Author Pen Name: Jacquie Rogers
CA: How did you choose your pen name?
JR: It’s my real name. I was going to use JD Roberts because people are always saying Roberts instead of Rogers, and my first initials are JD. But then I found out about this author named Nora who also writes as JD Robb . . . so I stuck with my real name. That’s the truth—I didn’t read romance at the time and I had no idea who Nora Roberts was. Wow, was I ever missing the boat!
CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
JR: My genre is actually humor, then you add in romance and fun settings—different times and places throughout history and into the future. The only thing I don’t write is straight contemporary, vampires, or erotica.
CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
JR: I’m not sure I’ve realized it even yet because writing sort of just claims you. My mother wanted me to be a writer so of course I wanted to be a baseball announcer. I ended up a software consultant. Who knew?
But then about 10 years ago I dreamed a book, wrote the first 200 pages in three weeks, and decided I’d better figure out exactly how to do this gig. I quit my business and set up an office at home. My dh is very patient with me. He proofreads all my work and finances all the PR without a gripe. Okay, so I’m grounded until January, but that’s because we have four birthdays as well as Christmas to buy for. Internet shopping is my friend.
CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?
JR: My daughter, Moriah, was the first one to encourage me to give it a shot (meaning, when I actually did start writing fiction). I think she hooked me when she read me a passage from one of her romance novels (I didn’t read romance at all then) and the hero said, “You’re a wanton woman.” Only Moriah said, “You’re a wonton woman.” So now Chinese food reminds me of romance novels.
CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
JR: I write from 3pm to 5pm, and from 10pm to 2am. With Pirate breaks.
CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?
JR: Petrified.
But now you have to let me explain. First of all, it’s hard to put a book out just because your heart and soul are now open for criticism. What if someone doesn’t like your book? Readers think books are books, authors think books are a part of them. Big difference. With humor, there’s a double-whammy because let’s face it, humor is very subjective. That’s why I’m scared to death. On the other hand, I’m also excited because my ultimate goal is to give someone a few hours away from their troubles, and put a little joy in their hearts.
CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?
JR: Finishing. I have the attention span of a gnat and I keep thinking up new ideas that seem considerably more intriguing. To counterattack, I created an ideas folder and I allow myself two pages per idea. No more. And then I have to get back to the book I’m writing.
CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
JR: I play fantasy baseball. My team won the championship in our league this year. Yay! I also play Pirates: Rule the Caribbean on both facebook and myspace. Of course, I love to read and watch movies, although I’m seldom enticed to watch TV programs.
CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
JR: I’ve written a bunch of books that haven’t been published and two that have. Any one of them is my favorite for a different reason. Faery Special Romances is my first published book, plus it was a challenge to write for several reasons, so of course it’s near and dear to my heart. Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues is set near where I grew up and is populated with characters who have the same attitudes as my friends and neighbors had, plus I adore Socrates, so I love that book, too. An unpublished western historical romance that may never see light of day, throws out the B-western mythos and features a heroine who’s strong and confident. I love that book but it doesn’t follow the “rules.” I could go on and on. LOL
CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
JR: Both. Most of my characters are from my imagination, but some of them do have elements of the people I’ve known. It’s actually difficult to make a real person into a character because fiction has to be two things: plausible, and bigger-than-life. Let’s face it, bigger-than-life is not plausible, so it’s definitely a tightrope to walk.
In Faery Special Romances, Princess Keely is an amalgam of my oldest daughter’s tenacity, my younger daughter’s orneriness, and I threw in a big dose of Emma’s (from Jane Austen) confidence that she right with her matchmaking. And she’s always wrong. Also in that book, Sir Darian in the first story is patterned loosely after my own ancestor in 1199a.d. But most of the characters are figments of my imagination.
