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Monday, April 16, 2012

Jacqueline Seewald returns


Multiple award-winning author Jacqueline Seewald has taught creative, expository and technical writing at the university level as well as high school English. She also worked as an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Eleven of her books of fiction have been published. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications. She enjoys spending time with family and friends when she isn’t writing. In addition, she is a playwright, a landscape artist and loves many types of music. 
Welcome back, Jacquie. Congrats on the new book.

Thanks so much, Susan.

Where do you live, and how has your environment affected your writing?
Three years ago we moved from suburban Central NJ to urban North Jersey. The environments are very different. I now live in a co-op apartment overlooking the Hudson with a view of Manhattan rather than a house with woods and a stream in the backyard. I had to give up my large personal library because of lack of space. This was painful. However, I actually have more time to write because there are less household responsibilities. Maintaining a large house and yard with thirty trees was time-consuming.
How many books have you written?
I’ve written sixteen books, eleven of which have been published so far.
Give a short synop of Death Legacy.
DEATH LEGACY is a fast-paced romantic suspense mystery/thriller featuring Michelle Hallam who heads a unique consulting firm she inherited from her deceased uncle, a former intelligence agent. Called to the French Riviera for business under mysterious circumstances, Michelle meets Dr. Daniel Reiner, a handsome young psychiatrist. They have a strong physical attraction but Michelle remains wary of being involved with him. Daniel’s friendly, warm personality and urban wit stands in contrast to Michelle’s outward facade of cool cynicism. In New York, Michelle reconnects with Dr. Reiner when she sends him a referral, her client, Nora Parker, who has asked Michelle to look into the suspicious disappearance and possible death of her husband, a CIA agent. The complex case involves both Michelle and Daniel in espionage, international intrigue, and murder, placing their lives in jeopardy. The novel combines elements of suspense, mystery, and sensual romance.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?
Not that much. The book isn’t autobiographical. But some of my husband’s personality traits are imbedded in the hero, like a sense of humor. Also, the hero’s grandparents are based on those of my husband.

Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?
At this time, DEATH LEGACY is only available in hardcover. It is available from many booksellers including Amazon and B&N Online. However, I encourage readers to request the novel at their local library. I consider libraries the greatest bargain. Since DEATH LEGACY had a very good review from BOOKLIST ONLINE among others, I believe librarians will be glad to order the novel if readers ask for it.

What challenges did you face while writing this book?
Not being a professional spy myself, I had to do considerable research. I also looked into weaponry. Michelle, my heroine, is an expert in martial arts. So research in that area had to be done as well. In addition, I had to make certain my setting descriptions were accurate. That too took research.

What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? What advice can you give other writers?
Writing is hard work. It’s a craft. To be a good writer, it’s necessary to be willing to do revisions. If you want to be a writer, you have to discipline yourself. You can’t be sloppy. It’s important to know the rules before you can break them.  Also, you need to find the time to write consistently, each day if possible.

Where do you store ideas for later use: in your head, in a notebook, or on a spreadsheet?
When I get an idea I write it down by hand in a notebook.
We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out both off and online?
I’m not that great at promotion. I’m still basically an unknown writer. But in this day and age, you really can’t wait to be discovered. I’m on a number of writer’s loops. I enjoy being in contact with other authors. I’m on Goodreads, Facebook and even Twitter—but not to a large extent. I do guest blog as time permits.
Can you tell us your writing goals/projects for 2012 or beyond?

I’ve written a paranormal mystery novel with my older son entitled THE THIRD EYE. I’m in the midst of contract negotiations for the book. I also have two historical romances that need to find a home plus a paranormal contemporary. The fourth Kim Reynolds novel is also complete and ready for submission.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?
As to where you can learn more about my latest novel, Amazon and B&N online are making that information available. Check out: http://www.amazon.com/Death-Legacy-Five-Star-Mystery/dp/1432825739

 Goodreads offers reviews and information. The novel also has a Booklist review at: http://www.booklistonline.com/Death-Legacy-Jacqueline-Seewald/pid=5273579
You can check out more of my books online at the L&L Dreamspell site:
Susan, I want to say thanks for inviting me to your blog. I really appreciate the exposure.
Glad to have you back over. Continued success!


