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?

No, never.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I do a lot of stuff. I read, draw, play videos games, juggle, make plushies, play the piano, watch movies, etc.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Take breaks. Take many breaks.

Did you have a moment when you realized you were meant to be a writer?

After I was told that my story made readers cry and that its very heartfelt.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

If writing is your dream, then go for. Don’t let anyone stop you, even if that means you take the self-publishing route. I did, and I loved every minute of it.

After this book, what is next?

The sequel. I’ve already started working on it. It’s entitled: The Reined Groom. Then after that will be the final book in the Bluebonnet series along with a novella.

When I’m finished with the Bluebonnet series I’ll start work on a stand alone book.

Your website?

https://www.facebook.com/jsisters4

Your blog?

http://treblesteph4.wordpress.com/

Other websites?

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6560806.Stephanie_Jackson

Where can your book be found?

http://www.amazon.com/Lasso-Me-Mom-Bluebonnet-ebook/dp/B009HX2R9I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348847208&sr=8-1&keywords=lasso+me+a+mom

Please help me thank Stephanie for joining us today! Check out her website and new book!

Keep Writing!

Jodie Pierce

The Vampire Queen Trilogy