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TR: Jaye, first of all, thanks so much for coming…and good morning!
JF: Good morning, Thomas, and thank you for hosting me today in your series of Author Interviews.
TR: It’s my pleasure. So, let’s get this party started, shall we? How old were you when you wrote your first piece?
JF: Actually, I’d like to combine this answer with your questions about what my first book was, and also what genre…
Although I had written lots of short stories and extended “Dear Diary” episodes of fantasy, I first garnered an audience in the eleventh grade—and for all the wrong reasons. I wrote an essay on the shortcomings of the then-current educational system— particularly the static and inflexible curriculum of high school. The teacher took personal offense and passed the six-page treatise to the principal, who called in a guidance counselor who was certain a meeting with my parents was just the ticket to “getting me back on track.” While the irony in their actions sadly confirmed my premise, I did learn the limitations of traditional education and the value of self-directed study.
TR: Folks, I’ve just been put on notice that Jaye is now in charge of the interview 
So, what have you written since then?
JF: I’m fortunate to write for a national monthly, the NUSA Sun. The discipline of deadlines, content, and length limitations keeps me constantly on the lookout for new ideas while knowing I have to remain focused on production. It’s also provided me with an opportunity to meet people who I would never have met otherwise. In addition to the five books, The Kure, The Possibilities of Amy,The Cruise-All That Glitters, The Beach, and Love Travels Forever, I’ve previously written other works on a “for hire” basis, including a few non-fiction projects.
TR: You obviously stay busy. Very nice! Tell me, what was the inspiration for your current book?
JF: My newest book, titled Love Travels Forever is a collection of my favorite short stories and essays. Compiled from impromptu interviews, happenstance meetings, and childhood recollections, they’re emotional journeys, and yet each one reaches out to the reader with honest and genuine compassion that I hope will be remembered long after the book is finished.
TR: It sounds fascinating! Tell us a little more about it, and where it’s available.
JF: Here’s a brief synopsis:
In Love Travels Forever, Jaye Frances captures the reader’s heart with an inspiring collection of seventeen stories filled with romance and passion, the hopeful innocence of youth, and a love so strong that it transcends the mortality of life. Here are just a few of the people you’ll meet:
Evan and Frankie, a loving couple traveling through life hand-in-hand, are unaware that the shadow of fate is about to tear them apart. Helpless to change their shortened future together, one of them makes a promise—a promise of devotion and courage, honoring a love that surpasses the boundaries of time.
Mark and Janice, the perfect couple with the perfect life, are on the threshold of finally seeing their dreams come true—until an unexpected circumstance changes their lives forever.
Danny, a young soldier fresh out of boot-camp, is desperate to find a way to travel home and marry his sweetheart before being shipped overseas. Stranded in a train station on a three day pass with no hope in sight, Danny meets Wanda, an incredible woman who vows to find a way to bring Danny and his fiancé together.
Nora and Georgia are two eight-year-old best friends who share giggles, dolls, and secrets. But when one of them faces sudden danger, the other responds with an unconditional act of love and forges a lifelong bond between them unaffected by fear or prejudice.
So find a quiet spot, get comfy, and grab a box of Kleenex. You’re about to take an unforgettable journey of the heart, to a place where compassion and hope have no limits, and where love continues to travel forever.
TR: Okay, I’m sold Is there a particular place or setting where you get your writing ideas?
JF: Great question, Thomas, and I’d honestly have to say that every one of my books was inspired by different circumstances, experiences, and motivation. For example, The Possibilities of Amy came to life after attending a twenty-fifth high school reunion, where a former classmate revealed he had a secret crush on me during those four years. The Beach was developed after attending a friend’s wedding and visiting the beautiful gardens surrounding the temple—and a humbling monument that took me by surprise. And The Cruise-All That Glitters pushed its way to the surface after meeting a man I’ll never forget during a particularly interesting cruise vacation.
TR: Interesting enough to write about. Nice. What made you choose either traditional or independent publishing?
JF: I initially gave traditional publishing a shot, and after experiencing minimal guidance, unexplained delays, and a general lack of urgency in getting my work in front of potential readers, I decided to pursue the world of independent publishing. I’m a little bit of a control freak, which provides the motivation to pay close attention to the decisions I make, and the direction I’m headed.
TR: Not an uncommon reply to that question, I assure you. If you had to choose the most important element in an author’s platform, what would it be?
JF: Availability and interaction with your audience, whether it’s in the form of a website, Facebook page, blog, or other means. It’s my opinion that readers want a way to follow and connect with their favorite authors, and to have their voices heard and respected.
TR: Excellent answer! What mistakes have you made in regards to publishing and marketing your work, and what will you do differently in the future?
JF: I’ve learned that timing is everything. Today’s popular genres and story lines could easily become repetitive and predictable in just a few months. The flip side is that a great story—one that holds the imagination with well fleshed-out characters and an interesting plot—can usually find, and hold, an audience.
TR: Too right. Do you have an idea for your next book?
JF: Book two in “The Kure” series is currently simmering on a low boil, and will be taking up the majority of my attention in the coming months. I’m also working on a supernatural mystery tale. With any luck at all, both projects will succeed in reducing my beauty sleep.
TR: Jaye, first of all, it was truly a pleasure. And best of luck with “Love Travels Forver” – and in all your future writing.
There you go, folks. A little bit of a peek into Jaye Frances and her writing life. Be sure to pick up a copy of her book, won’t you? And read below for Jaye’s bio and contact information.
Tune in Tuesday, when I interview my good friend Andrea Buginsky, and her novel “Nature’s Unbalance”…be there!
Jaye’s Author Bio: Jaye Frances is the author of The Kure, a paranormal-occult romance novel, The Possibilities of Amy, a coming-of-age romance novella, The Cruise-All That Glitters, a humorous adult satire about love on the high seas, The Beach, a sci-fi supernatural tale about a man who is given the opportunity to receive his ultimate wish, and Love Travels Forever, a collection of poignant short stories and essays. She is also a featured columnist for the NUSA Sun magazine. Born in the Midwest, Jaye readily admits that her life’s destination has been the result of an open mind and a curiosity about all things irreverent. When she’s not consumed by her writing, Jaye enjoys cooking, traveling to all places tropical and “beachy” and taking pictures—lots of pictures—many of which find their way to her website. Jaye lives on the central gulf coast of Florida, sharing her home with one husband, six computers, four cameras, and several hundred pairs of shoes. For more information, visit Jaye’s website at www.jayefrances.com, or Jaye’s Blog at http://blog.jayefrances.com
Amazon link for Love Travels Forever:
