Let's Welcome Author Janice G Ross!
Ms. Ross will be offering a Free Kindle Read... see how you may receive this at the end of this interview.
Hello Janice.. would you please tell us about yourself.. such as what would you like for your readers to know about you?
JANICE G. ROSS'S Bio..........
Janice Ross was born in Guyana,
South America and migrated to the USA in 1980. Although her
citizenship certificate now reads the United States of America, she
considers herself a citizen of the world. Sure she has not physically
been around the world and back, but she’s traveled in her mind and
dreams.
Janice
is an author. She enjoys writing about social issues and personal
experiences. Janice’s debut release was entitled Damaged Girls.
She uses the three books in that series to detail the effects of
different forms of abuse, discussing issues that are known to be
taboo. Her next release, Jumping Ship, is a dedication to her
country of birth and an introductory novella to the Island Hopping
Series. It is a colorful and emotional experience of life, love
and family. As of present, she is also a contributor to a short story
collection – Just Between Us, Inspiring Stories by Women.
Loving Nate, a novella about the realities of losing one’s
self to love. And most recently, Jezebel Jones, an expose about true
love.
Janice
enjoys reading. And is drawn to stories with distinct characters that
she can love or hate, characters she can form alliances with or
characters that she can swear off and despise. She is also weak for a
good cultural tale, preferably in the form of historical fiction.
Janice loves to be taken off guard by clever language and settings.
You may connect with Janice at:
Websites:
www.culturalcocktails.com
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/JGRWriter
&
continuing on....
What did you want to be when
you grew up besides being a writer and when did you know that you wanted to be a writer/author?
I've always known that I wanted to
be a writer. I've always scribbled, expressed myself and gotten lost in
mountains of stories. Though I stepped away for a while, I eventually came back
to where my heart was meant to be.How did you get started as a writer?
I published my first book at the end of 2112. I encouraged myself and prayed for guidance on a daily basis.
What's the best thing about being a
writer?
The best thing about being a writer
is connecting with readers. I write from a very deep place
that seeks to transport emotions to readers. This is what keeps me
pushing on.
Where do you like to read for
pleasure? Can you name the readers a few books you have on your currently
to-read
pile?
I enjoy reading day and night, in bed or out and the
park. As long as I'm enjoying the storyline, I'm in seventh heaven. As for my
current TBR list, it includes:Destined by Perri Forrest
Love's Culture III by Angelia Vernon
Menchan
Tethered Angel by TM
Brown
Gin and Brimstone by Brit
McGinnis
How was life growing up and how
does it affect your writing? How do you come up with your hero/heroine that you
write about in your novels? What do you think about 'Standalone Reads' and as
compared to 'Series - Book 1' as you write your
novels?
Growing up was a tremendous experience. My family life
dynamic was unique in that I was raised as a Guyanese child in the US. I paid
close attention to the differences amongst my own cultural background and the
one surrounding us. Moreover, I grew up around others from countries around the
world. I valued, and still value, the differences.
My heroines are based on females I'm familiar with or
personalities I've come in contact with. In some cases, these heroines are
closely based on me.
I don't mind stand-alone or series books. I'm only
concerned about reading a captivating story.
Could I get you to give the readers a list all of your books you have published and the order that you have written them? [The publication dates may be found on Amazon].
Janice, I am glad to say I have read most of your novels...and I have added my reviews/or book descriptions from your novels for your readers....
Damaged Girls
I
Book Description...."Be warned… Romance is not at the heart of Damaged Girls. This series revolves around contemporary issues in families and relationships. Steven Briggs is thirty-five, gorgeous and partially successful as an auto shop owner-wannabe. He loves women – young women to be exact. Moreover, he is not above manipulating any situation to have the women he wants. Independent twenty year old Jillian McConnell was once lucky to be a part of his world. Since Stevie was the only man to ever shatter her rough exterior, he knows that she would always keep coming back for more. But Jillian is only good enough some of the time. When the sensual Jessica Rodney comes of age, Stevie is enthralled. He shuns the older part time model, for the time being. But is Jessica’s liveliness enough to sustain Stevie? Or will he keep turning back to the sensible relationship of his past, since he can always make Jillian believe that she should readily be a willing participant in this triangle. Damaged Girls is a complicated novel about the choices and outcomes, associated with the mistakes we make over time."
