Missy Jane takes readers from Texas to the fantastic

Missy Jane lives in Texas but her books take readers to a completely different world.

Welcome to The Examiner, Missy. Your book They Call Me Death is a hot paranormal romance. What led you to write paranormals?
Thanks for having me, Teri! Well, I love to read paranormals and when I first began writing that’s where my imagination initially ran off to.

I’m sure your readers are glad it ran in that particular direction—paranormals are very popular. So do you consider yourself a born storyteller, or did it take you a while to develop your talent?
I remember writing stories as a child, though I preferred reading to writing for a long time. I think it’s safe to say I’m a born storyteller. It just took a while for me to admit that out loud.

Please tell us about They Call Me Death.
It’s the story of Alexia, a human who lost her husband and son to shape-shifters after they revealed themselves among the humans. When the story begins, she is a soldier in the human army who helps man the wall built between the species to keep the shape-shifters out of the newly formed human country. Because of her loss she has an intense distrust for shifters that makes her a very lethal killer when they break the law. However, all of her convictions are tested when she meets a Golden Eagle shifter name Andor who is seeking her help to find his daughter. Not only does she have to learn to trust him, but she also learns that some of her human peers are more dangerous than the animals.

That’s an intriguing plot—very imaginative. Can you tells us what books or writers have most influenced you as a writer?
Probably the most influential would be Mercedes Lackey. It was after reading one of her books that I finally sat down at the computer and let the words flow through me. For Alexia’s character I can say Laurell K. Hamilton, Patricia Briggs and Lillith Saintcrow were a huge influence with their own strong female characters.

What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?
I love creating new worlds. One reason I write paranormal and fantasy is that my imagination is the limit of what I can put down, and it’s pretty vast.

Do you write a blog on a regular basis?
Not at this time. I’ve considered it, but know I don’t have the time needed to dedicate to keeping up with it daily, or even weekly.

It can be time-consuming. So when you’re not writing what do you like to do?
I guess reading is a given, huh? Actually, I LOVE photography. I’ve been taking photos since I was thirteen and am still dedicated to film rather than digital. My four daughters are my favorite subjects.

Please describe your typical writing day.
First I have to bribe or bully my hubby into keeping the kids away from our bedroom door, then I lock it anyway. I like to put on classical music. Right now my faves are both soundtracks, the one for Lord of the Rings and Last of the Mohicans. I have a lot of works in progress so I’ll start opining files until I get to one I can “feel” at that moment. Sometimes I can’t get into the mindset of my characters and a lot of my work is first person, so I close it and try another. Once I’ve found the one I want I let my characters talk through me. I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen until I’m writing it.

Those are both great soundtracks for inspiration. What are you working on now?
I’m about to start the editing process for a new contemporary erotica with Sapphire Blue Publishing, and I’m trying to finish at least one of three stories based in the same world as They Call Me Death.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write when you can and be patient with yourself. I’ve had to learn to slow down and enjoy what I’m doing. As soon as it starts to feel like a job it’s time to take a break.

Do you have a message for your readers?
THANK YOU!!!! I was absolutely floored by the support and encouragement I found as a newby. I know times are tough right now and I’m stingy with my money, so anyone willing to take a chance on buying my book and reading it when I’m completely unknown has my eternal gratitude.

Photo courtesy of Missy Jane

Missy Jane: http://www.msmissyjane.com