Interview with Davee Nielson

Davee Nielson

Interview Date: 6/18/2012

Biography

Davee Jones began a career in the counseling field with her M.Ed. She then diversified and began work for the federal government. The dryness of the day to day assignments fostered the desire for her to do something more creative. Because writing was always a passion, she used every opportunity to journal and create fictional worlds with her words. She began writing short fiction and books, inspired by the events around her. Now avidly writing in the little spare time she has, she has several other books in progress, ranging from romance to suspense to young adult to comedy. She currently has books published from the genre of erotic romance. A few of her books garner only one flame, but, others will secure all five flames in the heat index.


When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

I began creatively writing in college; however, I quickly discovered I could not pay the bills by my writing alone. I began work for the feds. However, maybe it was a mid-life crisis or my divorce that seriously spurned my writing again. It took me well over two years to write my first novel, simply because I really had no idea “how to” actually pen a book.


If you could have one superpower, what would it be? (Assuming said power would be reasonably "powerful.")

It’s a tossup between the ability to fly and mind reading.


Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?

Wonder Woman, I loved that show as a kid. I also loved the Bionic Woman-I even had a Jaime Sommers Barbie.

Kev's response: Dananananana :) I would hope her bionics didn't actually sound like that every time she moved (or ran), it would get mighty annoying! Wonder Woman on the other hand, it makes me wonder, wanting an invisible plane when you run around in a swimsuit. Hmm.


Where do you get your inspiration for writing?

Initially, my inspiration came from personal experiences. However, I also now use anecdotal family stories, current events, and sometimes even a simple sentence is the beginning of a new book.

Kev's response: Go for a complex sentence on the next one! >:)


What motivates you?

My desire to create a world I can control the outcome. Also, writing is a stress relief activity for me.

Kev's response: Wait ... you actually control the outcome of your novels? Sometiems it seems like my characters run rampant with mine....


Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?

I take notes constantly. I have a simple idea in my head and then I build on it. I have a long commute for my day job, and my mind churns constantly. As I think of something, I write it down and see how I can fit it into a WIP. However, sometimes when I’m writing, the flow just takes off and it feels great when that happens. I also have very vivid dreams and write them down as soon as I awaken to use them for a story.


Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?

Because I hold a FT job outside of writing, sometimes, I must keep a storyline until I get a break or go home for the day. It’s very difficult, but, I will jot my quick notes down so I keep that scene or idea fresh.

Kev's response: Same here. The worst is when I just start a long drive home, and really get in the mood to write, but by the time I get home it's faded.


Do you have a favorite genre to write in?

I like to write in different genres, according to my mood. My first three published books are romance, I would like to finish writing my suspense/thriller and see how it is received.


To read?

I like to read adventure stories or biographies, such as Aron Ralston’s story (Between a Rock and a Hard Place). I also read many books in the inspirational/Christian genre, thriller/suspense genre, and some romance as well.


What do you enjoy the most about writing?

Creating a world and positive endings that maybe did not occur in reality, similar to re-writing an actual event, but with the ending I want.


Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?

The arthritis in my hands acts up and I can’t always write for as long as I want.

Kev's response: That's hard. :( You might want to check into an ergonomic keyboard. Even if they are a pain at first, in the long run they might work out better.


Can you tell me something odd about yourself?

Engaging in repetitive motion makes me nauseous. Keystrokes are sometimes a killer. lol


Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?

I have about seven in the works right now.


In my evil plot to take over the world, what one animal type do you advise I use and why?

A honey badger, nothing can kill that thing.

Kev's response: I don't know ... badgers make an odd sound when they are threatening others. It would be like zombies that moan "Gooooggglllleee." It's just not right.


Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?

Unfortunately, e-books will continue to dominate the market. Paper books will slowly continuing phasing out. However, I still love holding a bona fide book in my hand.


What are your current projects?

A few YA books- one with a bullying plotline, one with a paranormal theme and one with a fall romance. I have a serial killer/demon suspense in progress. I also have a few romance books in the works.

Kev's response: So ... your therapist would say that you have regular thoughts about bullying, strange phenomena, love, murder and demons? That would make for some interesting sessions.


Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?

Edit until you can’t stand it anymore. Learn everything you can about marketing and selling. I sent out over 250 review queries, requests for publicity, etc. I received less than ten replies back. Yes, I said less than ten. I sent a letter to each and every newspaper in Oklahoma (my home state in the USA) and got ONE solitary reply back. I personalized every submission query, DO NOT Bcc these things to a mass audience. You will not receive a reply. You must demonstrate you researched who you sent the query to, let them know you took the time. Yes, it will take you hours upon hours, but, the few replies you receive back will be worth it.

Kev's response: That edit monster. If someone ever made a truly good program to catch fantasy/sci-fi type fiction grammar and spelling errors, I'd be all over it like fur on a cat that's just had a bath and has been blow dried.


Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

Davee Jones My books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and my publisher, Secret Cravings Publishing http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=100
Latest News/Contest information -Visit the blog hop spot for the 4th of July blog hop http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/ (or visit my blog)
My genres: Romance, Erotic Romance, and coming soon, Thrillers and YA
http://finless.blogspot.com/ -- blog
http://www.amazon.com/Davee-Jones/e/B0076AYW10/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1 ---Amazon author page
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/davee-jones --- Barnes & Noble author page
http://twitter.com/finlessbook -- @finlessbook --- Twitter
http://en-gb.facebook.com/finless.book -- Finless daveejones --- Facebook

Kev's response: Davee, thank you for joining me, and I wish you the best on your many books in the works!



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