Today we are chatting with Jackie Smith, the author of The Hourglass.
Give us a short history on you and your work.
I began as a Felony probation Office in Texas, thinking I might “save” those who needed a second chance. After several years, I realized we don’t save other people, they must save themselves; if I were to save anyone, it would be when they were still forming, as children, so I became a teacher, a principal, and a writer.
Though I had been writing for years, and then teaching creative writing to elementary and middle school students, it wasn’t until I retired that I earnestly began my final career—as a writer.
Have you won any awards for your writing?
Oh, yes. In the 70’s, I entered a writing contest for the magazine, McCall’s, and won first place (and $1000, which was a fortune to me then). Then I began to sell small articles to educational journals for teachers. In 2014 I won the Eaton Literary Agency annual award for a novel over 10,000 words. In 2015 I won first place for two short stories in the Texas Association of Authors contest and these were published in their book of short stories. Just recently I entered their 2016 contest and two of my entries won and will be in this year’s book.
I also won the top ten sellers of the week for the Barnes and Noble store in Round Rock, Texas—twice.
Perhaps not the New York Times…yet, but satisfying.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a novel about spirits. It is entitled An Old Fashioned Girl and is about a young successful construction C.E.O whose dead grandmother is not pleased with how his life is turning out. She returns as a young woman to try and “turn him around” to the right life.
How do you get inspired to write?
I do as I have always instructed my writing students to do…I observe everything around me, constantly looking at events and people who would make a good story. Story ideas are everywhere around us; our own past, present, and future and in our friends and even strangers we observe daily.
Where did you get the idea for some of our book titles?
The story I am currently working on came from noticing how many people confess to working at jobs they hate…and wishing they had made different choices when they were younger. Another of my titles, The Lost One, came from an article I read years ago in Life magazine about 19 United Nations soldiers who chose to stay behind in communist countries after the armistice was signed. I wondered why they would do that.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
I take a break for a few days, and if that doesn’t do it; I make myself sit down and write descriptions, details, just anything, even if I throw it away later.
What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Seeing your ideas come to life for others. I went online once and saw a photo of a woman on the beach and my book was on her lap. She lives in Newport and I live in Texas. The thrill was indescrible.
What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Write it down as though you are talking to your best friend, telling them around an event.
Tell us about multiple points-of-view.
Just as others (many) have said “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”; telling a story from multiple points of view reaches many readers who only “see” something their way. Several successful writers have written stories from the view of the victim within a story, the aggressor, the peacemaker, or even the bystander. Many successful writers write alternating chapters, using different characters for each.
I did this is a novel to be released in January entitled Destiny. Alternating chapters tell the story of the young woman and young man who eventually end up together.
What are some of your favorite parts of The Hourglass—for instance, a favorite line?
Usually I try to have some really good “part” or “line” close my stories. A good ending, even if it is sad is so important to a reader. I like to leave them with something they feel satisfied about or something they will continue to think about.
Do you use the five senses when you write?
Yes, life is very much about all our senses.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
Sometimes this is the most difficult for me. I always ask myself if the title will entice someone to pick the book up and read the summary on the back. I don’t like to “give” the story or plot away but I do like to tease people into a desire to read the book.
Tell us about the characters in your books.
The Bargain, to be released in October, is about a young, bright, adventurous school teacher in 1869 who agrees to go out west to the Nebraska territories to act as tutor for a young boy and housekeeper for his widowed father. She is spunky, fun, energy and a desire for more than she sees in the typical woman of her time. She is full of contradictions; wants to be considered a lady, but also wants more freedom of expression and behavior than what is expected in this time period. When she goes through a brutal rape and beating, she finds a way to move forward with her life and not let this ruin her life. This is possible through the love and patience of the man who was her employer but becomes her husband. I believe readers will believe in these characters and care what happens to them.
Who’s your audience?
Adults; all ages.
What book or movie has The Hourglass been compared to?
The Yearling, Where the Red Fern Grows, I consider this story a Literary Fiction. Which means the basic characterization of the people in the story is the most important part. “What makes the character’s tick” better describes it.
Where can readers go for more?
My books are on sale on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles online; and readers may contact me at phdjsmith@gmail.com for more information or to order a specific book; postage free.
I try (and think I have succeeded) in not repeating stories or characters. I feel the genre of all my novels is quite different.
I have written a non-fiction trilogy on abuse; child, spousal, and recovery and healing. I think it should be included in sociology and psychology classes. I believe this is a moving and testimonial series. Titles: Starting Point, Moving Forward, and Finish Line.
These are my fiction books:
The Bargain (coming on October 13)
Destiny (coming January 25, 2017)
Children’s books:
The Cat who wanted to Fly, Charlie’s Harley, The Mommy Monster, The Indian who Wasn’t and There’s a bump in my Bed.
To find out more about Jackie Smith and her writing, please visit Black Rose Writing.
