Jerrie Alexander

Tell Me Your Story Tuesday

Welcome

 Jerrie Alexander

I am thrilled to be featuring another one of my chapter mates from the North Texas Romance Writers of America and a fellow romantic suspense author. Jerrie is delightfully witty. I truly enjoyed working with her on this interview.

Let's get to know Jerrie!

 What made you decide to write?  What did you do before becoming a writer? 

I’d always wanted to write, studied journalism, but it wasn’t until I took a creative writing class, I found my love. Before becoming a writer? Funny, I went to work so we could afford to buy me a new car. Years and promotions flew by before I knew it. As a female in logistics, a field where men dominated, I had the opportunity to learn a great deal first hand about the way the male mind thinks, talks, and reacts. Not that anyone could really understand that jumble of nerves. (smile) I try and use those experiences in my male characters.

Do you have a writing routine? What does it look like? Where do you usually write?  

I have my office at home, and I’m surrounded by bookshelves. I try to write something everyday. Doesn’t always work out, but I try.

Is the life of a writer what you thought it be? What is different?

 You know, I didn’t expect it to be easy. It’s work, requires lots of study and practice. The good thing is I enjoy learning and improving. The more I learn the stronger my characters become.

 Tell us about your great news! I hear you are signing a book deal, winning contests,  all kinds of terrific stuff. 

I’m thrilled to say I signed with The Wild Rose Press to publish The Green Eyed Doll. It’s the story of a young woman running from her past. She falls for a sheriff hunting a murderer who paints his victims’ faces to look like a porcelain doll. As we all know...Keeping secrets can get you killed...The contest news? I’m excited that The Last Execution placed first in the Celtic Hearts contest and is a finalist in The Catherine contest. Placements to be announced in October.

Do you have any special time management tricks for working in writing time and living a normal life? 

I push back from the computer and make time. It’s a must to keep my bearings and retain what little sanity I have left.(just joking.) It refreshes and refills my soul to spend time with my family and friends.

 What is the best advice you have received about this journey?  

That’s an easy one and the advice wasn’t given directly to me. Nora Roberts addressed the RWA conference in Orlando. I can’t quote her exactly. Her message? “Write the damn book.” No one cares like you whether or not you finish or sell the book. Family, friends, coworkers, sure they care but not with the abiding need that drives you as an author.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you when you were starting out? That you had to develop a thick hide. Rejections don’t mean you haven’t written a good book. It means the story didn’t resonate with that particular reader.

What do you do to fight burnout? Do you ever worry about "running out of stories"? How do you combat that? 

That question made me laugh. I know a couple of people who could testify when I finish a book I’m convinced I’ll never have another original idea again. That I never write another word. Then something clicks and I’m off and running. I don’t combat it. I just keep pushing forward.

What kind of scenes do you have a hard time writing?

When there are multiple characters in a room, I get four or five people together, and I have to figure out how to distinguish between them without using the old he said or she said.

Do you ever write material based on your close relationships, such as a best friend?, and how do you balance that material with the need to tell an interesting story?

 There are a few scenes I’ve used from real life. One phrase comes from my best friend who refuses to eat at a fast food restaurant... she refers to them as Squat and Gobbles. She’s single and loves that I’ve used some of her comments and situations.

 What sources do you use for inspiration? ( Music, movies, people watching)

Books, books, and more books. I read a lot. Good authors inspire me. I want to be Allison Brennanwhen I grow up. Okay...too late for that. I’d like to see my work on the shelf with hers.

 What do you do when you aren’t writing?  

Other than read. Spend time with friends and family. My grand daughter is great fun and keeps me running.

 Tell us a bit about your work in progress.  

In The Last Execution, a homicide detective who believes in nurture versus nature decided not to give her child away. When her rapist is paroled and sets out for revenge, she’ll have to decide whether or not to trust the four-word-sentence speaking FBI agent on whose team she’s been temporarily assigned.

What is next for you?

I’m just past that stage I told you about...you know never coming up with another story. I’m shopping The Last Execution, and have started a new wip about human trafficking and two ex-lovers reuniting. The working title is Hell or High Water.

 How can we find out more about you? Blogs? Facebook? Twitter? 

Everywhere except a personal blog. 

Website www.jerriealexander.com

Facebook

www.Twitter.com  @jerriealexander

email jerrie@jerriealexander.com

I love to hear from people...look me up!

                     We should probably confess to your readers that you and I are not related! At least as far as we know.

Thank you, Dawn for having me here today. I look forward to hearing from your followers. 

 Thank you so much for chatting with us. It has been a pleasure.

                     May I ask a question? Blond or brunette for your hero...what’s your preference? I know my answer. What's your favorite?