Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?
Do you have a favorite character?
Because this is a series, all the characters have become like family to me. However, Bo, the chimera hybrid pup Chase and Alyx brought with them from Dimension 8, is one of my favorite characters in this story. Animals are so much fun to write! I wanted to add a pet to the story because I’m a lover of pets of all kinds, and of course, I had to give him some special powers of his own!
Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?
I queried lots of agents for this series, which is the only way to snag a big publisher, but despite interest from a couple of them I was unable to land an agent to represent this series. So, I dug in my heels, not willing to give up on this story, and decided to send out some queries to some small publishers. Black Rose Writing offered me a contract, and here we are! I have a children’s picture book which is published by another independent publisher, Schiffer Publishing, and I have one self-published sci-fi/fantasy novel and a self-published novella (the prequel to the series.) There are definitely pros and cons to all routes to publishing!
How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?
My first contract was for my children’s picture book, Jocelyn’s Box of Socks. The book is published with Schiffer Publishing, based in Pennsylvania (my home state!) It took about two years from the date I signed my contract until publication. My first published novel was book one in the Keeper of the Watch Series, with Black Rose Writing based in Texas. This was not, however, the first novel I had written. My first attempt at writing a novel was a middle grade novel entitled Snow Dog, which is still not published.
Briefly describe your journey in writing your first or latest book. Have you joined any FB author groups to inspire and help you along the way?
When I first entered the publishing world, I joined as many FB groups as I could! They are very helpful in answering a broad range of questions, especially for beginners. I highly recommend having some kind of support group, and the most convenient way these days is on social media.
If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?
My publisher allows writers to be very involved in cover creation. The cover designer asked what my vision for the cover was…and then he added his creative expertise to make it all come to life! The cover wasn’t complete until I gave final approval, and I’m very pleased with the results. And Time Stopped truly has a cover that speaks to both the series and the storyline of this book.
Do you have an ARC review team? How did you recruit your reviewers? BookFunnel? Readerlinks? Booksprout?
When I feel the book is ready, I put it out there on social media and in my newsletter that I’m ready for beta readers to give feedback and answer a questionnaire so I can perfect the writing. After that, I join BookFunnel promotions, use Book Sirens, and NetGalley. These are all ways to generate early reviews, which is so important for pre-release promotions. There are also writing contests that you can enter, and sometimes a review is part of the entry.
What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
I like complete silence while I’m writing. Music can be too distracting for me…because I love music and will be enticed to sing along instead of focusing on the writing. I love to write in the early morning hours, the quietest time of the day. (I’m also a morning person, so you won’t catch me writing at night!) During spring, summer, and fall, I love to write at our cozy cabin in the woods. It’s so inspiring!
Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?
I have tried outlining my stories, but the characters are so insistent! They always take over, and sometimes the storyline goes in a different direction than I could foresee when I started writing. When I begin a new novel, I always have the basic idea where the story is going. I know the beginning, middle and end. The rest is up to the characters.
What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook ads, amazon ads, newsletters, TikTok] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?
I have a Facebook page (@kristenjacksonauthor) which is the platform where I am most active in promoting my books. I am also on Twitter (@KLJacksonAuthor), Instagram (@krisjack504), LinkedIn, and Pinterest. I will run occasional ads, especially when a book releases or if it is on sale. I have a website and blog (www.kristenljackson.com), and I write a newsletter every few months.
After a smooth jump to Dimension 9, Chase, Alyx, and chimera pup, Bo, discover that this world’s peaceful existence only extends as far as the local high school. A different kind of battle wages there, and the identity of the school bully is a surprise they never anticipated. When Chase decides they have no choice but to enroll at Dune Harbor High and repeat their senior year, Alyx is less than thrilled. But the two soon discover the influence just one person can have over the decisions, lives, and even deaths, of those around them. While they try to prevent one tragedy, another one unfolds even as Chase unravels one more piece of his family history. What he discovers will leave him reeling, and his life will never be the same.
Author Bio:
Kristen L. Jackson lives in Reading, PA, with her husband, two grown sons, and four large-breed dogs. She has been a teacher for over 20 years, and writing for children of all ages is close to her heart. Her debut novels KEEPER OF THE WATCH and MAGIC HARBOR (Books 1 & 2) are available now, as well as a novella, DIMENSION KEEPER, which is the prequel to the series. A children’s picture book, JOCELYN’S BOX OF SOCKS, (2019 1st Place Pencraft Award Winner) is also available now. Kristen enjoys writing, reading, and spending time with her family at their cabin in the Pocono Mountains of PA. Follow Kristen on Social Media:
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