This is my first author interview, beginning with a wonderful writer Linell Jeppsen.
She has written some wonderful books and although I have not read them all yet, those I have, took me on a wondrous magikal adventure indeed. Today we are featuring Onio a recent publication of Linells.
Short author bio: Linell Jeppsen is a writer of science fiction and fantasy. Her vampire novel, Detour to Dusk, has received over 24- four and five star reviews. Her novel Story Time, with over 56- 4 and 5 star reviews, is a science fiction, post-apocalyptic novel, and has been touted by the Paranormal Romance Guild, Sandy’s Blog Spot, Coffee time Romance , Bitten by Books and 54 top reviewers as a five star read, filled with terror, love, loss, and the indomitable beauty and strength of the human spirit. Story Time was also nominated as the best new read of 2011 by the PRG! Her dark fantasy novel, Onio (a story about a half-human Sasquatch who falls in love with a human girl), was released in December 2012 and won 3rd place as the best fantasy romance of 2012 by the PRG reviewers guild!
For more information about Linell Jeppsen and her novels, visit
http://neljeppsen.weebly.com, or http://www.worldcastlepublishing.com/home.html
Website: http://neljeppsen.weebly.com
Facebook: linelljeppsen @facebook.com
Twitter: nelj@Twitter.com
Synopsis. In this modern world of science and high technology, in secret places deep under the ground and in the forest primeval, legends still walk the earth and what we think of as myth and fairy tale are all too real.
Driving home late one night, Melody Carver, bereft and grieving after the death of her mother, sees a strange creature standing on the lonely road. This being will change her world-view forever, and open her eyes to a reality beyond her imagination.
Melody’s chance encounter on that dark and snowy road will mark the beginning of a journey of discovery and wonder that will bring two worlds together in hope and despair.
Can one person bridge the gap between the ancient and the modern, the mundane and the magical?
An urban fantasy filled with adventure, romance, war, heartbreak and triumph!
Tell us a little about your book.
Onio is the story of a half-human Sasquatch who falls in love with a human girl. It is a story about magic, and how the power of love can transcend all obstacles!
How did you come up with the title?
I have done enough research to know that many scientists think that Sasquatches may have descended from the Mongolian slopes- so I tried to come up with a name that would make sense for a first son, from a prehistoric oriental standpoint.
What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write this book when I read a newspaper article that said a man saw a huge humanoid form crossing the road in front of his car one snowy night, at the top of Sherman pass (which is about 10 miles from where I live!) So many people in this high mountain region believe that the Sasq are real, I felt that I should write a tale about them. (if one of them gets a hold of a copy, I hope they like it!)
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes. All of my novels focus on the same thing- and that is tolerance… just because we are different from one another doesn’t make us better, or worse. We are just different! Intolerance is the key to war and this world has seen enough war. (Okay, I’m hopping off the soapbox now! LOL!)
What is your writing process?
Oh, I am worst sort of panster! I DO start out with an outline… at least a beginning, a middle and an ending, but, in short order, the outline is usually meaningless- forgotten in the rush of creating!
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
The end, I think. Especially if I know the story has power… If I am wiping tears from my eyes, I know I wrote a good story!
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part of writing Onio was getting the technical, and military aspects right. I tried to do the research, but gave up in disgust and contacted two highly qualified (retired) military officers. Thanks again to Everette P. Diener (US Army LT.COL ) and Robert Showers (USMC Staff Sergeant)
What was the biggest challenge you faced writing this book and how did you overcome it? My own feelings of self-doubt are the biggest challenge to my writing— the more people who truly like my strange and fantastic ramblings, however, the better my writing becomes!
How long did it take to write your latest release?
It took two months to write Onio, but that was pushing it a little. It usually takes me about 3-4 months to complete an 80,000 word manuscript.
Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?
Yes! I have two to three Beta readers, and then I hire an editor. Only then does a book go to my publisher. My latest novel, will probably be Indy published, which means that it will need to go to 2 or 3 additional editors before it goes live!
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I have always written- short stories, poems and novels. I wrote my first novel, Detour to Dusk when I was thirty. It has only been within the last three years, though, that my work was published and I climbed on this crazy carnival ride of Indy literature.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I have always really loved Stehen King and his “WHAT-IF?, mentality. I also like Simon Green and Jim Butcher- both great writers of Fantasy. If I was going to emulate anyone’s writing style it would be James Lee Burke. My God, that man makes the written word sound like music!
Have you published anything else?
Yes, Story Time (a post-apocalyptic thriller with over 60- 5 star reviews, Detour to Dusk, ( a vampire love story with 25- 5 star reviews) and, most recently, The War of Odds, a fantasy.
What’s next for you? / What is your next project?
Just this morning, I entered The War of Odds into the ABNA—I might not even pass through the first round, but- just in case- Wish me luck!
Tell us your latest news.
I am pleased to announce that two of my novels, Story Time and Onio, were nominated as best in class by the Paranormal Romance Guild’s reviewers. Onio took third place for best fantasy romance for 2012!
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I hope you enjoy my work! Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at http://neljeppsen.weebly.com and nelj@Twitter.com
Any advice for other writers/indie authors out there?
YES_ The most important piece of advice I can give is EDIT-EDIT-EDIT! Then, when you’re through editing, get an editor! Too many freshmen writers don’t think they need to follow the rules of good grammar but the readers need decent grammar to fully appreciate the story you are trying to tell! I think that, technically speaking, I’m a pretty good writer- still my work goes through no less than 5 sets of edits!
Thanks Linell for letting me interview you, I hope to support many other authors. Good luck with the War of Odds on ABNA
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