BIO:
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, writing has always
been a passion of mine. I dabble in artistic creations of all sorts but at the
end of the day, it’s the pen that my hand itches to hold. I had never
considered following my dream to be a writer because I was told "There is
no money in writing." So I chose the path most often traveled. Now working
at my day job in a law office, I look at my two year old son and ask myself,
how will I be able to inspire him to follow his dreams, reach for the stars, if
I never had the guts to do it myself. So here I am, age 25, unleashing the
plethora of characters and their crazy adventurous worlds into the realm of
readers. Hoping to inspire not only my son but myself. Inviting the world to
tag along on my journey to become the writer I have always wanted to be.
Recently I have discovered a new passion in
encouraging youth to follow their dreams and explore creative passions. It is
no secret that programs are dwindling that help to support the development of
artistic passion. I hope to be able to create an avenue to help fill this void.
It is the realization that my journey is not all about me, that help fuel me
and keep me going.
Interview:
1.
What
was the first book you ever wrote? What was the inspiration behind it?
The first book I ever wrote was a fantasy about a
girl and her dad. I was 12 and it never saw the light of day. It was inspired
by my hope to see my father again who had passed away. I used to tell myself
bed time stories, it was how I coped with reality when things got hard to
handle. Crazy to think that at 12 I needed to cope, but I was a Tomboy
blossoming into a young woman, I had lost my father and I was a ball of
emotions. Those stories helped me get through it. One day I just decided to sit
down and write it out.
2.
When
did you first realize that you could write?
I realized I could write early in life. I had a very
active imagination and I was always coming up with intricate storylines for
everything. Playtime was always an adventure. And once I realized my love for
reading, I guess it just hit me that I could do it as well, put pen to paper
and log those story lines. I never shared them with anyone but I did enjoy
watching the stories come to life and having them for me to read later and
remember. From time to time I will still bring out those stories and read them.
It brings me such happiness.
3.
What
do you do in your spare time when you’re not writing?
I am usually playing ninja with my son, or getting
crafty as I have rediscovered my passion for creating things with my own two
hands. I also enjoy getting out for fun with adults. Bowling, catching a movie
or a dinner with the girls. I try to relax. But also I spend time working out,
well because we all want to do what we love and look good while doing it!
4.
Do
you have a writing food or drink that you always have to have in times of work?
CEREAL!!!! Yes, I am a bit of an addict. There is a
shelf in my room dedicated to the stuff. I love it and every dietician,
trainer, and anyone in the healthy living community will tell you that I need
to knock it off, but I don’t care. It’s the one thing I will not give up.
5.
What
or who is your biggest inspiration?
My son is my ultimate inspiration. I love watching
him grow and I want to be able to inspire him to be courageous enough to chase
his dreams. Kids are so optimistic and they have an unquenchable thirst for
life and knowledge. My son renewed that in myself and I am just so motivated to
set a good example for him. In all areas of life.
6.
Where
do you see yourself five years down the road?
Big question. My dream for 5 years, in my own house
and being able to support myself from writing. I also want to branch out and
use my work as a ways to reach the youth of the world. I want to encourage them
from an early age to follow their passions and move forward with their dreams.
I also see myself hanging with my son. I want to have more time to just enjoy
him as he grows because time is just flying by and I don’t want to miss a
moment of his life.
7.
What
are five fun facts about yourself?
1. I
like brownies but not chocolate cake.
2. At
one point in life I was destined to be a fashion designer/lawyer!
3. I
wanted to be an oceanographer but I am afraid of large masses of water.
4. The
sound track to my writing is stand-up comedy. Netflix I love you!
5. I
love writing all things paranormal and spooky, but I hate scary movies. If it’s
coming from my mind, it’s all good. But from someone else… no thank you!
8.
What
is your process of writing?
I get his with a story, like characters yelling at
me. I grab a pen and paper and hand write it. Yes, terrible for my wrist but
it’s the way it works for me. I feel more connected to the story. Even after I
type it all up, all edits/revisions are done pen to paper. If the characters
become silent I walk away from the story until they start protesting again.
This could mean a book gets written in couple weeks or a few months. Its all up
to my characters. I don’t plot or outline. I let them tell me their story
before I go in and make the necessary tweaks.
