Interview with Jayme Beddingfield

Jayme Beddingfield

Interview Date: 1/9/2013

Biography

Jayme Beddingfield was born and raised in Northern New Jersey. She now lives in Seattle Wa, with her brilliant husband, their two wonderful children, and a slew of adopted pets with strong personalities. Jayme is a stay at home mother and self published writer. With her head planted firmly in the clouds, writing fantasy comes easily. Jayme is the author of The Adventures of Miss Mind Shift Volume One of the Emerald City Nights Series.


When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

I have been filling note books with plot concepts, characters, and stories since the eighth grade—I’ve known that I’ve wanted to be a writer since then. I am happiest when I have a pen in my hand. I have been writing with perseverance and hard, set goals for two years now. I am lucky enough to be able to stay home with my kids so I write my fantasy around their schedule.


If you could have one superpower, what would it? (Assuming said power would be reasonably powerful.)

Without a question my superpower of choice would be telekinesis (which happens to be the power of my main character in The Adventures of Miss Mind Shift.)

Kev's response: It would be high on my list as well, it's such a versatile power (depending on the full usage - if you can just move small objects, then not so great, but if it includes manipulation of cell structures, or flight, then we're game on!).


Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?

Even though there is a slew of fantastic choices as far as superheroes are concerned my favorite would have to be Spiderman—a mainstream choice I know—but the complexity of Peter Parker and the underpowered Spiderman is hard to beat.


Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?

I pull my inspirations from all different things and places that spark something in me when I first see them. My motivation comes from the enjoyment I get from the act of writing and the goals I have to succeed at something that I love doing.


Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?

I am an obsessive planner and early organizer of my stories. I start off with a premise and a few keys scenes and then I go to a long and detailed outline—numbering every scene so I can reorganize or remove certain scenes during the fleshing out process. It works well for me.

Kev's response: That's the key, to find something that works well, and sticking with it.


Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?

I can’t resist picking up my pen when I feel inspired but given my stay at home mom status I schedule time everyday to write so it happens.

Kev's response: I love days off from my normal job, I get to workout (and write during the jogging phase), and then afterward head into my home office to write until mid-day.


Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?

I’m all about fantasy and most of its sub-genres—I can’t get enough.


What do you enjoy the most about writing?

My favorite thing about writing is creating characters and moving them along a storyline.


Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?

I enjoy all aspects of it, especially the challenging ones.


Can you tell me something odd about yourself?

When I wear a flannel shirt I feel like I’m ready for anything, as if they give me +3 armor.

Kev's response: But do you also keep a woodcutting axe on hand? :)


Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?

I write one novel at a time—though I’m currently working on a planned series so I’m always keeping future ideas and plans in a separate notebook.


In my evil plot to take over the world, do you advise I use highly intelligent, self-motivated minions, or simple ones, and why?

I say go with self-motivated minions—far more interesting with unpredictable ending.


Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?

It’s hard to say, the e-readers are certainly on the rise as well as all resources available to self publishing authors’ fingertips. That being said I can’t really picture a world without books in print. I foresee a long tie that will eventually end in a tie in the favor of ebooks.


What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on Volume Two of The Emerald City Nights Series, and writing quests for an RPG on mobile platforms.


Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?

I’m just setting out on the Self Publishing journey but what I keep telling myself is, “Keep believing in yourself and keep creating. Writers write and authors have books out in the world.”


Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

My novel, The Adventures of Miss Mind Shift is available for purchase on Kindle, iBooks, and nook. You can also find me on twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and at jaymebeddingfield.tumblr.com

Kev's response: Jayme - thank you for joining me! Good fortune on the series, and I wish you well on your journey into writing!



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