So… a little over a month ago, I ran across this wonderful, self-published novel entitled PineLight, a wonderfully romantic fantasy full of action, magic, sailing ships, intrigue, crumbling castles, danger, secrets and the all-important love story. It’s a wonderful story and I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this series, but in the meantime, the oh-so-adorable Jillian Peery, author of PineLight, is here on the blog today to give us some insight and perspective into her magical world, her courageous heroine, and her writing process.
And isn’t the cover just gorgeous? And check out her website too, because it’s equally gorgeous.
If you’re curious about PINELIGHT, you’re more than welcome to read my review of it HERE.
So blog, meet Jillian. Jillian, meet the blog!
Official bio and photo borrowed from www.jillianpeery.com
1. This is my standard first question for everyone who comes on Refracted Light, because I am always curious as to how authors get ideas for their books. What inspired the initial thought for the story of PineLight?
The chapter entitled “PineLight” was actually a dream I had one night. I was so intrigued by this imaginary lost world that I wanted to build a story around it. I researched Greek myths, watched the history channel, and even studied surreal artwork to find ideas for the rest of the story. It’s funny how an idea can be hiding anywhere.
2. Your official bio mentions that you’ve been in another creative field before turning to writing. Did your previous career as a hair and makeup artist have any influence over your storytelling and how so?
Oh, yes! My previous career as a hair and makeup artist allowed me to observe an array of people with unique idiosyncrasies, varied personalities and interesting backgrounds. A lot of these observations have carried over into my character development.
3. The world of PineLight is so beautiful and you write so descriptively about it. Was the world something that evolved as you wrote Clara’s story, or did you have a pretty good idea of what the world looked like at the beginning of the process?
Why thank you, Dani! In my initial dream, I had a vivid image of the lost world of PineLight. It was a very beautiful and dark place. As the story of PineLight progressed, I found myself adding more elements to the lost world in order to portray the beauty and darkness that Clara discovers.
4. I love hearing authors describe their own characters, so can you give us a quick description of your main protagonist Clara: what she’s like, what makes her tick, what her favorite flavor of ice cream is, etc.?
Because of Clara’s memory loss, she begins her journey as a vulnerable and insecure teenager. She doesn’t know who she is; therefore, she doesn’t feel a sense of being. Throughout the PineLight series, Clara will grow into a strong and confident woman and discover her purpose (as well as her favorite flavor of ice cream).
5. I know a lot of writers these days often share the music that inspired them while they were writing. Does PineLight have an unofficial soundtrack?
Sometimes I’ll run across such an amazing song that I’ll be inspired to sit down and write an entire scene. For this reason, I’m always on the lookout for new bands! A few musicians that kicked my writer’s block to the curb were: Radiohead, Other Lives, Muse, The Damnwells, The Fray, The Notwist, Bitter:Sweet, and Letters Vs. Numbers.
6. What kinds of books or stories inspired you as a writer and shaped your storytelling style?
Well, I’m a huge fan of the works of C.S. Lewis. I admire his style of writing. He used every word to paint a picture and never used a complex sentence where a simple sentence would do.
And then there are stories that move me to write. i.e. Interview With A Vampire by Anne Rice, The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, and so many more!
7. How do you write? Do you plan it all out or just see where you characters take you? Do you have any little writing quirks or habits that help with your day-to-day productivity?
I find that too much structure limits my creativity, so generally I choose not to have a predetermined outline. I really enjoy this method because I feel as though my characters are leading me through the story, instead of the other way around.
Boy do I have quirks and habits! I drink a lot of Lipton tea when I’m writing, and I eat a lot of ice. I know eating ice is terrible for your teeth, but a lot of good ideas come to me when I’m doing it. Also, I write twice as fast at night. For that reason I write from 10 PM to 10 AM, and then sleep during the day. My husband swears that I’m part vampire.
8. Can you tell us a little about your decision to self-publish?
Ultimately my decision to self-publish was based on the fact that I wanted to have the creative liberties associated with that process. I wanted the freedom to design my book cover and book trailer, and I wanted to oversee marketing, as well as, production. Self-publishing was the right fit for me.
9. Any advice for those who are considering self-publishing?
Don’t go in blind! Educate yourself on what production, distribution and marketing really mean. There are so many books available that cover everything you need to know about self-publishing—make use of them! A good book to own is Dan Poynter’s Self Publishing Manual. This book is a great tool for learning the basics of self-publishing and for discovering if it is right for you.
10. Quick! The world is ending, the zombie apocalypse is upon us, the machines are rising, and aliens are invading….yes, all at the same time. It’s epic. You just have enough time to snatch your toothbrush, your beloved family pet and one book as you dash out the door. What book do you grab?
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. When I was a kid, my brother and I wrote additional narrative on every page in this book. I wouldn’t want to part with it. Definitely not an epic novel, but I’m a sentimental fool.
11. And lastly, do you have any teasers you can share with us about Untitled PineLight Book #2?
The dark side never looked so good! There will be a prophecy that reveals Clara’s destiny and a journey that will make her truly believe in love. Coming soon this Fall!
Oooooo…..I can’t wait for Book Two! Though I could kind of tell what they were by reading PineLight, I loved hearing from you the sources from which you draw inspiration, C.S. Lewis, History Channel, Greek mythology, because they are also some of my favorite things. I love that you draw ideas for characterization from your experiences with people you’ve met in your previous career. You do meet all kinds and I’m sure that’s given you a wealth of material from which to create your characters.
Oh. And for the record, I also exist on iced tea… and work better at night. But to my knowledge, I have no other vampiric tendencies, no craving for O+.
And I love that you’d pick a book that has such strong, happy memories attached to it. I think The Giving Tree is an excellent choice for your book choice in the event of a zombie/alien/robot apocalypse.
Thank you SO much Jillian for coming on the blog today and sharing a little more about yourself and PineLight! Blog, you should all go out and read this book.
But wait…because she’s so awesome, Jillian has given me TWO (2) SIGNED PAPERBACKS to give away to TWO (2) lucky readers today! How cool is that? Let me tell ya, it’s super cool. So enter via the Rafflecopter form below!
(Open to the US & CAN only. Contest rules listed below the Rafflecopter form)
This sounds like such a fantastic new series!
Great interview.
Aeicha
wordspelunker at gmail dot com
Thank you Aeicha!
Hope you get a chance to read it!
Nice interview! I noticed this book on Goodreads and really wanted to read it so thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Yay! And thank you! Good luck!
It sounds great and look at that cover! I’ve been wanting to read this book but it’s an e-book and I don’t own an e-reader! These authors are really making things difficult with their good e-books.
I know! I’m so glad more and more of these Indie authors are making paperbacks available for this very reason. That way their work can be enjoyed by everyone! And it’s so pretty in paper
Good luck Amy! 
Thanks for the giveaway. I looked at your review section – how many books do you have in it because I only saw less than ten.
Awesome cover and what sounds like an awesome story.
I’ve never heard of PINELIGHT, but this interview makes me want to read it! Too bad I just missed the contest, lol! I’ll have to check it out, though, esp. b/c of the fated words “Greek mythology,” lol!