Author Interview: Jamie White

Each Sunday, I'll be interviewing a different author about their writing journey. If you are an author and would like to be interviewed for this series, please complete this application form. If you have any questions, or if you want to recommend an author, please get in touch by emailing me at bryony@bryonyleah.com.

About Jamie White

Jamie White began her writing journey as a self-described Journalism geek before exploring the fiction writing world. Through her stories, she explores her love of the unknown—that includes meditation, Reiki, and a slight addiction to crystals.

Her Lightworker series, beginning with Learning Me, was inspired in part by a Reiki circle at her favorite crystal store, and is available on Amazon and Smashwords. Jamie finds inspiration in meditation, music, and Telenovelas.

When she’s not busy writing, Jamie can usually be found belting out her favorite songs, reading, exploring her Tarot card collection, or spending time with her husband and fur baby.

Click here to read Stains On The Soul by Jamie White

Where and when did you first know that you wanted to become a writer?

I got into writing through a Journalism class I took on a whim in the tenth grade. Something about it just really clicked with me, and I ended up doing some freelance writing for a bit before I ended up transitioning to fiction. That was thanks to my husband, CP Bialois. He wanted to go to a writing group, and I tagged along. I had so much fun writing a short story for the group that I kept with it and ended up with my first book.

Who is your favourite author, and can you give us their best quote (in your opinion)?

My favorite writer is Christopher Pike, no question. He’s kind of reclusive and I don’t see many quotes out there from him, but here was one from his novel SATI that I really like:

“Enjoy your life. No curse hangs over you, nor did it ever. No devil chases after your soul. Sing and dance and be merry.”

How long did it take you to write your first novel?

Thirty days. Yes, I was insane and decided to write my first book for NaNoWriMo. LOL. The National Novel Writing Month has been when I’ve written most of my work, as well as the camps. Over the past couple years, though, I’m starting to write a lot more outside of those months.

Do you plan out your novels or just start writing?

I have no plan at all when I sit down to write. I just let the characters do what they will, because they’ll do that anyway. LOL. My one and only outlining attempt was foiled by a character who decided they wanted to be evil.

Click here to read Flashes by Jamie White

Description or dialogue?

Dialogue. I love character interactions. 😊

Have you ever read your book reviews/comments, and if yes, what did you think of them?

I love reading what people have to say, even if they didn’t love it. It’s just cool to see people’s different perspectives on the books.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I think so. Mostly, I think it’s a need for change: a new spot to write, some new #musefuel, or just a need to make a little more time for fun.

What has been the most difficult challenge you’ve had to face as a writer?

Getting the word out is a huge challenge, definitely.

Click here to read Learning Me by Jamie White

What is the best purchase you’ve ever made as a writer?

I love my copy of Tarot for Writers. It’s helped provide some cool writing prompts, and gave me a little more perspective on the Tarot.

Which software or platform do you use to write your books?

Microsoft Word.

What does literary success mean to you?

If even one person reads one of my books and really enjoys it, and it moves them emotionally, I feel successful.

What’s your favourite self-editing technique?

Using a different format, like looking at it on paper or Kindle instead of on the computer. It really helps to see more than you might have if you’d just stuck to one method.

Click here to read Stains On The Soul by Jamie White

Are you working on a novel right now? If yes, can you tell us a little about it?

Right now, I am working on a series set in my #LightworkerSeries world that focuses on some new characters years after the final book in that series. The original series is about a young girl who discovers everything she knew about her life and family is a lie, and the places the truth takes her to. It’s sort of my version of a Telenovela.

Which book are you most excited to read next?

Anything by Marni Mann and Dawn Sullivan. Seriously. I am counting down days until new books come. LOL

What is your best piece of advice for aspiring writers?

There are so many articles and blogs out there with advice, and sometimes it’s really conflicting, so I love this one quote by Sylvia Browne: “Take what you like, and leave the rest behind.” To me, that means to take it all in, try things out, but don’t continue doing something that doesn’t feel right just because it’s the conventional advice.

Enjoyed the interview? Connect with Jamie!

Twitter: @JamieWAuthor

Facebook: Jamie White

Instagram: @jamiewauthor

Goodreads: Jamie White

Website: www.jamielwhite.com

If you are an author and would like to be interviewed for this series, please complete this application form. If you have any questions, or if you want to recommend an author, please get in touch by emailing me at bryony@bryonyleah.com.