Meet Jesse Lorenzo

Hey everyone, Jessi here! *waves*

Today we have an interview with Jesse Lorenzo. If you don’t know who she is, you can find her on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and her own website!

The questions are in BLUE, Jesse’s answers are in RED, and any responses I make are in PURPLE!

1. Please tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Yikes! I'm terrible at talking about myself. Let's see... I'm an identical twin and my sister and I still share a psychic connection.For example, she knew just moments before my water broke that it was going to happen and she called my hubby at the crack of dawn. He thought she was nuts until I started shouting.lol That really freaked him out!

I met, fell in love at first sight and married my handsome hubby in a whirlwind romance. We have three beautiful daughters (poor guy is surrounded by chicks) and one fur baby. I'm obsessed over coffee, I'm a bit of a tomboy, I love all things outdoorsy, and if it was socially acceptable, I would live off the grid. And I love books Books BOOKS.

My mom is an identical twin too! That is so awesome! My sister has twins, but they are boy/girl and not identical.

     2. What were you like in school?

I was definitely a storyteller during lunch time. My ultimate goal was to try and get my friends to either spit out their food or pee their pants from laughter. I love the sound of belly laughter. Best sound in the world.

     3. Did you always know that you wanted to write?

Nope. I didn't believe that was in the cards for me then. I wanted to be a veterinarian. I love animals and I don't mind getting my hands dirty. I always considered myself a pretty wild storyteller. It wasn't until 2013 when an intense nightmare had me scribbling down details so that it would never be forgotten. Once I started, I couldn't stop. Characters were formed and, pretty soon, I had a few chapters written out. It was the best thing I could've done.

     4. What are your ambitions in regards to your writing career?

Now that I've started, I can't stop. I love the freedom in writing, creating new worlds and characters that you love and hate. I will continue to write as long as I have inspired ideas, which I don't think will stop any time soon.

     5. What writers (if any) have inspired you?

Robert McCammon (I love you! And I hope you see this!) The man, the myth, the legend... Mr. Stephen King! My two favs.

     6.  What have you written?

My debut novel in my Marked Series, Forever Marked, released in August of 2015. I was thrilled to be a part of an anthology with 11 other amazing authors titled, Tales of The Night (my short story is titled Beauty Beneath the Mask) which released around Halloween. Book 2 in the Marked series, Beyond Redemption, released February of 2016. I am currently involved in another anthology with 7 other authors titled, When Summer Came Calling, which is due to release July 12th of 2016. Book 3 in my Marked Series, Past Forgiven is set to be released later this year.

     7. Give us an insight into your current writings. Who is your main character and what does he or she do that makes him or her so special?

I am just starting a new WIP I'm titling Defied Perception. My MC is Lilith Donoan, she is on a quest to find more people who battle with her same "condition". She is very special. There are forces out there that are trying to harness her mind's abilities and to study her unique perception of the world around her. But she is a force to be reckoned with who won't go down without a fight, and defies them all.

It's in the beginning stages, so it's hard for me to explain. I'm a pantser, so I figure out what will happen along the way. Lol

This sounds very interesting and I can't wait until it comes out!

     8. What genre are your books?

My Marked Series is romantic suspense, both anthologies are contemporary romance, and I am in the process of writing a paranormal and dystopian.

     9. What draws you to a particular genre?

I do not discriminate. I love all genres. If the blurb draws me in, I'll read it. I am a sucker for suspenseful reads.

     10. What actors/actresses would you like to see playing the leading rolls to your latest book?

Oh my gosh! Good question. Hmmm. My male lead, Behr, would be played by Luca Calvani. My Female lead, Ellora, would be played by Nina Dobrev. I love her! The Villain's would be... Giddeon played by Michael Malarkey, Dalton played by Alexander Skarsgard, and Detective Dominick Antonelli by Ben McKenzie (Gothom)

That’s certainly an interesting line-up!

     11. Do you write every day? If so, do you aim for a certain amount of words/pages per day?

Yes, I love to write every day! I just wish my hands worked as fast as my mind does.

     12. What do you feel is the hardest thing about writing? The easiest?

The hardest thing about writing is finding the time, especially in the summer with all three of my girls home. I usually end up waiting until after they are in bed so I have peace and quiet.

The easiest thing about writing is getting into the character’s world. Sometimes, at night, when I am deep into a scene, it feels like I am watching it happen.

     13. Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, do you have any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block for other writers?

