We are thrilled to feature Jackie Ferris as our author spotlight today. Jackie was kind enough to answer the questions we had for her about her writing journey, inspiration and advice.
Q. How old were you when you first wrote something substantial?
A. To me writing means that fact becomes fiction and fiction fact; the alchemy in processing that change provides an added dimension to life. You can explore different situations and possibilities through the written word and create a virtual reality world that gives flesh to the bones of imagination. That is why writing has always meant something from the very first time I put pen to paper and learned to write joined-up letters; it transported me into a different world erupting with new possibilities.
Q. Did you ever have aspirations to become a writer?
A. I think I always wanted to write - at Uni. I wanted to be a journalist but I became a doctor instead – it’s a long story but life, like a good story, is more interesting when it takes a different turn.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
A. Keep writing and keep it simple.
Q. What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
A. The same.
Q. What did you find easiest and hardest about writing?
A. I love the way that characters take on a momentum of their own but the hardest thing I find about writing is to convert the imagination into a world that others can relate to. The word is the pathway into it but you can often take a wrong turning. Thankfully, sometimes wrong turnings lead you into interesting and challenging places and that brings out the rebel in me and my characters which I enjoy.
Q. Was it faster to write your book or to have it published?
A. Getting something published is always difficult and often it is about finding the right fit not the quality of the work but isn’t everything?
Q. What was your favourite part of your book to write?
A. Everything as I love watching a story unfold.
Q. Do you have any plans to publish more work?
A. Most definitely, two manuscripts are almost ready: the second in The Ghost Reapers trilogy – “Terrestrial Shadows” and I have a children’s book about climate change and the adventures of a blue polar bear almost complete- its working title is “Blue Magic”.
Q. If you could review Olympia Publishers in just a few words, what would they be?
A. I think Olympia have been wonderful they are a very professional organisation and have done everything and more than I could have asked for
