I grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe, Africa, and
lived through many adventures that sparked my imagination, including having to
keep a loaded UZI by my side every night in case of an attack by armed
terrorists. I love animals and my grandchildren, and am happiest in my
country home in Florida tapping out a new novel on my computer keyboard.
Interview
Questions….
1.
What
inspired you to become a writer?
My Mom is a published writer—she writes short
stories--and my Dad always encouraged me to write.
2.
When
did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I used to win "essay
competitions" during my school
years, and often wrote articles plus a children's book after that, but
it was in 1990 that I decided I wanted to write a novel—and was amazed and
ecstatic when the story was all there in my head and the characters came to
life and told me what to write.
3.
What
genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
I write
romantic suspense. I think because I've always loved romance and I lived in a
suspenseful environment in Africa. As a child I wished I could have a real
adventure, and shooting cobras and deadly black mambas, driving on roads that
could have land mines in them, or spending a night in a military camp when they
were expecting to be mortared could all be termed adventures, I guess.
4.
Where
did the inspiration for your book come from?
The writer who inspired me the
most is Wilbur Smith, a best-selling author who writes extreme romantic
suspense—with vivid sex scenes and terrifying adventures.
5.
How long does it take
you to put a story together?
My first novel took
about a year. I wrote several others after that before I actually tried to write
for publication. I write the first draft in a few months to get the basic story
down, then I spend as long as is necessary to get it as good as I can make it.
6.
Can
you share a little about your novels with us?
My most recently published novel is WAY
OUT OF LINE, which is about two kids from Texas, and the far reaching
consequences of a little white lie. Trent's lover, Hal, who doesn't know her
real age, is thrown into prison for statutory rape. They truly love each other,
though, and their love strong enough to survive years of physical torment for
him and mental torment for her. They are finally reunited in Mozambique, Africa
and have to find their way home from the African wilderness.
Excerpt:
Hal poured the lotion into the palm of his hand, hoping she wouldn’t notice it
was shaking. He started rubbing it slowly onto her back. Her skin was soft and
warm. He had to summon all his control to keep his hands confined to her back.
"Now
my legs, please." Amber eyes studied him coolly from under thick brown
lashes. She flinched and squirmed at the first touch of his hands on her
thighs.
This
is crazy. I must be crazy. He couldn’t stop. He never wanted to stop touching
her. Slowly, he felt the tense muscles soften under his caress. She moaned.
"Your
hands are so warm," she whispered.
She’s a little wasted. Just
enough that I could do anything I want to her. His hands moved to the inside of her thighs, and
he pictured himself slipping his fingers under the skimpy scrap of fabric.
His
heart raced and he turned his gaze to her face, trying to gauge her mood. Her
eyes were half closed, her breathing slow and relaxed. This is way out of line. She’s so fucking innocent. I can’t take
advantage of her like this. It just wouldn’t be right.
As
he watched her face, her mouth opened slightly and her eyes closed. Her
breathing became slow and deep, and she whimpered and twitched a little. He
jerked his hand away and shook his head. I
can’t believe it. She’s asleep.
Hal
didn’t want to stop. Not now. Not when he was so close. His body ached all over
with desire. So trusting, like a puppy.
He stared down at her, breathing heavily.
In REDNECK P.I., Twila Taunton is
working in Yankee territory when she falls for Harland O'Connor and works with
him in his private investigation business. Her methods are a little off, but
she brings down a dangerous maniac—with the help of her weed-smoking, hard
drinking great aunt Essie and hacker of note, Gasser Cunha. Oh… and Harland has
a twin who is a cop, and Twila's hormones can't tell the difference between the
two of them, even though she's allergic to cops.
Excerpt:
“Twila. I know your name now,”
he said from close behind me. “You are the only woman in this room who
interests me. You gonna tell me why you’re so unfriendly?”
“It’s none of your business,” I said through clenched teeth. “Why don’t
you just leave me alone?”
“I will. But I’m gonna get your phone number from Jane and I will call
you. You will find out that when I want something, I never give up. You’re the
only real woman here, and I want you. You want me too, but you just won’t admit it.”
Later, when we all went out onto the balcony to watch the fireworks, he
stood close behind me. So close that I could feel his breath on the back of my
neck. I don’t know how many people were out there, but it was a tight squeeze,
and it seemed that every time someone moved, his body made contact with mine.
Despite my distrust of men, it made me feel hot all over.
The most annoying thing about him was that afterwards, when Jane and I
discussed him, she told me that it was a proven fact that people whose eyes
meet despite their best efforts to avoid it, always ended up having sex.
7.
Who
is your favorite character in your novel and why?
Twila is my favorite because
she can do or say anything she wants without caring what others think of her.
And she does.
8.
What
has surprised you the most about the whole processes of getting your books on
the market?
I was just so excited when Uncial Press accepted Redneck P.I. for
publication—and they led me through the whole process.
9.
Would
you like to share what the reviewers are saying about your books?
WAY OUT OF
LINE -- Jackson ratchets up the suspense with each chapter, weaving a tapestry of
intrigue and emotion until she draws all the threads together. This book is a
well written, exciting novel that could cost the reader some sleep because it
is difficult to leave it even for a little while. Ruth Ann
Hixson, Author
REDNECK P.I. -- The characters in this tale are
unique to say the least. Dialogue and Twila's introspection into her life and
situations is unequaled by other more mundane tales. This is one of those rare
books I'll read again just because it makes me smile so much. If you read for
enjoyment like I do this is one of the best of the year. Romance, suspense, and
fun fill the pages making it harder to put down than most.
Dee Dailey, The Romance Studio.
10. How many books have you written?
WAY OUT OF LINE and REDNECK P.I. are the two that
have been published. KICKASSITUDE, The sequel to Redneck P.I., is due to be released in March 2013. In this
book Twila is adopted by a dog, who wears a studded leather collar and rides
around Quisby, Alabama on the back of her Harley with her.
11. What are you working on next?
IMPASSIONED is a novel about a two sexy hunks
and a Colorado small-town veterinarian who has to face her greatest fear when
her dark past finally catches up with her.
12. What do you like to do for fun
when you’re not writing?
I love horse riding and hiking, and spending time with
my grandchildren.
13. How can readers contact you?
Twitter:
@trishjaxon
Book Trailer Way Out of Line by Trish Jackson
Book Trailer Redneck P.I. By Trish Jackson
15. When does your book go on sale and where can
we buy it?
16. Last but not least is there
anything that you would like to add?
Thank you very much, Leigh, for including
me in your list of guests, it's been such a pleasure.
I'd
love to answer questions if anyone has them. Post them here or email me direct
at trish @ trishjackson dot com.
I'm
giving away two free copies of Way Out of Line in a drawing at Goodreads.com – there's link on my website http://www.trishjackson.com/
