Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Interview with Jacinta Maree, SOUL FINDER

  Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?
Absolutely, in one sentence The Immortal Gene series is about reincarnation gone wrong. Soul Finder is the second instalment in the series, and delves deeper into Nadia’s and Diesel’s dangerous relationship. It is darker, faster and more intense than the first novel Soulless.

Do you have a favorite character?
I do, but my favourite character tends to change depending on what I am currently writing. In this instance, hands down Diesel is one of the strangest and most complicated characters I’ve written. Coming in close second, is a new character Jacky whom is introduced into the second novel. With robotic limbs and a spear for a leg, she is definitely in a badass category of her own.  

How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?
My very first novel, My Demonic Ghost, was written when I was roughly 17 – 18 years old. Originally, I sat on the idea for a while until I turned 21 and tried to see if it was publishable. I didn’t hit the publishing scene hard, mainly due to shyness and lack of self-confidence. When I did get my first offer of contract, I was 22 years old and I signed on with publisher Staccato Publishing in MN. Heather Savage took me under her wing and taught me everything I needed to know, without her I wouldn’t be where I am today honestly. She opened the door for me, allowing me to attend conventions and pitches with more confidence.

Even now I’m still learning so much, and I have an amazing network of author friends, publishers, editors, readers and bloggers that honestly make me a better person and writer.

Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will self-publish? Are you doing both?

I’m a bit of both. My first series, as stated above, went with a small press company called Staccato, who I still consider my publishing family. My second series, The Immortal Gene, I choose not to pursue publishers because I wanted to learn how the publishing side/ marketing side worked. One of the best decisions I’ve made, as I have really learnt a lot and am able to control my writing future easier.
My next series is coming out with Ragnarok Publishing, they have just recently signed a partnership with IPG and therefore classifying themselves as traditionally published. They have an amazing line up of authors, and an incredible team of book designers, PRs and editors. I am very lucky to be able to work with them. I get to see what is it like on both sides, and in the end, it comes down to a matter of individual preference. Some love the control, others love the backing of a publishing house, I like both.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
I like to listen to music at first to set the mood, but once I have the information in my mind I tend to work in silence. I can’t type as fast as I can imagine, so I tend to stop and start the music so I can catch up with what’s happening inside my head. I also like to have a warm cup of a tea and sit down with the heater on. I also don’t like natural sunlight on me, only because it makes me want to go outside instead of sitting in front of the computer.
I tend to write later in the day when I’m feeling lazier.

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?
Originally I didn’t, and I believe that was a big mistake. Nowadays, absolutely. I believe it’s a way of showing any potential representation be it agent or publisher, that you are serious about your writing and willing to take the necessary steps to be the best that you can be.

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?
I’m on Draft2digital, which opens up to other platforms such as Barnes and Noble, Itunes, Kobo, scribe and others. There’s a deal with amazon that if you remain exclusive to them you are able to use their marketing features to promote. Such as free deals or sale count downs. I’ve left my Demonic Ghost series exclusive to amazon, but elected to open up the Immortal Gene series to all platforms to carter to all readers.

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?
The biggest thing you will need are friends in the writing community, and to make friends you need to be willing to help each other out. I see too many people becoming too focused on their own needs, and therefore don’t have the backing of the Indie community. If able, attend your local conventions and talk to all the writers and editors there.

I know I personally try and share as much information as I possibly can when newbie writers approach me, so I can imagine it’s the same with others. 

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?
My other biggest passion is gaming, especially role playing games. I guess that doesn’t really come as much of a surprise, as I love storytelling and gaming is just another platform of that. One day, I would love to work with a gaming company and write a story/ script to be turned into a game. Something like The Last of Us or The Walking Dead would be absolutely amazing. Many writers dream of turning their books into movies or tv shows, I want to turn mine into a game.

What’s next for you?
I’m currently sitting on my hands, unsure where to direct my focus. I have a few novels in the works, for example: Soul Reaper #3 of the Immortal Gene needs to be written. I also have a few new ideas such as Empty Realms, Madison Keeys and Losing Focus I want to get started on.

In February, I have Time Weaver: The Time Collector Series coming out with Ragnarok. This one is a steampunk inspired supernatural novel about modern day genies capable of exchanging wishes for time. I’m estimating roughly 3 – 4 novels in that series so I need to get started on the second instalment ASAP, (I’m a slow writer, so it’s important I try and stick to a schedule).

Among writing, editing, promoting and publishing, I like to attend as many conventions as possible. Comic Con, AMC, Supanova, Readers Writers Down Under, Writers under the Bridge, Fictionally Yours Melbourne, the list can go on.

I’m pretty busy, haha, yet still have time to re-watch Sherlock Holmes for the 100th time, funny eh?


Soul Finder
Jacinta Maree
(The Immortal Gene, #2)
Publication date: September 16th 2016
Genres: Dystopian, New Adult, Supernatural

Since being discovered as Soulless, Nadia has become a target for both terrorist groups and government corporations. Now, her only hope for survival rests in the hands of the man sent out to kill her: Diesel, the Mad Dog terrorist.
Diesel is determined to free himself of the never ending curse of reincarnation and the haunting memories that plague his mind. But when his search leads him to Nadia, a greater desire stills him from taking her life.

Unable to see into Diesel’s cracking mind, Nadia instead puts her faith into his strength, fueled by eleven generations of unmatched rage and insanity. Their tight-rope relationship balances the two between life and death, love and rage, trust and betrayal.

Tension pulls at the hems of their dangerous companionship, and as time runs out all madmen must eventually make their choice.
Book two of the thrilling Immortal Gene series dives deeper into the danger of trusting your heart over your head.





Sequel to:
Soulless


Author Bio:
Born in Melbourne Australia, Jacinta Maree considers herself a chocoholic with an obsession with dragons, video gaming and Japan. She writes a variety of genres including YA paranormal, steampunk, horror, new adult, dystopian and fantasy. Winner of 2014 Horror of the year and bestselling author, Jacinta writes to bring enjoyment to others while fulfilling her own need to explore the weird and the impossible.


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