There Will Be Another Sunrise: @OBBookTours - Interview with Jessica Kristie

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? My interest began when I was about ten and had to do a poetry assignment in class. I remember being shocked at how much I enjoyed it and how easily it came to me. From that moment I was hooked.

What inspired you to write your first book? After writing several poetry books I felt the need to grow into writing a novel. I wanted to challenge myself as well as felt the words already stirring.

Did writing this book teach you anything and what was it? Absolutely. I learned what I could do and what I could do better. It was a wonderful experience that continues to challenge and inspire.

How did you come up with the title? Barbed-Wire Butterflies felt somewhat poetic but also has a literal meaning. I will save the literal meaning for my readers but metaphorically it represents the beauty in these young girls who are also in a tough and ugly place. Beauty and pain wrapped together in one package.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? More of an education than a message. The issue of human trafficking is serious and a worldwide problem. I want this book to help begin the conversation in those that may have never thought to discuss it. This book is appropriate for all ages (with parental guidance) and a great way to encourage education and conversation.

How did you develop your plot and characters? I did a lot of research on human trafficking as well as read many survivor stories and connected with local non-profits. All of these aspects helped me shape and mold my characters and storyline.

Have you included a lot of your life experiences, even friends, in the plot? The basic emotion and reaction is based on some personal experience, but the book is all fiction.

What are your current writing projects now? I have a psychological thriller that is now complete that I’m very excited about. I believe it really highlights my growth as a writer and allowed me to write in a genre I really enjoy reading. I hope to have it out early next year.

Have you developed a specific writing style? I believe I have, although it is not something I can easily pin-point myself. With poetry it is easy to see my style. I think some of that flows over into my novel writing which adds to my personal voice.

What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general? It can be an overwhelmingly tedious process to keep characters and storyline straight while flowing it all together into a cohesive and exciting story. That is always the beginning challenge for a writer but also the most rewarding aspect once it is accomplished.

What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why? “It is great wisdom to know how to be silent and to look at neither the remarks, nor the deeds, nor the lives of others.” – St. John of the Cross

This quote reminds me that when it comes to what is going on in my life, it is not about everyone else. There is no comparing or judging, we just do what we do to the best of our ability and move on from there.