2
Damaged Girls II
3
What I received from this read....
This author really gives the reader a lots of tragedy and heartbreak as the story continues from "Damaged Girls I" with all the drama that was caused by Stevie and his women. I liked how this author was able to give the readers such a intriguing story showing the dysfunctional drama involving some very interesting characters where friendships will be tested. All of this will greatly bring out to the reader the emotional makeup of a damaged girls dealing with their traumatic events of their past in this doomed triangle. I found this a very interesting read about this predator who was a very sick and twisted person. As I was reading through this story I couldn't help but to wonder what tragedy will their be for a certain character and what can have been done to keep these type of people out of their daily life's? Now, I don't want to spoil it so I will say at this point you will have to pick up the novel and see for yourself how this author presents to the reader. I will say this author really knows how to speak her mind and give the reader something very important to know and think about.
3
Jumping Ship (Island Hopping)
What I liked About "Jumping Ship"....
I found "Jumping Ship" a very good read that once you start it you will find it hard to put down. I loved how this author was able to pull her readers into the story and more over connect them with the characters. Also you can tell that this author really loved this country because of all the detailed description of it all near the Caribbean area as she brings us a good read. This was a love story with lots of mystery...as we follow a married woman and her lover and since this is a beginning of a series I am sure we will get a lots more. This is quite a read of a woman's strength in how she had dealt 'with an abusive husband, self awareness and love.' I will say that that part of the read was not pretty
but then Petrina meets Mikey. I don't want to give any of it away and spoil it for you...Just pick up this amazing read to see for yourself how this author brings it all so well to the readers. There seems to be three parts to this story where you will see it all told with such a intriguing captivating way as the story unfolds. If you are looking for a good romance novel you have come to the right place for "Jumping Ship" will give you in a well written heart warming love story that start this series.
4
Just Between Us, Inspiring Stories by Women
[Janice Ross] is one of the authors
Just Between Us, Inspiring Stories by Women
[Janice Ross] is one of the authors
What I liked from this novel....
I enjoyed reading from these six good author's... their version of 'Life.' They all really had some inspiring short stories about their personal and important moment in their lives that were a good encouragement to all who reads for it. Be ready for a stories of "self doubt, challenges and disappointments."
I found each author anthology had its own unique and personal message with such a deep lesson that was learned from their own particular lives. Each ones life's weren't perfect but they were able to rise above it all so well....and look at them now definitely having over come the odds. I believe each of these author showed that they wrote from their heart with each intimate story showing such emotions that can be conquered. These are definitely stories that can be related and pass on to others who are dealing with such issues such as 'hardships, love, conflict, loss, redemption and the salvation through God's healing love."
5 Damaged Girls III
What I liked from this read......
Wow! What a read. This was this author's third urban fiction that dealt with 'Damaged Girls' and it was indeed a interesting journey especially for Julian and Jessica. I will miss these characters plus a few more because they brought a lot to this captivating series, especially II and III. I was especially happy to see some growth from a few of the main characters as they take and gain control of their own life's that was so important for them to have by the closing of this story.
6
Loving Nate
What I liked about this read....
I thought this novel was a very thought provoking read that definitely caught my attention from this novella from start to finish. This author really does a wonderful job with her well descriptive writing showing all the emotional sides of this thing called love. The two main characters were both richly developed, however, one seemed to change after some time which leaves one to wonder why. This was a intriguing read as you find both people seeming to be very much in love and then later one seems to put away. You could be lead to think maybe they weren't on the same emotional level even though their romance seemed very hot at the beginning.
