Hello Joyce....Thank you so very much for granting me this wonderful interview of your wonderful novels...Embryo 1, 2 & 3 which are full of 'mystery, thrillers and science fiction reads.'
What or who inspired you to write your wonderful novels: Embryo's 1, 2, and 3?
The idea for the first EMBRYO came like a lightening bolt when hearing a conversation between my husband (who did OB before switching to Cardiology), and an Ob/Gyn friend who was excited about IVF and its advances in curing diseases in utero. As an author who had already published fiction and non-fiction, I thought about all human discoveries - from fire to atomic energy - and the fact that they can be either good or very bad if they fall into the wrong hands. It was a thought that wouldn't let go. Embryo’s storyline led to more questions; i.e. Okay, what happens NEXT. The two sequels were inevitable consequences of the events in Embryo.
How would you describe your novels? Medical thrillers that have evolved into Doctors-&-Cops thrillers
How did you come up with such interesting characters for your novels...1, 2
and 3?
David Levine is based on my husband Bob, a doctor like they don’t make ‘em anymore, & a physician hero who served in the Strategic Air Command. Jill Raney is the kind of woman I wish I were, although there’s’ a lot of me in her: Intense caring about others, stubborn inquisitiveness, the conviction that “experts” are too often wrong, and a reckless disregard for those who say Don’t.
Did you have a method used for creating your characters. And what do you think makes them so believable?
They just come from the heart.
Do you plot your story or do you just get a idea and run with it? The idea first, then a rudimentary plot that gets me maybe a third of the way, and then the story just kind of takes over, surprises me.
What was the most difficult aspect of writing your books? Discipline. I should be more disciplined...but I’m always thinking of the story.
Why do you write? Is it something you've always done, or always wanted to do, or is it something that you started fairly recently? I’ve always written. Was a French Lit major, then worked at Newsweek where I was influenced by staffers who left and went on to write their novels, then wrote lots and got lots of rejection letters. But I kept going...
Did you have to do any special research for your books? I google a lot of stuff, plus Bob loves helping with the medical details which I interweave as I write.
How did you come up with such beautiful book covers. Did you do them yourself?I work with Matt Maguire at Cadescent Press (he’s in Manchester, England). http://candescentpress.com Matt is wonderful. I DO start with my own idea, mull it artistically so it will convey as much as possible what the book is about. Then I “discuss” the idea with Matt via email, and he works with it. He alone came up with the first Embryo cover; then for E2 I found a picture of a baby on Stock Photo, sent it to him and asked that the child be put between the crosshairs...and then E3 was mostly Matt’s idea. I only said I wanted a couple running before an explosion. He’s terrific, and super nice, and always encouraging.
Since I see you have three Embryo novels... will there be Embryo 4 & when?
Oh yes! I’m working on it now. Very excited. Love to scare myself too, grin. :)
Do you manage to write everyday? Yes. Sometimes a little, other times a lot, but want to keep the feeling of moving forward.
What do you like to read when you aren't writing? James Patterson, Agatha Christie, & Ira Levin.
What genre(s) do you like to read apart from your novel? THRILLERS! Doesn’t that sound strange for a former French Lit major? (Some of that was pretty heavy.)
Who is your favorite author(s) and why? Ira Levin. I am fascinated by writers who in one or few words can say it all. News comes that’s sad or terrible, and a character just says, “Oh?” There you have it; in one word that character has revealed indifference, shallowness. Writers who excel at this are Agatha Christie at her best, and the ultimate master, Ira Levin. I am fascinated by Levin’s ingenious brevity. Scenes that have influenced me hugely are, for example, the scene in Levin’s “The Boys From Brazil,” where the female former warden of a concentration camp is about to be brought from her prison cell for Lieberman, the Nazi hunter, to question. Lieberman is just dying of nerves, apprehension, feelings boiling with emotion wondering how he’ll react when he sees her. Finally, her lawyer brings her. The door opens. Lieberman’s heart is in his mouth…and out simply comes a drab old woman with “a disappointed mouth.”
“A disappointed mouth!” This person’s entire life summed up in four words! And we see her, much better than if Levin had gone on and on about her pallor, sunken features, shuffling gait, depressing German prison uniform. He could have done that, but he didn’t. With those four words we see that woman so clearly that it hits us emotionally.
What is Joyce most thankful for in the world we live in? Being alive, loving, and being loved.
Share with us of you and your family, married, children, education...Married for decades, two adult children, education? LIFE. Also: Wheaton College, Jr. Year at the Sorbonne, exchange student in the Soviet Union. Working at Newsweek also taught me a lot. What are your hobbies? Passionate gardener with really ugly hands & torn shirts (from thorns). I grow rambler roses that climb up into the trees, & can often be found on a ladder cutting out old deadwood. But they’re gorgeous in bloom. P.S. The reason I grow ramblers (& some climbers) is so the deer can’t reach them. I learned that the hard way.
Some writers like quiet, other the noise of a coffee shop. How about you? Do you
listen to music or have nose around when you write or do you like silence? Quiet. How would you describe these words as related to your novels? love, friend,
bad person, intern, investigation, DNA, research, medical, rapist, thriller, baby and
adoption. Joyce...just do a few of these...I tried to pull out some meaningful words
from all three novels. If you come up with some better...please add....All important.
I would like to put a favorite excerpt from each of your novels:(this can be as long or
short as you would like)
Embryo 1: “Maria Moran’s first inkling of trouble was the coppery taste in her mouth.”
Embryo 2: “A doctor cries, ‘Take my gun! Even cops can’t depend
on cops!’”
Embryo 3: “That hospital is the devil’s workshop and must be destroyed!”
