Q&A with Author J.E. McDonald
Q: When did you begin writing your novel, Ghost of an Enchantment?
I started writing it in early 2020, right before the first major wave of the pandemic hit North America.
Q: When will your novel release?
It was released on January 26th of 2021.
Q: What was the journey like for you, as a writer, in creating the book from start to finish?
Honestly, this one was rather hard. When my city went into lockdown, like many others, I had a hard time emotionally. I had about a third of it written at that time with a solid outline for the rest, but I didn’t have the energy or will to write. I used to be a nighttime writer. At that point, emotional exhaustion made it impossible for me to write in the evenings. It took me about a month before I was even able to write a hundred words a day. But I pushed on. Instead of staying up late, I decided to get up early. Eventually I was able to reclaim my usual writing pace and finish the book.
Q: Is this new release the first in a series?
It’s the second book in the Wickwood Chronicles, an ongoing series with City Owl Press.
Q: Have you already started writing the next book? When will it release?
Absolutely. The third book of the Wickwood Chronicles will be released in the fall of 2021.
Q: Are you published by a smaller publisher? What is it like working with the publisher?
Yes. City Owl Press is a small press. They’re wonderful. I’m so lucky to have landed with such a supportive group. Not only are the owners and my editor lovely, but all the other authors are so supportive as well. I’ve felt like some of the writers who have been there for years have really taken the newer authors under their wings. I can’t wait for the day when travel is again feasible and I can meet some of them in person!
Q: Which characters were your favorite in creating?
That’s a hard one. I like them all for different reasons. Because I write romance, I love pitting the two main characters as opposites and watching the sparks fly. With Ghost of an Enchantment, Stella is a witch who needs to protect herself from the energy of others, while Lucas is the guy who wants to break those barriers down. They play against each other’s strengths and weaknesses and I adore their chemistry.
Q: What themes can readers find in your book?
Found family, love conquers all, relying on others isn’t a weakness, and redemption (just to name a few.)
Q: Describe your writing style using three words.
Funny. Steamy. Mysterious.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers in your genre?
Reach out to others in the writing community. I’ve found such great people through social media like Twitter and Facebook groups. Learning marketing techniques from those who have experience has been invaluable. And the people I met in New York in 2019 at my first RWA conference are still people I keep in touch with.
Q: What genres do you write within?
Right now, I’m predominately writing in paranormal romance, but when I first started writing, I played with sci-fi romance which I’d love to get back to. I also adore romantic suspense.
Q: Where can readers find you and your books online?
They can check me out at my website www.jemcdonald.net and these social media links:
Twitter https://twitter.com/JEMcdonaldSk
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JEMcDonaldAuthor
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jemcdonaldsk/
And my books are available at most digital retailers. Here are the links for Ghost of an Enchantment:
Amazon: https://smarturl.it/Wickwood2Amz
B&N: https://smarturl.it/Wickwood2BN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/Wickwood2Kobo
iBooks: https://smarturl.it/Wickwood2iBooks
GoodReads: https://smarturl.it/Wickwood2GR
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