"Loving Nate" even gets more interesting as this author will gives the reader two alternating endings which I will say are even more intriguing being thought provoking and definitely probable. Will it be option one or two? Now, you will have to pick up "Loving Nate" to see how this author brings it to the reader and then you can choose your desired ending.
What I especially liked about the read....
"Loving Nate" will definitely give one reason to ask the question why is it important who you fall in love with and what they can do with that love...will it be something they want forever or will it just be thrown away at their convenience? When I stopped and thought about this read I realized it is a good real story that can happen to many of us every single day. This is a excellent story that you could learn from. The option is definitely ours to choose. Be ready for a very captivating read that will leave you with some interesting thoughts.
What I liked about this novel....
"Trinidad and Tobago" was a very well written story of Sakkara Riley who wanted so badly to find her true roots. This novel was the second in this author's series...'The Island Hopping.' We find from the read that this author puts in quite a bit of research in putting this novel together as there will be a search from New York to some beautiful countries as this 'Island Hopping' will go...France, Trinidad & Tobago. There will be some very interesting characters that will be presented that are well developed, well portrayed and even believable giving this read such a read that you will not want to put it down until the end.. only to be left wanting more!
Being adopted and wanting to find your birth mom and in the end will Sakkara's journey be for nothing? And to find out that your adopted mom ....well this is where I will say you must pick up the novel to get the whole story as it will be well presented to the reader. I found the read somewhat complexed but very engaging as you follow the story of Sakkara's family history as it comes out. Be ready for some twist and turns on this journey! How this author was able to bring out the island's culture was done so beautifully.
Will Sakkara find out just 'who she is and where she came from' as she searches for answers as Sakkara's journey continues on in this author's next novel. ...'Island Hopping: Grenada?'
8-9
Samaria: Warrior Princess
Samaria: Vampire Queen
[Paranormal Reads]
10
Mysticism & Myths (My contribution is Carnem Levare)
A MUST READ FOR FANS OF THE MYSTERIOUS WORLDS OF GHOSTS, SEA DWELLERS & SHAPESHIFTERS!
"Have you ever wondered about different myths of the world? These include the stories that so many cultures live by and the ones that of the best movies are based upon? You do know that these interesting concepts haven’t just appeared out thin air, right?
Introducing Mysticism & Myths, a sampler by six authors of varying genres. Each author has chosen a legend or culture from various regions, and embellished the details. Webs have been spun, and fantasies have been built in an effort to deliver to a collection that is sure to be entertaining.
The worlds captured in these stories are many! From ghosts and vampires to sea dwellers and shapeshifters, and even ancestral rebirths! There's something for everyone."
This is definitely a collections of different short Paranormal stories.... with novella featuring ...
Carnem Levare By Jaxx Summers "We are born, live and eventually leave the mortal world."
What I liked from this novella...
I found "Carnem Levare" a novella a very interesting read about Stefano and Anastasia. We find Stefano only wanting to be loved.... with the 'after and forever' from Anastasia but will he get it?
Janice, at this point I will point out to the readers that your author alias [alter ego] is Jaxx Summers.
11
Jezebel Jones
What I liked about this novel...
This was a very enjoyable passionate read about Jezebel Jones is finally finding herself. Not wanting to be hurt Jezebel wants no drama and fuss in her life by denying herself of any pleasures when it came to love. Thinking by having a back up friend that was their for her just in case she never found her special person, however, what will happen when this person does come into her life? How will her back up friend take this situation and how will her new friend take to the back up friend? The answers to these questions and so much more will be answered in this well written love story. This author really knows who to keep the readers attention with such a thought provoking read as you will be drawn into this story with some very interesting characters. I loved how this author presented this interracial relationship and how it was dealt with along with the issues with the back up best friend.
All of these above reviews can be found on: Arlena's blog page: Arlena's Book Reviews...http://arlenasbookreviews-arlenadean.blogspot.com under the title and author's name.