Brody Alexander, the hero in Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues, is imaginary, but his moves are based on two real rodeo clowns: Leon Coffee, one of the best bullfighters of all time; and Jim O’Keefe, a person friend who was a rodeo clown for years. All Brody’s injuries as well as his daring, determination, and slick moves are from Leon and Jim, although I did tone it down considerably because non-rodeo goers couldn’t believe what they really do. Rita, well, she’s a teensy bit autobiographical, except I stayed in the city with my city boy and I like it here just fine. LOL. Rita’s a high achiever and is very goal-oriented, and only Brody can upset her balance sheet. Socrates came out of the blue. He’d resent it highly if I were to attribute his finer qualities to anyone else.
CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?
JR: Write, study your craft, and write some more. Follow your own instincts, but stay open to new ideas. Most of all, let your hair down and put your soul on the page.
CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jacquierogers
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacquie-Rogers/18676302690
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jacquierogers
Gather: http://jacquierogers.gather.com
Email: jacquierogers@gmail.com
I’m also on a bazillion ning sites, but here’s Keely’s special place:
http://faeryworld.ning.com
CA: Is there anything you would like to add?
JR: I write a weekly article about writing craft or business for Texty Ladies (http://www.textyladies.com) Magical Monday and a monthly article in Unusual Historicals (http://unusualhistoricals.blogspot.com). I’m a member of IWOFA, Infinite Worlds of Fantasy Authors (http://www.iwofa.net) which is a wonderful place to find out about paranormal books and authors. We’re having a fabulous contest starting Dec. 15th, so please check it out. Lots of prizes are available!
I’d also like to mention the cause I work for: neurofibromatosis (NF) awareness. NF is a genetic disorder where painful tumors grow on the nerves. These tumors grow inside and outside the body, so obviously the children don’t make good posters, and those who suffer from NF have kept out of the public eye. More children are born with NF than muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis combined, yet most people have no idea what NF is. I didn’t, not until we found out our oldest daughter has it. All royalties from Faery Special Romances go to the Children’s Tumor Foundation (http://www.ctf.org), ending neurofibromatosis through research.
(CONTEST) And finally, I’m not above bribery—no sirreebob. So all you have to do is ask me a question about my books, Socrates, Princess Keely, my book videos, NF, or Justin Saragueta, or make any g-rated comment, and you’ll be in the drawing for these prizes:
Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues T-shirt
Faery Special Earrings
Faery Special Notepad
Faery Special Pen.
Crystal will choose the winner.
Also, the first person to post a comment stating who this Justin Saragueta fellow is will win a Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues T-shirt and a calendar magnet. If you include his myspace page link, you get a signed copy of Faery Special Romances.
And finally, finally, if you’re on facebook and you play pirates or dragon wars, friend me, please. Aaarrgh
Crystal: I just love Jacquie she’s so much fun and her books are also fun to read. I’ve had the pleasure of reading/reviewing both Faery Special Romances and Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues. You can check out the reviews here, and I hope it will intice you to pick up one of each or more lol to give out as gifts.
Faery Special Romances: http://bookreviewsbycrystal.blogspot.com/2007/06/faery-special-romances-by-jacquie.html
Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues: http://bookreviewsbycrystal.blogspot.com/2008/11/down-home-ever-lovin-mule-blues-by.html
Now as Jacquie said she’s offering up some pretty cool goodies here! SO first person to identify who Justin Saragueta is will win a T-shirt and calendar magnet—if that same person includes his myspace page address they will win a copy of Faery Special Romances!!
And you could win her other goodies by asking her questions, or by simply leaving a comment. Here’s what you can win:
Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues T-shirt
Faery Special Earrings
Faery Special Notepad
Faery Special Pen
To win though, you must leave your email address or a way that I can contact you. I’ll choose a winner by random.org on Sunday night and notify the winner by email( I will not spam your email or share your info it is for this contest only.) You will have 5 days to respond or your prize will sadly be passed on to another.
Now get to commenting!
Jacquie, it is always a pleasure!!