The Writing Life is pleased to welcome Jayme Beddingfield, author of the urban fantasy novel, ‘The Highly Capable’. Jayme’s fun interview is our last interview of 2015.
I’ve kept a blog since 2007 and started The Writing Life, my author blog, on February 3, 2014. I’ve had the great pleasure of interviewing and getting to know 39 authors and enjoyed two guest posts by fabulous author friends this year. I hope you’ve enjoyed sharing my 2015 writing journey.
My thanks to you for your lovely comments and visits; you are always welcome. I look forward to meeting more authors in 2016 and I hope one of those authors will be YOU. Happy writing!
Happy Holidays to you and your family, and many blessings for the New Year!
Jayme Beddingfield has been crafting stories since her third-grade assignment to write her own fairy tale. She prefers to work from the sofa with her dogs by her feet. Originally from Northern New Jersey she now lives in Seattle, the city of her dreams. She lives with her husband, two children, and a slew of adopted pets.
Welcome, Jayme!
What is your book’s genre/category?
‘The Highly Capable’ is an urban fantasy novel, the first in the series, The Ruby Dawson Saga.
Please describe what ‘The Highly Capable’ is about?
Telekinetic Ruby struggles with leaving the positive seeds within her dark superpowered community once she saves a regular who witnessed their powers.
How did you come up with the title?
That’s funny, the title was one of the very last things I had. I found it difficult to find something that gave the significance of Ruby justice, and give credence not only to the rest of the characters but also to the journey that’s ahead of them. After hopping around from idea to idea, my rockstar of a book manger, Melissa and I were having a brain storm session regarding titles and that’s when we stumbled upon–The Highly Capable. I think we were all relieved to find the title.
I agree, finding the right title for some books can be difficult. What inspired you to write this book?
Honestly, Ruby inspired me to write not only this book, but three others. Ruby started coming to me as images of red hair and sarcasm. In the first version of this story, there were no superpowers and Ruby was the antagonist. When it occurred to me that the story was missing something, I dove deeper, and that’s when I found their powers, and discovered that Ruby was the star of the show. Ruby’s desire to be someone who makes a difference, I felt, really carries her through the story.
What is your favorite part of writing?
Honestly, I love it all. Even when I’m pulling my hair out, I love it. From writing random ideas to gut wrenching endings, it’s all awesome. But, if I had to pick one thing, it would be dialogue. Dialogue is such a fantastic storytelling and character developmental tool. There is so much opportunity in dialogue; it’s so much fun to explore the different voices and turn of phrases.
What is the most challenging aspect of writing?
Probably feeling I have enough time, which to be honest, is probably the most challenging aspect of everything. I often juggle multiple large projects and some smaller projects at the same time. So often I find myself wishing I had endless time to write.
I wish for the same thing–more writing time–or a clone! Who are some of your favorite authors?
Sarah Dessen, Gayle Forman, Stephanie Meyer, John Green, J.K Rowlings, Cynthia Hand, Ronald Dahl and K.M. Randall.
What authors or person(s) have influenced you?
Sarah Dessen is the first name that comes to mind. Dessen both helped me in my teen years as I buried myself in books, and she is part if what inspired me to take the career path of a young adult author. She’s had twelve books published, which is awesome.
Do you have a favorite place to write?
I’m all about the comfort when I write. My office is a sofa, in a quiet corner of the house, near bookshelves and good lighting.
Tell us something personal about you people may be surprised to know?
I got my GED when I was sixteen, and started at a junior college.
What surprises or learning experiences did you have during the publishing process?
Oh, there are so many. It really helps to be confident your material is in the best possible shape, and that you realize your goals and aspirations for the project. Always remember your reader as you write.
Looking back, what did you do right that helped you with this book?
I kept going, even when I hit walls and heard, ‘No thank you’. I knew I had to see this story through, so I did.
Any advice or tips for writers looking to get published?
Be aware of your goals, don’t stop writing, and be your own best fan—it helps.
Website?
Where can we find your book?
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-highly-capable-jayme-beddingfield/1122902045?ean=2940151221368
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on two projects I’m super excited about. First off, I’m writing Book 2 of The Ruby Dawson Saga. There will be some exciting happenings, so definitely look at my blog for updates. I’m also about to hand over a coming of age young adult book to a content editor.
Thank you for visiting with us today, Jayme. I wish you continued success with The Ruby Dawson Saga. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
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About Eleanor Parker Sapia
Puerto Rican-born novelist, Eleanor Parker Sapia, was raised in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Europe. Eleanor’s careers as an artist, counselor, alternative health practitioner, Spanish language family support worker, and a refugee case worker, inspire her stories. She is a member of Las Comadres Para Las Americas, PEN America, and the Historical Novel Society, and she is a contributing writer for Organic Coffee, Haphazardly Literary Society. When Eleanor is not writing, she facilitates creativity groups, reads, and tells herself she is making plans to walk El Camino de Santiago de Compostela a second time.
A Decent Woman, Eleanor’s debut novel, set in turn of the nineteenth century Puerto Rico was selected as 2015 July Book of the Month for Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club, and is listed in Centro Voices, The Center of Puerto Rican Studies, Essential Boricua Reading for the 2015 Holiday Season. Book clubs across the United States have enjoyed A Decent Woman. Eleanor is featured in the newly published anthology, Latina Authors and Their Muses, edited by Mayra Calvani. She is the mother of two wonderful adult children and currently lives in West Virginia, where she is writing her second novel and a short story collection.
The Writing Life Blog 
Thank you so much for having me on Eleanor! It was a lot of fun!
My pleasure, Jayme! It was great getting to know you! Happy Holidays!
Reblogged this on Paperbacks and Wine and commented:
Great interview via TheWritingLifeEParker.wordpress.com #JaymeBeddingfield #THEHIGHLYCAPABLE
Reblogged this on Jayme the Scribbler and commented:
I was interviewed on The Writing Life. Check it out!