Join me in welcoming Jessica L. Elliott today! She’s here to talk about her writing, her life, and her latest release! Welcome, Jessica!
1.) Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, I grew up in Kansas and decided I like it so much I’ll never leave…at least not permanently. I’m the oldest of six children which gave me lots of opportunities to explore my imagination and get into mischief. Mostly it gave me chances to tell stories and have a built-in audience. To this day, my brothers and sisters are among my biggest fans. I married my own Prince Charming in July 2009 and we live together in southwest Kansas with our three children.
2.) What inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve always loved stories and loved to write. My mother encouraged this in me and each summer she taught me dictation and creative writing during our summer homeschool. My dad is a great storyteller and Mom was always reading something to us until we were big enough to read on our own. Then she would recommend books suited to our interests and ask us about them. I feel so blessed to have had such encouraging and supportive parents!
3.) When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?
I dabble a little in all the arts, except theatre. I enjoy listening to music, playing piano (though I’m admittedly not very good), drawing, painting, and I could probably go on and on! I’m a craftaholic and gain new hobbies far too rapidly to keep track of. I also love spending time in my ever expanding garden. This year I finally got some rosebushes with staying power!
4.) Who is your favorite author?
Oh my goodness, I have so many! Probably true of a lot of people. Most recently I’ve enjoyed books by Sarah Daley, Kathryn J. Fogleman and Shanna. Totally no bribery there, I really love your books!
5.) Tell us about the books you write.
I love fairy tales and think just about every story has the potential for happily ever after and a little magic. My Charming Academy series is finishing up now with Prince Charming’s Quest. I’ve also written a sweet romance novella, Almost a Fairy Tale, a memoir of all the mischief being the oldest of six caused, and a children’s Christmas book.
6.) Where can readers go to learn more about you and your books?
7.) Tell us a little about Prince Charming’s Quest.
This is the last book in the Charming Academy series, which honestly makes me a little sad. It’s been such a joy to visit Sanalbereth. This book follows Lucian, the last of the princes to finish his quest. It’s not entirely his fault. There are dragons, pirates, and, well, you’ll have to read it to find out what else.
8.) What was your inspiration for this story?
As I said before, I love fairy tales and this is my take on Sleeping Beauty. Each of the Charming Academy stories began as bedtime stories I told my youngest brother. This one was always my favorite and it was his favorite too. In fact he has been very impatiently awaiting me writing it.
11.) What kind of research did you do?
My favorite research was reading the classic fairy tales all over again. They never cease to capture my imagination. For the tornado scene in the story, I drew from my own experience living in the Midwest.
12.) What is your favorite fairy tale?
Sleeping Beauty has always been my favorite, hands down. It’s probably why I saved Lucian’s story for last, even though it was the first story I told my brother.
13.) The characters in this book are so easy relate to. Was one of them your favorite to write? (We won’t tell the others.)
Lucian has always been my favorite character, which is why he makes an appearance in each of the Charming Academy books. I like him so much he’ll probably turn up in other books down the road too. But I also really love Phillipa. Her dedication to her students and her strength were inspiring and I loved writing her scenes.
14.) What was your favorite scene to write?
Probably the scene where Moira realizes where she’s been sent to wait for Lucian. Not only was it just funny seeing her get all embarrassed like she did, but it was also an opportunity to get her (and the readers) wondering if Lucian really will be able to save her.
15.) There’s going to be a Facebook party today. Can you tell us about it?
The party is going to be a lot of fun. I’m being joined by several talented and fabulous authors who will be telling us all about their books and just having a good time together. There will be giveaways, games and lots of fun! You can join the fun too at https://www.facebook.com/events/170496866628594/
(And Shanna will be hosting at 10:30 Central Time!)
16.) Where can readers go to order Prince Charming’s Quest?
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/581763
Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prince-charmings-quest-jessica-l-elliott/1122739245
Signed copies are available for order through my website – http://www.jessicalelliott.com/6-prince-charmings-quest.html
Excerpt:
Lucian followed her in the rowboat, the sea serpent’s song becoming stronger as he rowed away from the ship. When Nerissa stopped, he did as well and then waited. Within a few moments a large sea serpent rose from the waves. Her scales shimmered in blues and greens and her eyes were a luminescent yellow. She spoke to Nerissa in the lilting dialect of Dragon spoken by sea serpents. Before Nerissa could translate, Lucian responded in kind, “Greetings Phyllineya. I thank you for your warm welcome.”
She turned to Lucian and regarded him for a moment. “It has been a long time since a prince came to me able to speak my own language. What brings you here, Lucian of Maltisten?”
“I come to beg assistance from you for myself and my friends. We are held captive on a pirate ship and desire our freedom so we can finish our quests and reap the rewards of our success.”
“Are your friends so few that you must come begging help from an enemy?”
Pinpricks of fear trickled down Lucian’s back. “I have no enemies here.”
“Don’t you?” Phyllineya brought her face closer to Lucian, her fangs glistening. “You are a marked man, Prince Lucian. The reward which has been offered for your life is great.”
~*~
For as long as she can remember, Jessica L. Elliott has been telling stories. As soon as she could grasp a pencil she began writing those stories down. Reading fueled her imagination, as did spending time with her five younger brothers and sisters. Everything was an adventure, something to be treasured and stories were her first love. Jessica began seriously writing in high school and continued into college while attending Emporia State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She wrote and released her first novel, Charming Academy, in August of 2011. Jessica currently lives in southwest Kansas with her husband and family.
