Susan Whitfield's Blog: 4/15/12

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/jacqueline-seewald?keyword=jacqueline+seewald&store=book

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:

http://www.lldreamspell.com/JacquelineSeewald.htm