9.
What
is your biggest accomplishment with writing?
I would have to say the people I have met. I have
been nominated for a few awards. And I am so thrilled for that because I am so
new to this, but its been meeting wonderful new people and also being a source
of encouragement for others to follow their dreams. I started just wanted to be
happy and to be an example for my son, but I have been contacted by quite a few
people who say that by watching me chase my dream, they have found the courage
to go after their own.
10.
If you could co-write with anyone, who would
it be?
I actually get a chance to co-write with an awesome
author that I recently met. I loved her work and we have become great friends.
She approached me with the idea and I was just so ecstatic and I cannot wait to
dive in and get it done. I won’t reveal too much, but I am seriously giddy over
it.
11.
What
inspires you while you’re writing?
I
am inspired by the idea of creating something new. I never want my stories to
be predictable or like anything else you have ever read. And each time I am hit
with that power house switch up in my stories, it just fuels me to keep
writing, and keep creating. I love my characters and their amazing lives and
that I get to live a life that is a bit more exciting because of them.
Guest Post:
Hi, my name is Jessica Cage and I am a paranormal author
from Chicago. First off I would like to thank Book Boyfriend Obsessions for
allowing me access to their wonderful blog and for giving me a chance to reach
out to more awesome readers.
A bit about me… I am an artistic soul, I have always loved
to create things with my hands and I always dreamed to be someone who created
something beautiful to contribute to the world. This took me through all of the
phases, from drawing, to graphic designs and fashion designs. I wanted to do it
all. It never really dawned on me that Writing could be that beautiful
contribution. I have always had the passion for words. Extracting the wonderful
worlds I created in my mind and watching them come alive on the page was the
most thrilling part about my childhood. But then, the notebook would be full
and then stuffed away in a box or bag never to be seen again.
It wasn’t until I had my son that I decided to go for
writing. Why? Well I spent 8 months on bed rest and during that time I could do
nothing but write. It brought me comfort and I began to really dream again
about sharing those words. Before that point I had never had the guts, and I
was told “There’s no money in writing!” I chose to do what made sense to most
people. Work, and make money. But I was unhappy. I can say those moments,
feeling the creation that was happening inside of my body and watching the
creation that was happening inside my mind spread across the screen of my
laptop, was the most enjoyable for me. Because that is when I decided to chase
this dream and to use my chase, my push for my happiness, to encourage my son
to do the same.
A bit about my work. I have written a YA series entitled
The
High Arc. The 3
rd book to the series,
Alexa’s
Adytum just released January 1, 2014. This series is truly my baby I have
watched it grow for 3 years. I love the story and I hope that Alexa’s strength
is something to encourage young girls. She has to fight for what she wants. I
personally became tired of the weak heroin and I wanted to create a character
that was closer to the average girl. She has her ups and downs and she has to
find her own strength because no one is going to do it for her. Book three
really takes the time to explore not only Alexa’s struggles but also the lives
of the other women. I believe it gives each girl who reads this story someone
to connect to because we aren’t all the same and we don’t all have the same
struggles. Each one of them is at a different point in their journey and they
are all facing something that requires them to step outside of their comfort
zones. Which, as we all know, is when greatness happens.
A bit of Alexa’s
Adytum…
“I am trapped here!”
Alexa screamed and the ground began to rumble and a crack extended into the
sea. The waves crashed against the shore and filled the voids that were created
with warm salty water.
“You are not trapped
Alexa, you have chosen not to leave.” Rasmiyah still managed to sound relaxed.
“I want to leave.
Isn’t that choosing? Isn’t wanting to leave enough?” The sky became crowded
with dark clouds; loud thunder shook the world as they crashed against each
other.
“Well, if it is, maybe
you don’t really want it, because you are still here. Wanting something, and
choosing something is not the same thing Alexa.” Rasmiyah spoke softly, her
voice carrying over to Alexa on a breeze even though the sound of the thunder
tried to drown her out.
Teasers :
Connect with Jessica on facebook and keep up with her latest updates and books.
https://www.facebook.com/jcageauthor
Such an amazing author, make sure to check out her books. :) You'll regret it if you don't. We can't wait to hear of more from Jessica!!
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