If you are working on Embryo 4 ...would you have just a little from it? (Now you don't have to do this if you don't wish too) smile! EMBRYO 4: CATCH ME David and Jill help police track a bizarre serial killer who kills couples. Leaves no physical evidence, no prints, fibers, DNA. Cops have nothing to go on.
What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading your novels? That most people are good. And will want to help, to rescue and comfort. Also...that doctors can help when cops’ hands are tied, or in ways that even the most sophisticated police forensics never thought of.
After reading your reviews for Embryo's 1, 2, and 3 how have your reviews helped you after reading them?
I love my readers. Their reviews are so cherished, and re-charge my batteries when I’m feeling tired or discouraged.
What is on the agenda for Ms. J.A. Schneider for 2014-15? Writing more.
Where can we find out about you and your novels online? ...(email ...website...etc.)
Website: http://jaschneiderauthor.net/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoyceSchneider1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JASchneiderAuthor? skip_nax_wizard=trueGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5832782.J_A_Schneider
Joyce, Thank you so much for granting me this interview with you over your wonderful novels. It has been a pleasure and I will be looking forward to your next novel Embryo 4 which will be coming soon!
Below are three reviews of 'The Embryo Series' given by Arlena Dean
Title: Embryo
Author: J.A. Schneider
Published By: J.A. Schneider
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"Embryo 2" by J.A. Schneider was a wonderful sequel to 'Embryo' that turned out to be another good mystery thriller read. The author did a wonderful job with all of the twist and turns in the 'fast paced medical suspense and thriller.' You will find from this read again trying to figure out who this guilty person was. Truly all of the characters were so well developed and captivating only keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what was coming next. All I can say is the writing of this novel gives the reader good writing and a awesome plot that was simply well done. This author has truly done her research with all of the medical terms thought the read. The hero and heroine of this read was simply off the chart in how they were a wonderful obstetrical team that solved medical problems, at the same time they both were faced with all the dangers from this crazy psychopathic rapist and murderer. It only left me saying Wow... what a read.
If you are into a good medical thriller with lots of suspense..."Embryo 2" will take you there and let's not forget about this author's first one...'Embryo' which really takes you to the second novel. Would I recommend? YES!
Title: Embryo 2 Crosshairs
Author: J.A. Schneider
Published By: J.A. Schneider
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"Embryo 2 Crosshairs" by J.A. Schneider was a wonderful sequel to 'Embryo' that turned out to be another good mystery thriller read. The author did a wonderful job with all of the twist and turns in the 'fast paced medical suspense and thriller.' You will find from this read again trying to figure out who this guilty person was. Truly all of the characters were so well developed and captivating only keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what was coming next. All I can say is the writing of this novel gives the reader good writing and a awesome plot that was simply well done. This author has truly done her research with all of the medical terms thought the read. The hero and heroine of this read was simply off the chart in how they were a wonderful obstetrical team that solved medical problems, at the same time they both were faced with all the dangers from this crazy psychopathic rapist and murderer. It only left me saying Wow... what a read.
If you are into a good medical thriller with lots of suspense..."Embryo 2" will take you there and let's not forget about this author's first one...'Embryo' which really takes you to the second novel. Would I recommend? YES!
Published By: J.A. Schneider
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"Embryo 2 Crosshairs" by J.A. Schneider was a wonderful sequel to 'Embryo' that turned out to be another good mystery thriller read. The author did a wonderful job with all of the twist and turns in the 'fast paced medical suspense and thriller.' You will find from this read again trying to figure out who this guilty person was. Truly all of the characters were so well developed and captivating only keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what was coming next. All I can say is the writing of this novel gives the reader good writing and a awesome plot that was simply well done. This author has truly done her research with all of the medical terms thought the read. The hero and heroine of this read was simply off the chart in how they were a wonderful obstetrical team that solved medical problems, at the same time they both were faced with all the dangers from this crazy psychopathic rapist and murderer. It only left me saying Wow... what a read.
If you are into a good medical thriller with lots of suspense..."Embryo 2" will take you there and let's not forget about this author's first one...'Embryo' which really takes you to the second novel. Would I recommend? YES!
Title: Embryo 3
Author: J.A. Schneider
Publisher: J.A.S.
Series: Embryo 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"Embryo 3" by J.A. Schneider was another on of this author wonderful 'adrenalin packed thriller' mystery reads that was the third in this series. Once you pick up any of the 'Embryo's reads you will not be able to put it down this fast read until the end and I found this one was off the chart....well written. We find from this read that there were problems between Jill and David due to what will happen to the baby Jesse. Was adoption in order? What is next for these two? Now we have someone who calls himself the 'devil spawn' who wants to destroy 'the devils' workshop' which was the hospital that Jill and David worked. We see once more that Jill and David will "join forces with the police in a terrifying race to track down a killer, and to prevent an unthinkable catastrophe." Will they be able to save this hospital and their precious Jesse? Now, you must be ready for a lots that will go on in this fast thriller mystery read and this is where I say you must pick up "Embryo 3" to see just how this author will bring it all out to you and in the end ? I really liked how this author was able to bring out all of the little details making this read so very intriguing. Be ready for a read that will have religious issues, medicine, bring on the psychos and all of this will give you one excellent read from the start to the finish. Would I recommend "Embryo 3?" Yes, along with the other two previous novels... 'Embryo and Embryo 2.' "Embryo 3" can be read as a stand alone read however, to really get the depth of it all I would suggest you read them in order.
This was absolutely a amazing series....and I will be waiting for your next one!
Arlena Dean
arlenadean@cox.net
http://agordond.blogspot.com
http://arlenabookreivews-arlenadean.blogspot.com
Again J.A. thank you for the interview.
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