Not yet. I set up a playlist for each scene I am writing to help set up my emotions. Alternative rock or something dark for suspenseful scenes, slow instrumental tear jerkers for sad scenes and cheesy love songs for romance scenes. I also hand write in a notebook with my favorite grippy pen when my eyes are bored at staring at my MAC. For some reason, handwriting scenes helps to open up my creativity.

That is some great advice! Writing in a notebook with a change of scene could help a lot of writers with writers block!

     14. Do you proofread and edit your own work? If not, how do you select the person/company that proofreads and edits your work?

No way. I am a storyteller. I will leave the proofreading and editing to my lovely editors and betas. Lol I need all the help I can get.

We have some great editors here at C. M. Wright’s Author Services! You should check out our website. We also offer a free editing sample!

     15. Who designs your book covers and how do you choose different aspects for your covers?

Airicka's Mystical Creations designed all three of my Marked Series covers. I love her to the moon and back. She gets me. I describe what I want and she delivers. I have a thing for eye contact and showing crucial emotions, so each book in the series showcases a main character.

     16. What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

I love all reviews/reviewers and appreciate each one. Yes, even the bad ones. I shake it off and take in what they're saying. If it is something I can grow from and change in the next book, I consider that an invaluable win for me.

I’m so thrilled that so many authors think the same as you do when it comes to bad reviews!

     17. What are your views on social networking? Which social networking sites work best for you?

I am on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I am still not sure what works and what doesn't. I still feel pretty green. I do feel it is a great way to meet and talk with potential readers.

     18. What do you think of trailers for books? Do you have any trailers for your books?

Ooooh, I love book trailers! I've seen some pretty spectacular ones. I don't have one, but I would love to have one made for my series.

C. M. Wright’s Author Services has some great designers that would love to help you out when it comes to trailers! I’ve seen some really good work coming from them lately!

     19. What is your favorite motivational phrase/positive saying?

Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful one of your life.

     20. Describe yourself in three words.

Oh geez. I'm terrible at talking about myself like that. It always feels like oh, look at me, I'm so awesome! Lol!

Okay. 1. Positive 2. Driven 3. Charming

Runs in my hidey-hole.

Jesse, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my interview questions. I have really enjoyed learning about you and I'm sure my readers will as well. I can’t wait to read your next book!

So many wonderful authors, so little time!

I’m very honored that so many of you have taken time out of your busy schedules to allow me to interview you. I truly hope that you will check out our website and look at all the services  we can provide for you.

If there’s an author you would like to see featured on our blogs, please let us know! You can contact us on Facebook, Twitter or our website!

**To get books by the author featured in today’s blog, follow the links below:

Forever Marked (Book 1)

Amazon

iBook 

B&N

Kobo

Beyond Redemption (Book 2)

Amazon

iBook

B&N

Kobo

Tales of the Night

Amazon

When Summer Came Calling (preorder)

Amazon

A little teaser from today's author:

©2016. C. M. Wright's Author Services. All Rights Reserved.

Introducing Ben Burgess Jr.

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing best-selling author Ben Burgess Jr, once again! Thank you so much, Ben, for allowing me the opportunity to delve into the great mind of such a wonderful author. - Jessi

JESSI: Please tell us a little about yourself and your background.

BEN: I'm a father, an author, an NYPD Detective and a personal trainer. I have a BA Degree in Business Management and a MA Degree in Education. I love basketball (I'm a die-hard Knicks fan.) I'm a big movie buff and I love singing karaoke.

JESSI: Ben! I didn't know that you had a degree in education too! Man, you really are a jack-of-all-trades. You're very talented and I, personally, love your books.

JESSI: What were you like in school?

BEN: LOL, I had no choice but to be a good student. My mother has been a teacher for over thirty years and would not tolerate me coming home with anything less than a B+. It was a lot of pressure, but it pushed me to strive for greatness and want the most out of myself.

JESSI: I'm sure that your mother is very proud of you and your success!

JESSI: Did you always know that you wanted to write?

BEN: After reading “Native Son” by Richard Wright in the 8^th grade, I knew I wanted to create something that could have the impact on people the way that novel had on me. After reading books by Eric Jerome Dickey, I knew I wanted to be an author.

JESSI: What are your ambitions in regards to your writing career?

BEN: My goal is to build up my fan base and my book label, Legacy Books, then I’d like to create my own charity to help improve the world for the better. I’m hoping that my lasting legacy will show everyone that if you put your heart and soul into everything you do, you can accomplish anything you think of.