26 comments:

Pamela S Thibodeaux said...

Great interview!

Good luck & God's blessings to you both and of course all of the visitors!

PamT

Karen McCullough said...

Very interesting interview! How did you manage to part with so many books? I've tried to winnow down my collection, but it's hard to let many of them go.

Susan Whitfield said...

Thanks, Pamela. Karen, it's great to have you over as well. I inow the feeling about books. I'm a hopeless addict. I have to say that buying a Kindle has helped with space, although I still enjoy my real books.

Betty Gordon said...

Jacquie and Susan -- a solid informative interview.

Jacquie, your new work sounds intriguing (as always) and I look forward to reading it.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Pam. I appreciate your positive comments!

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Karen,

The only thing that made it less difficult to give away the books was knowing that they went to a Friends of the Library book sale to raise money for the library. Hopefully, all those wonderful volumes found good homes!

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Betty,

Thanks for your continued support!

D'Ann said...

Jacqueline~
I giggled at your line that you weren't a professional spy....

Unknown said...

Really enjoyed the interview, Jacquie and Susan. Jacquie, what a prolific writer you are! I recently co-wrote a book with my sister and it was a rewarding experience. I'm sure it was for you and your son, as well. Good luck with all your work and promoting (which I dread). You're a great writer!

Joe Prentis said...

I thought that was a wonderful interview,plus some interesting information about you books and where you are going from here. Good luck on your future sales!

J D Webb said...

If I had to give up my books to move, I wouldn't. Couldn't. Choking back whimpering sobs!!
Wishing you more good luck, Jacquie.

LJ Garland said...

Lovely interview, Jacqualine and Susan. Good luck on the co-writing. I hope it's lots of fun and very productive.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, D'Ann,

There's quite a bit of humor in Death Legacy, although you probably wouldn't guess it from the title. The hero has a quirky sense of humor while the heroine acts as straight man--or woman in this case.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Christy,

I actually collaborated on a YA novel with both my sons when they were teenagers. It worked out really well.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Joe,

Thanks for the encouraging comments. Like you, I like to keep writing and also experiment with different styles and genres.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

J.D.,

Giving up so many of my precious books was actually the worst thing about moving for me.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, L.J.,

Thanks for the good wishes!

Susan Whitfield said...

As you know, Jacquie, I use humor in my mysteries too. I can hardly wait to read yours. J.D., I donated many of my books to the local library and they were glad to get them since funds are short.

Maryannwrites said...

Enjoyed getting to know a little more about you, Jacqueline. I would hate to leave my place here in the country, but do understand about the amount of work and time involved with upkeep. However, the exercise is good for me and gets me up from my computer at regular intervals throughout the day.

Good luck with your latest book.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Susan, I'm a fan!

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Maryann,

I hope you are working on another mystery!

jenny milchman said...

Congrats on your new release, Jacqueline! I will go into my library tomorrow and ask them to order. Our paths simply must cross one of these days, fellow NJite--are you doing any events? Will check your site now...Congrats again!

Anita Page said...

Jacqueline and Susan, an interesting interview! Jacqueline, you, Jenny and I should pick a diner to have breakfast in one of these days.I'm just over the line in NYS.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Jenny and Anita,

It's nice to know there are fellow writers living nearby.

Susan Whitfield said...

I hope you guys can get together. It's always an awesome experience to sit down with others who know what we go through to produce/publish/promote. Thanks to all of you who visited and left comments.

Patricia Gligor's Writers Forum said...

Jacqueline,
"Death Legacy" sounds intriguing. I admire writers, like yourself, who delve into areas they're totally unfamiliar with and do extensive research in the interest of accuracy.