Author Invterview with Laura Jackson

Today I'm interview an author I (Naomi) really enjoyed reading Laura Jackson!

What people are saying:

We each have a future that can be wrapped in the love that God has for us. ”
Diginee|

I grew to understand her insecurities and struggles for acceptance. ”
Stacey Zink| “

Recommended for teens, young adults, and the young at heart who enjoy
a fun Christian read. ”
Alicat|

Back cover:
Doesn't anyone feel she's worth their time?

Routinely ignored by her single mother, high school senior Lindsey Hamilton hides her loneliness behind a mask of flirtatious self-confidence that has many boys wrapped around her finger. However, during community service required for graduation, she meets a shy guy with a haunted past who barely gives her the time of day. Why doesn't he like her?

Then the father she thought had abandoned her before birth wants to meet, and she discovers everything she believed about him is a lie.

How will Lindsey learn to trust so she can realize that she has been loved all along?

On to the question but make sure you stick around 'til the end!:

(1)    What was your first reaction when you were offered your first contract?

I may, or may not, have done a little circle dance. I was at work, and my hands were shaking I was so excited!

(2)    When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

I always enjoyed writing for fun, but I didn’t get serious about it until 2010 when I became a librarian and missed writing with my students.

(3)    Where did you get the idea for Worth The Time?

I wanted to know why Lindsey was so mean. Behind most mean girls is a girl desperate to be loved. Many times the people who need our love the most ask for it in horrible ways.

(4)    Can you name some books that are similar to Worth The Time?

I can’t think of one that is similar, but Jenny B. Jones is my favorite Christian YA author. Her voice is unique and fantastic. The Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn was my favorite series as a teen and the friendships in my books are inspired by that series.

(5)    What is your favorite part of being a published author?

I love hearing from people about my book. I pray they minister to people, and to hear that they are is amazing.

(6)    Are you a fast writer or a slow writer?

Both, I wrote Worth the Wait quickly—like six weeks. Worth the Time took longer, six months or so. The book I’m working on now has already taken me 8 months although many of those months were while I was working on Worth the Time as well. I learned I can’t write two books at the same time.

(7)    Do you listen to music while you write? And if you do, what kind do you like listening too?

I listen to sports radio. I love the Houston Rockets, so I listen to their games while I write. So, don’t be surprised when basketball shows up in my books.

(8)    Do you have any advice for other writers out there?

Read. Good writers read, and good readers write. I’ve told kids that for 13 years now, and it’s true. They go hand in hand.

(9)    If you could have a book made (or re-made) accurately into a movie, what would you choose? (not counting either of yours.)

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers would be a good movie. It is a beautiful example of the gospel.

(10) Where do you do most of your writing?

Surrounded by pillows in my bed. I try to write outside or even in the dining room, but I find myself too distracted.

 

Okay, Readers, now it's your turn to answer a question! What's your favorite fictional book you ever read? Comment with your e-mail address for a chance to win a copy of Worth The Time! (I loved Worth The Time and highly recommend it if you love YA Contemporary Christian fiction as much as I do!)

** Kara and I are aware that people aren't comfortable with having your email addresses plastered everywhere. So, on March 23rd (the end of the contest), after a winner is chosen and responds, we will delete the comments with email addresses in them. :)

Thank you, Ms. Jackson, for coming on Writing to Inspire! :)

Author Bio:

Laura Jackson loves books--reading and writing them. A life-long reader, Laura studied English in college and taught 7th grade language arts before earning her Master's degree and becoming a school librarian. Now, she spends her days sharing great books with kids and her evenings writing books about teenage girls discovering God and His plan for their lives.