JESSI: With the way you write, and I have told you this before, I see you going far. I see movies coming from your books, especially Love & Happiness and what I have been able to read so far of Daddy's Girl, it's so good! You really know how to keep your reader on the edge of their seat. A lot of writer's don't have as much pull as you seem to have to your readers. I like that in your work. 

JESSI: What writers (if any) have inspired you?

BEN: The most influential writers for me have been Richard Wright and Eric Jerome Dickey. The both inspired me to become an author. Eric Jerome Dickey has talked to me, guided me and even bought my novels in support. The most amazing feeling in the world is seeing your author hero support your books.

JESSI: That's so awesome to see that one of your own favorite authors is supporting you! :)

JESSI: What have you written?

BEN: I have written the poetry book Times Have Changed and Life is Strange, and four novels - Monster, Wounded, Love and Happiness, and Daddy’s Girl. I was also involved in an anthology called The Turnout Queens which I used to create a spinoff for Wounded.

JESSI: Give us an insight into your current writings. Who is your main character and what does he or she do that makes him or her so special?

BEN: My current work is Daddy’s Girl. Nick Johnson is an underachiever who lives for the moment and drowns his regrets and failures with alcohol. What makes him special is due to him being irresponsible - he has a daughter that forces him to grow up and mature.

JESSI: What genre are your books?

BEN: My books' genres are Contemporary Romance, Urban Fiction/African-American Fiction.

JESSI: What draws you to a particular genre?

BEN: I would say the dialogue draws me to a certain genre. If reading a book makes me feel more like I’m watching a movie than actually reading, I fall in love with it.

JESSI: What actors/actresses would you like to see playing the leading roles to your latest book?

BEN: For Daddy’s Girl, I could see Morris Chestnut playing the role as Nick Johnson, and I could see Grace Gealey playing the role of the older Lynn.

JESSI: Do you write every day? If so, do you aim for a certain amount of words/pages per day?

BEN: I try to write something every day, but I don’t put a limit to what I write. It could be a paragraph, a page, or a chapter. As long as I do something constructive, I’m happy.

JESSI: What do you feel is the hardest thing about writing? The easiest?

BEN: The hardest thing about writing is fighting against the fear that readers will understand your story and enjoy it. The easiest part for me is doing the actual writing. Once I’m in the "zone" it’s easy.

JESSI: Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, do you have any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block for other writers?

BEN: I go through writer’s block sometimes. When I do, I usually read an unrelated book from the topic I’m working on and I continue to write despite not having ideas. I feel forcing myself to work pushes me to do better.

JESSI: Do you proofread and edit your own work? If not, how do you select the person/company that proofreads and edits your work?

BEN: I proofread my work thoroughly before I hand my manuscript over to an editor. I mostly choose an editor by their experience, education, style and recommendation. It’s always hard finding an editor that compliments your style, so it’s definitely a challenge.

JESSI: Who designs your book covers and how do you chose different aspects for your covers?

BEN: I, along with my friend, Leah Frieday, design the covers for my books. I look at different portfolios for the pictures and Leah helps to make my visions come alive. I try to make my covers symbolic and emotional.

JESSI: What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

BEN: No matter how great your book is, there will always be someone who doesn’t like it. Bad reviews happen to every author. For me, I look at all my reviews. If they are constructive, and I feel they can help me to become a better author, I’ll consider the advice given in the review. If I feel they are blatant attacks on me as a person or negative for no real reason, I ignore them and don’t let them bother me. You have to have thick skin as an author.

JESSI: What are your views on social networking? Which social networking sites work best for you?

BEN: I think social networking is really important. I’ve met a lot of fellow authors, reviewers and readers on social networks. I found the best ones that have worked for me so far are Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Pinterest. I wouldn’t have the fanbase I have today if it weren’t for social networking.

JESSI: What do you think of trailers for books? Do you have any trailers for your books?

BEN: I think they are a new idea that can be effective. I have a trailer for Daddy’s Girl.

JESSI: What is your favorite motivational phrase/positive saying?

BEN: Ten Two Letter Words: “If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me.”

JESSI: I had never heard this particular phrase before, and it's a good phrase! I will have to remember that one.

JESSI: Describe yourself in three words.

BEN: I would describe myself as Driven, Assiduous, Benevolent. 

JESSI: Once again, Ben, thank you so much for taking the time to allow me to interview you. It has been a pleasure and I enjoyed learning more about you. Now, it's time for me to go back to reading my copy of Daddy's Girl!

