As seen in the March issue of Uncaged Book Reviews.
Uncaged: Where did the inspiration come for The Aldurian Chronicles series? Can you tell readers what the series is about?
The inspiration came from all the stories I read and movies I watched as a kid. I wanted to create my own, and when I actually decided to try when I was thirteen, the story sort of came to me. However, I couldn’t write it that well at the time and was afraid of getting a rejection letter from publishers. I figured I would wait until I was older and braver. Then, a few years ago I learned about self-publishing and the fear of rejection was no longer an issue.
The Aldurian Chronicles is about a seventeen-year-old girl, Saphiris, who is thrust into a world of chaos and loss as she discovers her origins and hones her elemental abilities. The backstory is rich, and she’s surrounded by powerful immortals with many secrets to be revealed.
Uncaged: How many books are you planning for this series?
Originally, about fourteen. When I rewrote the synopses for the different books, I decided to merge a few and I managed to condense it down to about eight. Book one and two, Fire and Ice & Crimson Frost, are published and available for purchase. The third book Reigning Fire will be released sometime this year. But that’s just for present day from Saph’s point of view. I’ve also begun writing the Origins part of the story, which will take place many centuries in the past and consist of quite a few short stories from various characters’ points of view.
Uncaged: Beside this series, can you tell us more about your other books?
The first book I published, The Vanquished, is part of The Soul Reaper series that I have every intention of returning to in the next couple of months and at least getting the second book in the trilogy, The Risen, released sometime this year. The Soul Reaper is a new-adult paranormal romance about grad-student Kendra Stephens who moves to a strange town in Massachusetts and meets a mysterious man with supernatural abilities and ties to a long-forgotten past. There’s a bit of horror, a lot of mystery, and strong fantasy elements, but this is primarily about a love that transcends time itself.
I also have a short horror called Fragments that follows the life of a distressed mom and wife who starts hearing voices and seeing phantoms after a near-death experience. It touches base on soul fragmentation and I plan to expand it into a full-length novel one day.
Uncaged: Are you planning on attending any in-person conventions or signings this year? Can you tell us more about Writers Unite?
None that I have planned, but I have been considering a few things. Writers Unite! is an amazing group for writers of all levels to help each other grow and to connect with like minds. It’s a group I’m more than happy to admit I help admin. We have a Facebook group, which is over 40,000 members strong, and a blog where the admins write helpful articles on the technique of writing and editing.
We’ve partnered with a publishing company, Rhetoric Eskew, and are in the process of putting together an anthology containing short stories and poems from our members. I have submitted a short from The Aldurian Chronicles titled The Space Between the Stars: A Tale of Centuries Past revealing a few things I’ve merely hinted at in the novels.
I currently have nine articles published to The Self-Editing Guide, with a new one published every week, that tackles the topics commonly unknown to a first-time writer. Since I know many writers cannot afford an editor, I write this series to, at the very least, teach indie authors what to look for when proofreading and how to polish their works into strong, vivid pieces that grab the reader’s attention. It’s my way of giving back to the indie community, since this group has taught me so much in the last few years.
Our admin leader Deborah Ratliff also writes a series of articles called Writing Your First Novel, which covers many questions new members ask on a daily basis. This series has helped new writers navigate their way through the process of getting that first novel underway.
We also accept guest articles from Writers Unite! members, as long as they pertain to writing. So if you have something to contribute, feel free to join us and submit.
Dr. Paul’s Family Talk Radio Program has given Writers Unite! a ton of exposure and we credit him for our large numbers. Paul Reeves is a fellow admin and has interviewed numerous Writers Unite! members. I will be appearing on his show sometime in the near future, and Deb usually appears once a month to discuss the group.
Uncaged: Do you read your reviews? What do you take away from them?
Getting reviews might be the most difficult part of being a writer. I love every review I receive, and though gaining each one felt like an act of labor, most of the ones I have are pretty passionate. If I can make a reader feel that much after reading my story, I have accomplished something. Many reviewers tell me how real the characters felt and how much they want to return to the pages. I know I’ve successfully brought the reader into my world when that happens.
Uncaged: Can you tell us what you have coming up next?
Reigning Fire (The Aldurian Chronicles Book Three) is at the halfway mark as we speak, with the ending written and much of the beginning. I released the cover a few days ago and a few ads have been designed in anticipation for its full release.
Uncaged: What is one of the nicest things someone has said to you about your books?
Someone once told me that Fire and Ice brought them out of a dark place and made them feel something when nothing else seemed to work. I experienced the same thing when writing it, so that really spoke to me and I knew his words were sincere. I think we write to share our pain and connect with others, so when someone finds healing in our words, we tend to take it to heart.
Uncaged: What is your favorite parts about being an author? What have you found to be the least favorite?
My favorite part about being an author is the fun I have conveying emotion to my readers. I love writing in deep point of view, so learning what not to say and finding new ways to show it is interesting and challenging.
My least favorite part is how difficult it is to get exposure. Sometimes it seems easier to give up than keep spamming my friends and family with new book ads, but I know one day it will all pay off and that’s what matters.
Uncaged: What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
When I’m not writing, I’m thinking about writing—and I’m designing covers, rendering scenes/characters, creating ads, etc. I don’t really let myself do much else at this point. I have goals and I know they won’t accomplish themselves.
Uncaged: What is the hardest part of a book to write? What is the easiest? From start to finish, how long does it take to finish a complete book?
The most difficult part is probably the action scenes. I watched a Russian martial artist on Youtube for hours for Alec’s moves in Fire and Ice. But his fighting style is different from Janz’s or Elyse’s. So I had to find new inspiration for Crimson Frost when it was time to show Janz training Saph. And in Reigning Fire there are even more scenes with Saph and Elyse that I have to work out.
The easiest would be the emotional scenes. I just get in the character’s head and write what she feels.
In the past few years, it’s taken me about a year to finish each book. In 2018, I intend to change that.
Uncaged: What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?
You can subscribe to my blog:
www.jessicavictoriafisette.com
Like my author page:
www.facebook.com/jessicavictoriafisette
Follow me on Instagram or Twitter @jvfisette
And from those links you can find and join Writers Unite! if you’re interested in honing your skills as a writer.
[symple_box color=”black” fade_in=”false” float=”center” text_align=”left” width=””]Jessica Victoria Fisette is the author of The Soul Reaper series, Fragments, and The Aldurian Chronicles. Her hobbies include discovering the benefits of natural medicine, wine tasting, and trying new recipes in the kitchen. She likes to unwind by typing out a scene or two in her latest obsession or indulging in a good book. Having been passionate about writing since she was a little girl, she is constantly coming up with new ideas for future stories and creating unique, strongwilled—albeit flawed—characters to overcome the difficult obstacles she places before them. Having spent all her life in rural Southeast Texas, she appreciates the tranquility of country living and hopes to implement such a love for nature into her beautiful, ever-so-curious little girl.[/symple_box]
