Meet The Authors Showcase Edition #3 (3 of 3)

A showcase with @JulesHarper1, author of Serve Me {WinterSpell Awards winner}

1 what inspired the idea of your story?

I'm a really observant individual and noticed that there are some poor souls out there that just aren't very nice. I always thought it would be interesting to get into their head and take on their persona in the form of a first person POV novel. I wanted to push myself as a writer to attempt not only that, but to also write from a female perspective for an added degree of difficulty (I'm male). Did I pull it off? You be the judge.

2 what is something you struggled constructing with your story?

My struggle was primarily with two distinct issues.

Firstly, writing a protagonist with that level of narcissism and psychosis was mentally and emotionally exhausting. I had to step out of my body and really think fiendish thoughts to make it work.

Secondly, when describing her love interest, it was very tough. I don't find men attractive in any way so painting her desire for her man through descriptive words was unbelievably challenging. It would have been much easier had the work been written from a third person POV but I'm a glutton for punishment I guess.

3 what did you enjoy writing most of your story?

I think the inner monologue of the protagonist was the most entertaining to write. We all know self absorbed people and most stories have those characters battling against the protagonist who usually comes out as the 'knight in shining armor' through the course of the story. But rarely do you get to experience the inner thoughts of the so called villain. It's a rather avant-garde piece in that respect.

4 what's the overall response of your story from your readers?

This one kind of shocked me to be honest. I was expecting reader comments to reflect what a vile excuse for a human the character really is. But to my surprise, there were readers who felt solidarity with the protagonist and encouraged her attitude. To be clear, these same readers did eventually turn on her when she committed the most heinous actions.

5 is your story a stand alone novel or a piece of a series ?

The story is actually a sequel to my first published work, 'Route 66'. However I don't advertise it as such since it stands alone on its own. You don't need any background info from 'Route 66' for the story to make sense. 

6 what would you like your readers to take away from your story?

Eventually you reap what you sow

7 what advice would you provide to fellow writers, when it comes to focusing on their own story?

Just start writing, even if it initially doesn't make any sense. I know it's tough but taking that first step is always the hardest. After writing what most probably looks like gibberish, go over it again and make adjustments. Then go over it again, and again, and again... After each revision things will come into clearer focus and in the end it's a polished work of art.

I think many writers just go over it once or twice and call it good. It takes several edits to move from good to great. Step away from it for a couple days and then edit some more. Sometimes being away from the work will clear you mind and give you fresh ideas you can incorporate into the novel.

8 does your main character share any similarities to yourself?

The truth is that I think we all want to paint ourselves with the most flattering brush. Most of us aren't either hero nor villain; we're somewhere in-between. Even though the character is despicable, I do try to make her somewhat multi-dimensional. She wants to love and be loved, as we all do. And though most certainly not her cartoonish extreme, we all do crazy things for love and attention.

9 what is something about your story you believe would draw in new readers?

My story has a unique approach. It's all about the villain. You don't see that too often so I think readers will check it due to morbid curiosity if nothing else.

10 do you have any future projects?

My only future writing plans are to hopefully one day complete the novel. It's a struggle but anything worth doing is worth doing well.