Jacquie Rogers

Tell a little about yourself. (short bio)
I like the three R’s: Reading, Rodeo, and Restaurants.  You’ll find all three of those in my books.  I’m from Owyhee County, Idaho and I grew up on a dairy farm wishing those danged Holsteins were longhorns.  Even though I never gave a single thought to being a writer until much later, I’ve always lived in a rich made-up world.  Now I live in the burbs of Seattle but we’ll probably be moving back to Owyhee County in the near future, and I’m really looking forward to the sagebrush and alkali dirt.  It’s part of my DNA.

What can you tell us about your books?
They’re all fun—a little grit, a little heartwarming, and a lot of action.  My goal is to write stories that take people away from the real world for a few hours—a little emotional vacation.  Also, I’ve never quite found my way into the box that people keep talking about, so my stories have a tendency to run on the quirky side.  Or so I’m told. 

I have several western historical romances novels out, five books in the Hearts of Owyhee series, and a few single titles.  Also, I’ve written several faery stories, a contemporary western romance, and the first two novellas of a traditional western series, The Muleskinners, all of which will be reissued later this year.  As Ford Fargo (one of the many authors who write under that name), I’ve written traditional western stories for the Wolf Creek series.

But my latest release doesn’t fit any genre.  Hot Work in Fry Pan Gulch is the first in the Honey Beaulieu – Man Hunter series.  This series is Honey’s story, set in the Old West and you’ll meet up with a ghost, find a little mystery, a little romance, and a lot of action and adventure.  I’m excited about the series and I adore the cover.  The cover artist used my granddaughter as a model and I can’t wait to see what the artist does for the second book, Sidetracked in Silver City. That book should be released the first week of June.

Mostly, I hope readers have fun with my characters.

What genre do you write and why?
Honey Beaulieu is her own genre (I guess you could call the series a “wacky western”), plus I write traditional western, western historical romance, western fantasy romance, fantasy romance, and have dabbled in YA fantasy.  The reason I like western and fantasy is because I grew up in Owyhee County, which is still the Old West by most people’s notions of it, so it’s not hard to get the characters to talk to me.  In fact, it’s usually hard to get them to shut up and let someone else on stage.  Fantasy is awesome because you can make up any durn thing you want. 

If a fiction writer, is any part of your book based on events in your life?
Many of the events are based on things I saw, heard, or did in Owyhee County, Idaho, when I was growing up, and I also mine family stories for ideas. Jake, the heroine in Much Ado About Mavericks (Hearts of Owyhee #4) is the person I wanted to be but obviously never could be (because she’s a larger-than-life character), although I can shoot as well as she could—but I’m seriously pathetic at roping.

What was the greatest challenge you faced with publishing your work?
Juggling.  At any given time, I’m simultaneously plotting a new book, writing a book, editing the next release (so working on a minimum of three books at a time), while creating graphics, coding my website, and marketing.  Sometimes all those balls in the air all end up on the ground and I’m chasing them every which way.  But eventually I get it together and manage to make some forward progress.

What are you currently working on?
I’m writing Sidetracked in Silver City (Honey Beaulieu – Man Hunter #2), plotting a mail-order bride book for Prairie Rose Publications, and also plotting Honey #3—no title yet.  Oh, and getting Hot Work in Fry Pan Gulch (Honey Beaulieu – Man Hunter #1) and Mercy: Bride of Idaho (American Mail-Order Brides #43) in print.  In fact, I’ll be ordering copies later tonight.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
Maybe my short attention span would be considered a quirk.  I seem to have about a ten-minute limit, then I’m surfing the net for some tidbit that ends up being a two-hour tumble down the rabbit hole.

Do you have a favorite author or book?
That’s always such a hard question because until I started this gig and became acquainted with other writers, I never bought by author, mainly because I’ve always had an awful time remembering names.  In college, I read Mary Renault’s books, so I could choose her, but of course there are several others who are just as fabulous, and some of them are my close friends.

Describe yourself in three words.
Fun-loving weird writer.

But don’t believe reports of stubbornness.  I am not.

Shakuita Johnson

Tell a little about yourself. (short bio)
Shakuita Johnson is a 31-year-old Psychology major. When she isn't going to school or working, she is doing what she loves most. Writing. She started writing in middle school. She would write poetry in her room or the middle of the night. Then she was introduced to short stories in a creative writing course her senior year. Her love for paranormal and supernatural started with R.L. Stine Goosebumps books and TV shows, Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles, and Christopher Pike books. She is an avid reader with over 100 books on her bookshelf and 1000 plus on her iPad. She also loved to watch Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer with her mom.

