Indie Author Interview with Jerry Lambert - Author of the Historical Fiction / Suspense Romance Queen of Swords.
Jerry Lambert is an American writer and producer from Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Interview with Jerry Lambert
 |
| Author Jerry Lambert |
Jerry Lambert: I have always written. In high school and college I won a few writing awards and I was fortunate to have very encouraging teachers and professors. But my professional life took me in a different direction. I wrote many short stories along the way. When I turned 45 I decided that it was time for me to do the one thing that I had always dreamed of doing, write a novel.
Who are your favorite writers, your favorite books, and who or what are your writing influences?
When I was young I had an eclectic taste in reading material. But when I became a teenager I felt drawn more to thrillers and supernatural suspense with gothic romantic themes. Anne Rice and Stephen King were great influences during those years. I learned the classics in college, but on my own I was still a fan of all kinds of popular fiction as well as autobiographies. Now I read purely for entertainment, so I read anything funny or scary, as well as historical fiction. I love absolutely anything by Dan Simmons. His novel Drood is one of my all time favorites. Summer of Night and A Winters Haunting are fantastic scares as well. You can’t beat classic Shirley Jackson, such as We Have Always Lived in the Castle, also Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale is great.
"There was no doubt in my mind that I would one day write a book [...]"
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
I feel like I always knew, perhaps because I was an avid reader at a young age. There was no doubt in my mind that I would one day write a book, I just had no idea when that would happen.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, I wrote a story about a woman who fell in love with a man on a greek island who turned out to be vampire. I was young and I remember not knowing how to finish the story.
"[...] you make time for the things that are important to you."
Tell us about your writing process. Do you have a writing routine?
I like to write every morning when I get up. Like most people, I have a crazy busy schedule, so I make a point to write a certain amount each morning, even if it isn’t the project I am currently working on. I believe that you make time for the things that are important to you.
Please, describe your desk/workplace.
I have a desk in my office that overlooks my backyard, but to be honest I write mostly in my living room with my laptop on my lap. Sometimes I will move to the dining room. I don’t consider the space important because I don’t see anything once I start. I only see the world I am writing in. The only important thing to me is to not be distracted. I have a rainstorm playing in the background as white noise, usually.
"[...] keep people interested but enough mystery to intrigue the reader."
What do you find easiest about writing? What the hardest?
The easiest part for me is editing. I always thought that would be the hard part. Looking at my work and seeing repetition signals me automatically to delete and revise. Seeing a pared down chapter or paragraph makes me happy. When you are writing a mystery, the most important thing is plotting. So the hardest part is making sure that there are enough clues to keep people interested but enough mystery to intrigue the reader.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Having other people read what I have written and knowing that I took them where I wanted to take them and that they enjoyed the trip.
Jerry, please tell us a little about your Historical Fiction / Suspense Romance Novel Queen of Swords.
Queen of Swords is a story about people in two time lines dealing with the same curse. In 1852 in an antebellum mansion in the Louisiana bayous, a murder and a jewel theft create a chain of events that echo throughout history. Flash forward to present day when Georganne Blaylock, a successful, young interior designer takes on the challenge of renovating that property for an idealistic and handsome architect. Along the way she uncovers the mystery of that murder and jewel theft and becomes enthralled with solving the mystery before the house is completed.
 |
| Click to Read an Excerpt |
What inspired you to write the book?
Growing up in the south I had always wanted to write a book that took southern gothic and put a twist on the haunted house trope. I wanted to wade into my favorite genres and see what I could do with them. I wanted to write the kind of book that I would like to read.
"[...] everyone loves a good story."
Who do you see as your target audience?
I think anyone who enjoys a thriller with a sexy and supernatural twist will enjoy Queen of Swords. I have eclectic tastes in books and I think a lot of other people do as well. In the end, I think that most readers are like me in that everyone loves a good story.
What makes your book special?
I think it is special because it is an entertaining blend of romance, thriller, supernatural, and even a little adventure. It’s a fun and entertaining read and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Queen of Swords is all of the things I like to read and I believe that will resonate with other readers.
"I am beyond thrilled at the support I have received from my new fans."
How would you describe the success of your self-published books so far?
This is my very first self published book and I have to say that so far I am beyond thrilled at the support I have received from my new fans. People have been very generous with the reviews and they have emailed and messaged to to let me know what they think of the book and most have told me that they would love to read more about these characters in a sequel.
"The only way to find out is to get started."
Can you give some advice for other Authors regarding the writing process?
My best advice for anyone wishing to write is that they should just start. Don’t worry about your what you know or don’t know. Just get your story down. An editor can help you tremendously once you are done, but first and foremost is the uniqueness of the story in your head. If you are an avid reader then you probably already understand pacing and plotting, even if you don’t know you do. The only way to find out is to get started.
Are you working on another book project? Can you tell us a little about it?
Yes, I am working on the sequel of Queen of Swords. It has been so well received and I have been happy to have so many people who want to know how the story continues. And I am thrilled to tell it. I am also working on a different genre of fiction that will come out under a pseudonym that will be available later in the year. More on that later.
"[...] we will always enjoy the warmth and welcoming quiet of a bookstore."
Where do you see the book market in 5 or 10 years? Will there be only eBooks and will book stores disappear like record stores disappeared?
I think brick and mortar stores of all kinds are going to make major changes in the next decade, just as they have in the past decade. I hope that there will always be a place for the physical space of a bookstore. I have been a bookstore patron since I was old enough to buy my first book. New books and used books and libraries. Wherever books were available, I am there. I hope that even as we continue to embrace the eBook, we will always enjoy the warmth and welcoming quiet of a bookstore.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I personally prefer the Kindle Paperwhite. I can read it inside or outside with no glare and it looks exactly like a paper page. I often read on an iPad when I'm inside, and I almost never read on my phone or computer.
Do you write full-time or do you have a day job? When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I have a successful career outside of writing. When I'm not writing or reading or at my day job, my husband and I travel extensively through America, Europe, and Africa.
How can readers connect with you?
Through Facebook, Twitter @vegaslamb and JerryLambertBooks@gmail.com.
Thank you very much for the Interview, Jerry.
About the Book Queen of Swords
 |
| Click to Read an Excerpt |
Georganne fights her feelings for Jeffrey Huston, the brilliant architect, even as the ghosts from the past began to reemerge. When she uncovers a century old mystery, will she find a fortune in lost emeralds or will she become collateral damage in someone else’s game?
One fateful night, it all rides on the turn of a card.
"This was a fun read with interesting characters and a couple of twists I didnt see coming. The descriptions were so well done that I was pulled in pretty quickly. I was definitely impressed that this was a first novel. I love the setting in the deep south and I love antebellum mansions and voodoo. I really felt like I was transported there. [....]" - Reader Review
Links to the Book
Link to the Paperback Queen of Swords on Amazon
Link to the eBook Queen of Swords on Amazon
Please, share with your Friends!
