Interviewing Author Jackie Layton
Q1. Tell me about yourself?
A. I’m a child of God, a wife to a wonderful man, and a mother to two amazing sons. I have three grandchildren and another one due to arrive any day. I am truly blessed.
Q2.What are your favorite books to read?
A. Cozy mysteries and romance are my favorite books to read. I also enjoy biographies of people I admire.
Q3. When did you decide you were going to write a book?
A. It’s always been a desire of mine, but when my youngest son was in high school, I decided if I was going to write, I better get started. I met Ruth Seamands which led me to meet Brandilyn Collins. Both of these women were tremendously encouraging when I began my writing journey.
Q4. How did you come up with the name of your book?
A. The first title I came up with for Bite the Dust was Accounting for Trouble. My publisher helped come up with the title, and I agreed it is cute which is important in cozy mysteries. Murder, Mulch and Mayhem was my original title for the second book, and they came up with Dog-Gone Dead. Again, I agreed it was a better title. It’s nice to have a team to work with.
Q5. What are you working on for 2021
A. The fourth book in A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery series is due in September 2021. I’m also working on a cozy mystery series about a flower farmer set in Texas.
Q6. How long have you been writing?
A. Ten years. Thank goodness when I started, a speaker at the ACFW conference said it took most people ten years to get published. If not for that lady, I might have given up.
Q7.What advice would you give other authors?
A. Don’t give up. If God called you on this journey, there is a purpose for your writing. Also, I’d say enjoy the journey. I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way, and I’ve made good friends. In fact, my critique group of five started virtually meeting every morning for a few minutes this year. It’s been a huge blessing to have these women in my life especially during the year of a pandemic.
Q8. Where can people find you online?
Twitter: @Joyfuljel
Q9. What is your favorite coffee drink?
A .Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino is my favorite, but it’s a splurge than a daily treat. I’ve recently started drinking my morning coffee with almond milk creamer, and that’s my favorite daily coffee.
Q10. What is your favorite coffee shop?
A. Our local coffee shop didn’t survive the pandemic, so at home, I go to Starbucks. My all-time favorite coffee shop is in Waco, Texas where my son and his wife live. It’s Common Grounds and my second favorite is Pinewood Coffee Bar also in Waco. One downside to living on the coast is there aren’t a lot of coffee shops.
Q11. Do you plan on making a new book in the future?
A. I want to keep writing about Andi Grace Scott as long as readers don’t get bored with her. I would also love for a publisher to pick up my cozy series set in Texas.
Q12. How many books have you written?
A. I’ve written three that have been published, and there are a few that’ll never see the light of day.
Q. 13. Did you go to college to be a writer?
A. No, I went to college to be a pharmacist. It’s been a great career, but I never lost the dream to write. I feel blessed to be able to write full-time and only work periodically at a pharmacy.
Angelika,
Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog today. It’s an honor to be here.
Hi Angelika,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hosting me on your blog. If you or any readers have more questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
I hope you all have an amazing day!
Thank you so much for Allowing me to Interview you on my blog! you are very welcome. you have a amazing day as well:)
DeleteWhat a great interview. I didn’t know your coffee shop didn’t survive. So sad. I’m excited for this next book!!! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sherrinda! Losing the coffee shop was so sad for all of us, but the employees at Starbucks are nice. Maybe we can meet at a coffee shop in Waco next time I visit Texas.
DeleteThat sounds like something fun to plan.
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