Janice.... Which of your novels would you say is your favorite and why?
Have you ever tried writing any Poetry?
I actually do write poetry. I
started out writing poetry at a very early age, in order to channel my
emotions.
Do you have a Blog page if so
what will we find on it?
I have several blogs. My main blog
was shut down by WordPress last year, and since then I've been less interested
in putting much time and effort; however, I'm slowly building back to blogging.
I believe in supporting other authors. My blog includes author promos, reviews
and personal reflection.
Are you a self publisher? Is
so, what is that process like? If not, who is your
publisher?
I self publish through Cultural
Cocktails.What would you like the readers to take from your novels?
Although I want to entertain, I want readers to reflect
on life.
What is the best thing about
being a writer? What does that mean to you?
The best thing about being a writer is the time spent
writing and developing stories that are capable of speaking to
readers.
To select a favorite word is too limiting; however, to
select a least favorite word is the dreaded "N" word.
What was your very first book
you ever read that you truly loved?
The first book I read and love was
Wuthering Heights by Emily
Brontë. It was one of many British Lit books I read on an annual basis. I would
read and re-read each year, and use a dictionary to build my vocabulary and gain
a better understanding of the written word.
Do you have a favorite sentence
from any of your books? If so, what is it?
“And,
when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve
it.” – The Alchemist by Paulo
Coelho
Please share with us of your
writing process...ex. Do you write while listening to music ...if so....who may we find you listening
to?
I write as stories come to me,
which is quite often. I watch television, listen to music, or remain silent. The
words in my mind tend to guide me above all else. However, there are times when
I get swept away by the words of a song, especially when they connect with my
writing.
What genres do you love to read
and what five books favorite novels would I find stacked on your book shelf that
you have read?
I read in just about every single
genre. I'm currently looking at one of my book shelves and
see:
Northern Lights by T.
Rico
The Zahir by Paulo
Coelho
Love Invents Us by Amy
Bloom
Their Eyes Were Watching God by
Zora Neale Hurston
See Me by Adrienne
Thompson
What Authors do you admire and
why?
I admire Angelia Vernon Menchan for her boldness with
words.
I have much respect for Barbara Joe Williams for her
vast knowledge with this industry.
I see that you are in a 'Book Club'... Arlena's Reading with Friends which is on Facebook where you can go in and share what you are working on. I believe there are around 75 members and it is wonderful to have you on board.
What would you like your readers to know that they may not know about you?
I get very emotional when each new book releases. This includes shedding a tear and sinking into my own mind for a brief period of time.
What may the reader find you doing when you are not
writing and working on your novels?
When I'm not working on my own
novels, I might be editing or critiquing for other
authors.What advice would you give other aspiring writers about your writing in general?
Writers need to read other books, even books about writing and developing their craft.
What advice and
motivation would you give a reader who would like to become
a writer/author?
Don't compare yourself to anyone
else.
Please tell us what you are
working on at this time and can we expect a release date soon/or any other
thing(s) you would like for your readers to know about
you and your books.
I have several books in the
works:
Island
Hopping-Grenada
Jezebel Jones
2
Samaria 3 (Jaxx
Summers)
Silent Fury (Creative
Nonfiction)
And several untitled
words...
Please tell
us about your latest novel and
how you think people are responding to it?
My latest release is Jezebel Jones. It's about letting
go of doubts and insecurities to allow love to grow. So far, it's been well
received.
How do you relate to how your
readers respond to reviews of your novels …..pro and
cons?
I've received both positive and
negative reviews. I once for torn apart emotionally by a negative reviewer. The
words were hurtful and downright cruel. I had to realize that not everyone will
be able to connect with my stories. Moreover, I put pieces of myself into my
work and I'm thankful for everyone that see that...for everyone that supports
it.Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books for your novels?
I prefer paperbacks, but have been collecting more
e-books because they are easier to house.
Please leave us a excerpt from your any of your novels that you think the readers would enjoy.
