Indie Authors Uncovered - Meet the person behind the pages - Jessie-Marie Heath - Narnia vibes and seeking to glorify God.
Where were you born?
I was born in Bethlehem, PA, in the U.S.A.
Where do you live?
I still live in the United States in Pennsylvania.
Do you have fur babies?
I do not.
I have owned Betta fish in the past, and have included them in my books as small characters briefly mentioned.
I do hope to one day own a golden retriever.
Do you use a pen name?
No.
What kind of writer are you?
- Modern Day Laptop/PC Writer
- Contemporary Tech Writer (phone/tablet/voice over)
Name one book you loved as a kid - one you loved as a new adult - and one you love now.
- As a kid I absolutely loved The Kingdom Series by Chuck Black.
- As a new adult I loved Redeeming Love (still do) by Francine Rivers.
- One I love now is House of Dragons by Kathryn Jordan.
I honestly love so many books it is hard to pick one to each category.
Is there an author you look up to? Or had an influence on your craft?
Two authors I really look up to C.S. Lewis and Leigh Bardugo.
- Bardugo and her book Six of Crows was the first time I was introduced to multiple point of views in a book and I loved it. I now do that in all my books.
- I also love C.S. Lewis and his books because I tend to gravitate towards his writing or stories with my fantasies.
How would you describe your craft in one sentence
Narnia vibes and seeking to glorify God.
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?
I haven’t had any of this yet in my books, but there will be in my third book to come for my series The Kingdom of Bluemoon.
There will be a character who suffers from PTSD, one who has more of a hoarse voice after a fire accident, and a dog that is deaf. I might add more, but this is what I have as of right now.
I love the thought of including it in books and I want to try my best at it and honoring it (since I am one who also suffers from an invisible illness).
Do you have red lines when it comes to writing/reading?
I am not sure I understand this question. If you can explain further, I would be happy to answer.
Was there a review that touched you more than others?
“I have haven’t read many fighting scenes but these were so well written I think they will
be hard to beat!”
If someone asked you why you write, what would you answer in one sentence?
To glorify God and tell the stories He has laid on my heart.
Which book are you most proud of and why?
Secrets of the Blood Moon Prince. It is my second book in my series The Kingdom of Bluemoon. My first book Journey to Bluemoon has a few errors and I plan to go back one day and make a second edition.
However, for my second book I am most proud of it because I have come a long way in writing and growing my craft.
I still feel like I have a lot to learn, and I am even more excited for my third book to come with the new knowledge I am gaining while I research and develop my skill.
What would you tell an aspiring writer?
You won’t get everything perfect the first time, and that is okay. Someone needs to hear your story, so write your story. Take the good and the bad feedback from others. Surround yourself with other writers and get feedback through the whole process.
You are unique and have a unique story to tell. Keep learning and growing in the craft. And then market, market, market!
What's a wish you have for yourself as an author?
For people to love my book so much that they are excited and eager to share it with others (maybe I will get there one day in my author journey)!
What's a wish you have for yourself as a person?
That I would do well in my walk and relationship with the Lord and telling others about Him whether in books or in person.
Do you have a message for your audience
Thank you for helping believe in me by taking a chance on my books.
I am still learning and so excited to share with you all what I have planned for my third book to come! Every comment, review, message, and email means the world! I truly appreciate you all!
