Questions and Answers What are you currently working on? Currently I am doing research for my next novel, a Gothic/Fantasy generally dealing with fairies. Are you a member of any writing groups? In college, I was an editor of the Literary Club, but I'm not currently a member of a writing group. Who or what has been a major influence on your writing and why? Different things tend to influence me: People I've known, some life experiences, film, art, music, literature. I firmly believe that to be a successful writer, one needs to put something into the brain to get something out of it. Many things can influence the way you write. Who (Fact or Fiction) would you most like to meet, and what would you ask them? At the moment, I would really like to meet the actor Jonathan Rhys-Meyers. He seems so intriguing, and he's come so far in just under ten years. I'd like to ask him how he was able to pursue his dream, how he keeps going under such pressure and competition and doesn't give up. Although he is an actor, he is just my age, and I feel that becoming a recognized author is just as difficult. Is there a book or story you wish you had written? Yes, I wish I had written the Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. Those books are so detailed and so creative, I wish I could write something like that. Is writing your full time occupation, if not what is? Writing is my full time occupation, and I also work part time nights as a Professional Writing Tutor at a college in Massachusetts. As a reader do you prefer Science Fiction, Fantasy or Horror? I prefer to read horror, and some fantasy. Who is you favorite author? My favorite author is Anne Rice. When did you first decide that you wanted to be an author? I first decided that I wanted to be an author when I was in grade school. I had to write a descriptive paper telling about who I was, and what I looked like. I said in this paper that I had "turquoise" eyes, and when the teacher told me that because I used that word I was a poor writer, I wanted to prove her wrong. I wanted to be the best writer ever, after that day. When did you first feel that you were an author? I first felt that I was really an author when I was on a trip to New Orleans in April of 2001, and I got a call that my book had finally come out to the public. Are you a music fan? If so, what? I'm a big fan of music. I listen to a wide range, depending on my mood: Classical, Movie soundtracks, Celtic, and Rock mainly. Do you enjoy book signings/conventions? I love signings and conventions because I really enjoy meeting people and discussing my work with them. Why do you like SF/F/H? I really like this genre because it provides an escape from reality. It gives you a medium in which you, as the author, can create, destroy, or tell a story in a way which may deviate from society's rules and restrictions. What gives you nightmares? Strange enough, reality is the only thing which gives me nightmares. Things that happen in this day and age are truly horrific, not what an author writes in a book. Have you ever used real life horrors for inspiration? At times, but I find a need to handle this with great care...reality is a very edgy subject to some readers. Is there anything more that can be done with vampires, demons and zombies? Oh yes. I think that there is much to be done with these interesting characters. Short story, single novel or novel series - which do you think is the best medium for horror? True horror I think tends to only need one novel. However, when you cross over into Gothic/Horror or something more deeply psychological, a series might be better for it. What book are you reading at the moment? At the moment I am reading "A Kiss of Shadows" by Laurell K. Hamilton. Do You Always know a Story's Ending When You Begin Writing? Perhaps half the novels I have written knowing the story's ending. The novel I'm currently researching is one of the rare times when I don't know how it's going to end. Have you won any awards for your writing? Not yet, but I'm hoping. Is there something you are particularly proud of? I'm proud of the fact that I've finished my first series prepublication. The first novel has been released, but the other three are still sitting here at my house, awaiting attention. Plug away - what do you have coming out? Hopefully, within the next year or so, my second novel in The Dream Series will come out. It is in talks at the moment. Many Thanks, Jessica! Relevant Links Jessica Barone Main Bibliography Jessica Barone's Web Site