Interview with Jamie Foley
Author of Sage
- What got you into writing?
I’ve always had stories and characters and worlds bouncing around in my head. I won the ‘Storyteller’ award in second grade. Although I’m not sure if that was for creativity or creative lying.
- Who is your biggest inspiration?
My co-author, Angela Castillo. She has 4 kids, is an amazingly successful indie author, and brings me enchiladas every time I get sick. I have no idea how she does it.
- Who was your favourite author as a child?
Frank Peretti probably takes the cake. But I also loved Ted Dekker, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Jedi Apprentice series by Dave Wolverton and Jude Watson.
- If you couldn’t be a writer what job would you do?
Well, I was just able to quit my job a few months ago to begin full-time writing. If I couldn’t write anymore, I would probably go back to helping other authors indie publish, and helping with their marketing, websites, and email newsletters. I also enjoy designing my own book covers (like Vanguard), so I would probably take a shot at offering that to others as well. 🙂
- Do you believe in writers block?
Oh yes, writer’s block is very real. But that’s no excuse to not write, if that’s what one does professionally.
For me it’s just running out of creative juice. When I hit that wall, I need to either work on a different writing project for a day or switch into to-do list mode, or mom/wife/homemaker mode. If I can get enough mental rest, my batteries will recharge and I can get right back in the saddle.
- How did you get into writing and first get published?
I have a complicated relationship with writing and publishers. I wasn’t exactly an ace in English class, so I never believed I could become a writer. I ended up working for a publisher on the marketing side of things.
It sounds odd, but a few years ago I suddenly felt called to quit my job and start writing. Well, actually, it felt more like God told me to, and when I told him he was crazy, he beat me over the head until I obeyed. Boy, I’m glad I finally did!
Since I’d worked for one of the Big 5 publishers, I knew that things were turning south for the industry as a whole with the rise of ebooks (Thomas Nelson was acquired by HarperCollins during my time there). Many bestselling authors were indie publishing on the side. The ‘hybrid’ author became a thing.
So, as a new mother who wasn’t interested in stressful deadlines, I decided that I had the professional training (and industry connections with awesome cover designers and editors) to indie publish my own books. It’s hard work, but I thoroughly enjoy it, and the rewards are plentiful!
- If you could be an animal what would you be?
A mountain lion. Rawr.
A huge Thank You to Jamie Foley for inviting Lu’s Reviews on her book blog tour. Also A big thank you for taking the time to answer questions in an interview.