Author Interview: J.A. Marx
Super excited to welcome J.A. Marx, author of the Destiny Series, to the blog today! J.A. loves writing embattled spirit novels — adventure and suspense with supernatural undertones. On the side, she dabbles in non-fiction articles and e-zine editing. J.A. owes many thanks Jerry Jenkins and the Christian Writer’s Guild for their support and education. Be sure to look below for your chance to win a Kindle Fire (just in time for Christmas) and an opportunity to “meet” JA!
1. Tell us a little about The Destiny Series. Where did your inspiration come from?
On the stage of my mind, I saw a young woman wash up on a beach, and I had to do something with her. So I gave her a larger-than-life history and surrounded her with the most emotionally unnerving cast of characters possible. We authors love conflict, right? Then my background in ministry/counselling took over, and I purposed to see her saved, healed, set free spiritually, and equipped to serve as God’s special warrior.
2. It’s a trilogy—when you first thought of the idea, did you know that it would be a trilogy or did it just happen?
It just happened. One of my beta readers actually had to tell me to split the second story into 2 books. I’m thankful she did. At about book 6 (yes, there’s a second trilogy), I made myself stop creating so I could edit and perfect what I had written so far.
3. The Destiny Series was originally published with a smaller publishing house and you’re now self-publishing. What made you decide to self-publish?
Simply put, the editor and I disagreed on the core element of book 2. Our contract included all three books, so canceling the contract included terminating Destiny Defied.
I then pitched the series to another publisher who loved my writing but said they couldn’t sell Destiny. On that note, they offered me a contract on my romantic suspense without reading the full manuscript.
Bottom line, my genre – supernatural suspense – is not as widely marketable as other genres, especially romance. But I think change is coming, because the church is waking up to the fact that the Holy Spirit is essential to our survival.
4. What does a typical writing day look like for you?
Between 5 and 7am, I’m hiding out in my secret place, worshipping, praying and cultivating a relationship with Jesus. After a workout at the gym, I dig in to a manuscript, write a blog, or work on an editing project. It all depends on the day. I also mentor other writers and participate weekly in the BEST critique group in the world led by author Lena Nelson-Dooley.
5. Are you a plotter or a “pantser”?
I’m a hybrid. I start out a pantser, but once I get 5 – 10 chapters written, I stop to interview my characters and do necessary research. I define their personalities, goals, backstories, and draft a Moral Premise. Then I’ll go back and make any necessary changes. From that point, I revert to pantser mentality. I unleash the characters and let them fly, as long as they ALL stick to the moral premise, which gives the story cohesiveness.
6. Why do you write?
’Cuz I have to! I love every aspect of writing (except marketing). Some Christians read fiction to be entertained and to escape. Others prefer thought provoking, spiritually intense stories that inspire and bring chills, which is what I write. I tackle some tough yet relevant subject matter. And while my writing is free of profanity and sex, I’m still deepen the darkness so the Light can shine brighter. God’s power is always greater than our reality, and I love illustrating this truth.
7. How do you get over writer’s block?
Defining a moral premise, which involves a vice and a virtue, keeps my creativity running.
8. What’s up next for you?
I’m plowing through the second trilogy, editing and refining. I can already tell The Destiny Series is going to end up with three trilogies.
9. Any final advice for aspiring writer’s out there?
Don’t give up. Expect rejections. Master your craft and join a critique group before even considering publishing your own book. Develop a thick skin, stay humble, be professional, and bless other authors. Learn from the masters in the industry. Rushing the process will only get you an Ishmael. Wait on the Lord, and He’ll give you an Isaac.
More about Destiny Defied: A dramatic shipwreck emancipates Riki Hammad, but the island where she finds refuge is compromised. Unless she finds a power truly great enough to defeat her dark past, she will choose death over returning to captivity. Lord Vétis, high priest of a cultic underground, will stop at nothing to reclaim their chosen one. Using black magic, he manipulates Riki and her four self-assigned bodyguards, triggering a battle that consumes the entire island. The underground will never allow Riki to live out her dreams of a normal life . . . something she has never known.
Welcome to the series launch of J.A. Marx‘s Destiny series. Book one, Destiny Defied, is a chilling tale of freedom from oppression and the Light that overcomes the dark.
J.A. is celebrating the launch of her series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on December 2.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Destiny Defied by J.A. Marx.
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 12/2. Winner will be announced at the Destiny Defied Facebook author chat party on December 2nd. RSVP for a chance to connect with J.A. Marx, to chat about the book, as well as to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
