This Week’s Feature Author Interview with
R.L Jackson
Hi R.L Jackson, welcome to the Indie Publishing Group website. Introduce yourself to us. Tell everyone who you are, where you’re from, what do you enjoy doing, hobbies and interests.
I’m R.L Jackson, born in the Bahamas but grew up in sunny Florida. I’m married no kids yet, and am a screenwriter and filmmaker. When I’m not creating something for the eyes to see, I’m usually watching others creations by binge watching Netflix or catching up on favorite shows on Hulu.
When did you start writing and why?
I started writing when I was around 12. I used to read the series ‘The Babysitters Club” and was intrigued. I wondered what the story would be if it were me and my friends so I started writing short stories we’d pass back and forth throughout school all day. My grades did not like that lol.
Which is your favorite book you have written and what gave you the idea for it?
My fav would have to be Crashing Into Me as it’s the first novel I’ve written. I was inspired by wanting diversity and more real life situations that I and others have dealt with in relationships and decided to give it a go.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
That was a process. The title has changed literally about fifteen times. I used literal feelings, locations, textures, anything that could tie into these characters’ lives. I also love unilateral meaning in titles as well so that made it that much harder on top of being unique enough on Amazon to not get lost. Crashing Into Me won.
Who helped you with the cover? Or did your design it yourself? What was your inspiration for your cover design?
I did the cover myself. It all went back into being able to tie the book in with the lives of the characters. The stance says a lot about the state of the leads, as well as the leather jacket playing a central role in the book.
What are some of the themes of your story?
Forced proximity, forgiveness, second chances to name a few.
What’s your process when you sit down and decide to start writing a book? What is your process and do you have a system?
Usually it’s a song or songs. I imagine scenarios for a killer movie ending or montage and build from there. I always know the ending of my stories before anything else, jump to the beginning, and go figure out the most realistic and interesting way to explain the contrast from start to finish.
Who are some of your favorite characters and why?
If you mean characters in general and not this book, it would be strong female characters. I grew up in the age of The WB, so Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was my obsession. I liked the fact that a woman could do something a man couldn’t and she didn’t apologize for it. I’ve carried that theme in all my work.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Audrey Niffenegger for The Time Travelers Wife, Laurel K Hamilton.
Have you got anything you’re working on now?
Currently working in Book Two of this series as well as finishing the first in a new series called “The Fairy Queen: The Land of Ravinia”.
If you could have any super powers what would they be?
Super strength and speed. That’s two but what’s the point of being strong if you move like a turtle?
If you could travel to any location in the world where would you go?
Hawaii
Where do you hope to be in 5 years’ time?
I hope to be writing full time and making a living from it as well as content either way the coin tosses.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview. Take a minute and check R.L Jackson out on the links below.
One Response
I discovered Laurel K Hamilton’s books last year and just love Anita Blake, she’s an awesome character, plus mythology and especially vampires, got to love vampires. I haven’t met too many people who know of her, but I wonder if she’s just not that big a writer here in the UK.