Indie Authors Uncovered - Meet the person behind the pages - Meet Jolene D. Campbell - Her Craft is Mythology with a twist.

Where were you born?

I was born in a tiny town in the San Isabel National Forest in Colorado (U.S.).

Where do you live?

I now live in Colorado.

Do you have fur babies?

We have

• a cat named Patrick
• a poodle named Nova.

Do you use a pen name? 

Yes, Jolene D. Campbell is my pen name.

What kind of writer are you?

• Modern Day Laptop/PC Writer

Name one book you loved as a kid - one you loved as a new adult - and one you love now.

• I loved "The Clown of God" by Tomie Depaola when I was a kid.
• When I was in high school I started reading The Vicky Bliss series by Elizabeth Peters, she is still my favorite author to this day.
• Currently I am reading a lot of Chinese light novels. It's my new favorite genre.

Is there an author you look up to? Or had an influence on your craft? 

Elizabeth Peters for sure.

I love her works and when I first started writing I used them as a guide book. I think reading her books has helped me with my pacing and balancing dialogue. 

How would you describe your craft in one sentence

Mythology with a twist. 

At The Dreamer's Bookshop, we embrace diversity and advocate for invisible illnesses. How do you feel about those topics? Do you include messages in your writing?

My first book was inspired by my own diagnosis of an invisible illness, Hemochromotosis.

I think it was my way of coping with the news. I wanted a way to show or explain how it felt to be in my own skin while having to still be mom and wife. Thus, Ake, my hero was born. I have a section in my book where I explain all of that and why creating this work is important.

I want to say to everyone who struggles with an invisible illness, I see you. I think we need more diverse writing and stories that include invisible illnesses. We all deserve to see ourselves in stories. 

Do you have red lines when it comes to writing/reading? 

I won't write about sexual assault of a minor. A character can have that trauma, but I won't show it in detail. 

Was there a review that touched you more than others? 

If someone asked you why you write, what would you answer in one sentence?

I feel the most alive when I write. 

Which book are you most proud of and why?

Iron Blood was the first one that got me started and then years later it was showcased in New York in Time Square. I never thought that would happen. 

What would you tell an aspiring writer?

Take your time to get to know your voice. 

What's a wish you have for yourself as an author?

To have my book turned into a graphic novel some day.       

What's a wish you have for yourself as a person?

To take the family to Japan. I would love to go back and show them so much!

Do you have a message for your audience

I hope you feel seen by my works.

Discover Jolene's books and get your copy.