J.L., please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Jamaican, a wife, mother, prolific writer and avid reader.
What keeps you writing?
I like making up stories and it never ceases to touch me when people ask me what I’m going to do about this or that character when they find out the book hasn’t been published. I find inspiration everywhere and that also keeps me churning out stories.
Tell us a little about your novel, Distraction?
Distraction is about choices and relationships. Three friends travel far off the beaten path because of their individual situation. The novel explores spousal abuse, infidelity and our ability to triumph over our challenges.
How did you come up with the title?
The title chose itself-because of their problems, Dionne, Kyra and Justine take their eyes off everything they value in their lives.
Is there a certain message you would like readers to get out of this novel?
I hope that readers can look beyond the problems the women face and examine the deeper issues in the story. We sometimes make the wrong choices, but most of us can and do decide to do the right thing. It takes my characters a while to move in the right direction, but that’s the nature of the story.
Do you experience writer’s block? How do you deal with it?
Not at all. I’m able to write as necessary. I’m sure part of the reason I’ve never experienced writer’s block is because I write in phases. I go full speed ahead when I have a story to tell and there are times when I go for ages without writing. When I start feeling guilty, it’s usually time to get going again.
Are you a full time writer? If not, how do you make time to write?
I have a full-time job, but I’d love to be able to stay home and write all day, every day. Most of my novels were written between 2004 and 2009. Some of those are still not published, but during the time frame I mentioned, I wrote before work, during my lunch time and after work.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
JUSTINE CHARLES, sensible and self-contained, battles an addiction which could destroy her marriage, reputation, and relationship with her daughter.
DIONNE JONES, an aggressive go-getter, takes risks that cut a trail of devastation through her family and business.
KYRA MILLS, struggling single mother, is crippled by debt, bad judgment and destructive choices.
Can two of the long-time friends survive startling revelations
Thanks so much, J.L, for being here today. I wish you lots of sales.
Dear friends and followers, I invite you to download a complimentary copy of A Baker’s Dozen: Thirteen Steps to Distraction from Smashwords. In this prequel, you’ll meet Dionne, Kyra and Justine a year before Distraction takes place. I hope you’ll like this taste of friendship and things Jamaican.
At the end of this Friendship tour, there’ll be a main prize of a Distraction note book & pen and a $10 Amazon gift card. The second prize is a paperback copy of Distraction. Sign up for that at the Rafflecopter here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
J.L. Campbell is a proud Jamaican and the author of Contraband, Distraction, Dissolution, Don’t Get Mad…Get Even, Giving up the Dream and Hardware (pen name Jayda McTyson). Campbell is always on the lookout for story making material, loves company and can usually be found lollygagging on her blog at http://thecharacterdepot.blogspot.com
Important Links
Thanks so much for hosting me, Liz.
ReplyDeleteOooh new blog that I don't think I've ever visited before. Thanks, Joy, for showing me the way!
ReplyDeleteNo worries, Mike.
DeleteGreat interview!
ReplyDeleteI wish I was as writer's-block-free. Though guilt motivates me when I go too long without writing as well.
Great that you hosted Joy, Liz. Wow, no wonder you get so many books written/published Joy, and with a full time job. I'm truly in awe and a little ashamed as I only work part time and should get so much more done!
ReplyDeleteTGE, I know so much about the voice that keeps telling me I should be writing. If I listened as much as I should, I'd get more done.
ReplyDeleteDenise, thanks for popping over. The good thing for me is that when my story is flowing, the words come effortlessly and I cooperate by getting them written down. I guess all of us can see where we can, in fact, get through more things.
Hi Liz, thanks for hosting Joy. She's a true writer and she knows and shares a lot. Thanks for asking those questions.
ReplyDeleteJoy, I learned more about you today. Thanks for the info. This is a great way to wrap up the tour and I looking forward to knowing more.
Peaches, you rock! Had only 3-4 interviews during the tour and all of the hosts asked some really interesting questions. Now that the tour is over, I'll be figuring out ways for Distraction to stay visible.
DeleteGrace,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for letting me have the run of your blog.
Joy, it was a pleasure having you here. You're very welcome. It was so much fun reading your answers. I look forward to reading Distraction.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone who stopped by to support Joy. Keep following her from here. I'm sure she has many wonderful books in store for us.
Joy is very prolific. I look forward to her future books.
ReplyDeleteMedeia, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Medeia, for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteJoy, I am amazed that you hold a full time job and yet you still get so much writing done (not to mention the wifey and motherly roles to fulfill...). You ROCK!
ReplyDeleteMy writing is mostly confined to nights now and my son has gotten good at guilting me with questions about what is more important, editing or spending time with him. :)
DeleteSounds like an interesting story.
ReplyDeleteWell done juggling full-time work and writing novels. That is impressive :)
All the best with this and your other books :)
Thanks, David. We all have to learn to juggle all we have to do if we want to write.
ReplyDelete