What can you tell us about your books?
They are dark, sometimes expectantly funny, and I like to push the envelope. They are my own little fantasy worlds that I enjoy getting lost in. They are very different from anything out now. Especially my Dark Indiscretions series as they are told from the POVs of the villains. There are no heroes although they have moments of good.

What genre do you write and why?
Paranormal mostly because I enjoy getting lost in a world where the rules aren't black and white. I love all things supernatural and dark.

If a fiction writer, is any part of your book based on events in your life?
For the most part And So She Waited had a lot of myself in it. Feelings I've felt regardless of acting on them and just a lot of the emotional tone was from my life.

What was the greatest challenge you faced with publishing your work?
Not totally knowing what the fuck I was doing. I still don't know what I'm doing but I'm still pushing through. It's also a challenge because things are ever changing from one release to the next.

What are you currently working on?
Snap Shot a dark romance that is F/F with fellow author LM Adams. We both mostly write paranormal so this is a bit outside our comfort zones but I'm not too worried. It still going to be dark and twisted the only difference is it's regular people and not supernaturals. Also work on a few short erotica pieces for fun.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
Not that I've noticed. Mostly I write either in silence or with The Hobbit on in the background. But I can't write to music at all.

Do you have a favorite author or book?
Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice...every time I read it I find something I missed. The story of the twins and how vampires came to be is my most favorite thing to read.

Describe yourself in three words.
Smart, funny, emotional

Ben Burgess Jr

Tell a little about yourself.

I’m a father, husband, NYPD Detective, Author, and personal trainer. I’m a person who wants to leave a lasting, positive difference in the world.

What can you tell us about your books?

I put my heart and soul in every book. I believe art imitates life, so when fans read my books, I want to challenge them with stories that will make them think. With all of my books, my goal is to stir the readers emotions.

What genre do you write and why?

I write African American Fiction/Urban Fiction and Contemporary Romance. I write in those genres because I feel they’re broad enough for me to write realistic stories. I try to write novels where a majority of people can relate to the situations and characters.

If a fiction writer, is any part of your book based on events in your life?

All of my books have a part of me in them. “Monster” was semi-fictional. 90% of it was true, with a lot of characters, situations, and names were changed around to protect the actual people they were based on. A part of the character design for “Samantha” in my novel “Wounded” was based on a family member of mine as well as numerous women I’ve met in life. In “Love and Happiness”, both Chris and Karen have parts of me in their character design. After interviewing a lot of women to get the “voice” down for Karen, I feel she has such a diverse personality because she was based on lots of women. I feel when an author puts parts of his soul in his work, the readers can feel the emotion in the book and it makes it easier to connect.

What was the greatest challenge you faced with publishing your work?

One of the most significant challenges I’m facing now is convincing readers that not all African American Fiction/Urban fiction book are about drug, baby mama drama, gangs, or crime. I feel that sometime African America fiction is viewed as the “reality tv show.” of literature when many stories within the genre are deeper than that. Sometimes its very hard for me to find reviewers and bloggers to give my novels a chance because of the stigma that comes with the genre. While it can be frustrating, I know the best way to change people is by doing it one at a time. I try to alter the opinions of every reviewer I meet with my work.

You are a three time Reader’s Favorite International Award Winner. Tell us a little about that and will you be going for a fourth this year?

I’m a big believer and fan of Reader’s Favorite. They were the first book award competition that I won. Even though my first novel “Monster” was received well by readers, I wasn’t completely confident in my skill as a writer. Winning that competition helped me to not only gain recognition, but it also gave me the confidence to continue to write. I’ve been blessed to win the competition for three straight years, and I cherish it every time I win. I’m hoping to go for a fourth this year when I enter my next novel “Daddy’s girl.”

Do you have an interesting writing quirk?

I’m very weird when it comes to writing. I don’t follow an outline, everything is mapped out in my head. I constantly rewrite and edit while I’m writing, which is considered a big writers no-no. I have a weird Quentin Tarrintino approach to writing my books. I write the parts as they come to me. It could be the middle of the book, the end of the book, it doesn’t matter. As I write more of the book, I make evolve to fit together with the parts that I’ve previously written.

Do you have a favorite author or book?

My favorite author is Eric Jerome Dickey. His books as well as Richard Wright’s Native son, are the reasons why I am an author today. I’ve been blessed with speaking to Eric Jerome Dickey
personally and he has been a good mentor to me. I was honored when my favorite author was one of the first people to support first novel “Monster.”

Describe yourself in three words.

Persistent. Assiduous, Giving

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