***Excerpt of Jezebel Jones***
“I haven’t been in a relationship for a long
time.”
“You've dated though, right?”
“If that’s what you’d call it. I've gone out. Tried to make connections
out of dead wires. Nothing took life.”
“Why do you
think that is?” Aidan led Jezebel to a
bench that faced the waters. His dark cinnamon hair blew just enough to garner
her attention. As earlier, he carried a special light, drawing the two of them
together. She yearned to run her fingers along his face and reach up to gather a
fistful of locks.
It had been a long time since Jezebel felt comfortable and
relaxed in the presence of the opposite sex, with the exception of Jason. Aidan
was stimulating and tantalizing. And she didn't need to give herself a pep talk to
put up with him. Without a second thought, she started to open up.
“Like any other
human being, I’d like to belong to
someone. Just not anyone.” She spat out the final
term, it was bitter to even consider settling at this stage of her life.
“Okay . .
.” Aidan rubbed up and down
the back of her hand, trailing round to the center of her palms.
“But I can’t take deception, cheating, mean
men—” Jezebel shifted. Her
explanation was labored as she revealed her vulnerabilities.
“You've experienced all of that in every
relationship?”
“It’s not that, but the minute I see the
potential for those things, I run.”
“So you’re operating out of fear?”
“More like
common sense.”
“But have you
taken the time to validate your suspicions or confirm that what you believe to
be red flags are actually warnings?”
He’d taken it
too far. She felt like she was on an episode of Dr. Phil. For the first
time since he took hold of her palm on King Street, she finally let go. Not only
was her hand sweaty, but reasoning fled and with it her words.
He didn't try
to force her hand back into his, instead only stared. His smile was seductive;
in fact, he appeared calm. Just then, a purple flower drifted into her hair. At
a loss for all forms of interaction, she dared not remove it. She only hoped to
be blown away, far up the stream, to a place where a man’s superpowers were of little effect. If
only she was that lucky. Instead, the day was shaping up to be “pick on Jezebel day”.
“I’m ready to go back to the office.” Escaping was the best way
to go. Aidan had read her story in a matter of minutes. Jezebel had to end it
fast, although there were still at least thirty minutes remaining in their
date.
Aidan stood, reached up to her hair and brushed aside the
flower. Before she could say thank you, his lips found their perfect mate. She
gasped and pulled away, instantly reeling from a bolt of static.
“Don’t tell me you don’t kiss either?” Now his head was slanted
as he taunted.
“Actually, I
don’t.”
“Jezebel,
you’re one of a kind. Let’s get you back to work.”
As they approached Jezebel’s office she decided that from this
point on, Aidan would be off limits. Their silent walk was deafening. He
hadn't taken her hand again, so
she hoped to avoid further embarrassment from this point on."
Janice, I am sure that FOR ALL OF YOU WHO HAVEN'T READ JEZEBEL JONES WILL WANT TO READ IT NOW!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING! This was one of my favorite part of the read!
*************************************************Janice, I am sure that FOR ALL OF YOU WHO HAVEN'T READ JEZEBEL JONES WILL WANT TO READ IT NOW!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING! This was one of my favorite part of the read!
Janice, I see you have a FREE Kindle read.....for your readers.....
To receive a FREE Kindle read
of Loving Nate (2)
or Jezebel Jones (2)
Just leave your name and Facebook or Twitter info for contact purposes. Otherwise, you can comment below and then send your email address. This will run until the end of May, 2015.
******************************
Janice, I would like to Thank you so very much for this interview today. I wish you many blessings in your writing for your readers and since this is Mother's Day, May 10, 2015, I would like to wish you a wonderful day!
Janice, I would like to Thank you so very much for this interview today. I wish you many blessings in your writing for your readers and since this is Mother's Day, May 10, 2015, I would like to wish you a wonderful day!
Please feel free to leave comments below that you would like to share with Author Janice G. Ross.
