Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

 

Hello, Jessica. Tell us about your book:

The Zurian Child is the first book in my science fiction romance series, Mark of the Stars. It begins on the planet Alectrona, where the Hemera are fleeing their planet to escape annihilation. They come to Earth and try to blend into our society. They fit in so well, that they form relationships with the people from Earth, and their offspring grow up not knowing of their true ancestry. This is what happens with Quinn and Lindsay. Here’s the blurb:

Lindsay Beckett longed to be reunited with her first love, Quinn Montgomery, until she learns the secret that sent him fleeing from her in the first place. He’s an alien, a Hemera, and she’s half-Hemera herself. As if that wasn’t enough to ruin her dreams of a perfect life, when their child is born, they discover she fulfills a prophesy told twenty light years away and many years ago. Lindsay wants to ignore it, until her husband is murdered and suddenly believing becomes a matter of survival.

Lindsay and her young daughter are forced to rely on another Hemera, her husband’s partner and best friend, Bryce Beuermann as more and more of the Hemera are slaughtered. Bryce will do anything to help his best friend’s widow—including suppressing his own deep feelings for her. But he must prove they can trust him, even pretending he doesn’t want her with all his heart.

Is this book linked or connected to any other work you’ve published? If so, how?

This is the first book in the series, and the second one, The Zurian Legacy, is now contracted with Silver Publishing as well.

Was there a specific incident, inspiration or concern that prompted the writing of this book?

I wanted to write a book for my daughter, but I began writing this series instead after a dream I had. I did write a different book for my daughter, but continued to develop this series.

Did the writing of this book surprise you in any way?

Yes, not only did I find out that I really enjoyed writing, but I’ve learned so much along the way. I’ve met so many people from my critique partners, editors, cover artists and other authors who help me to grow in this industry.

What do you like best about being a writer?

I love the community atmosphere that is out there now for writers. There is so much support.

Is there anything about becoming a published author that you didn’t expect?

The amount of promotion required. But if no one knows about your books, they’re not going to read them.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Keep reading to learn what you like and don’t like. Keep writing to learn the craft and find your own voice. And connect with other writers to learn even more.

What’s next for you and your writing?

I have many ebooks coming out in the near future, plus a continuously growing to-write folder. My website is kept up to date with all of my new and upcoming releases.

Anything else you’d like to share about your writing and/or your books?

To stay updated on my writing and whats next for me, you can visit my site and/or subscribe to my newsletter:
http://eepurl.com/eX1Zw
Adults Only, please.

Is there a local connection for your book(s)?

While The Zurian Child begins on another planet, it also takes place in Ontario, including London and North Bay.

Can readers buy your book locally?

Not yet. At the moment my books are only available as ebooks on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo & more. Though I do have a print book coming out soon which is a collection of stories I’ve written for Decadent Publishing.

Is there a particular place in Stratford you like to write? Why?

With my youngest just having started school this year, I’m still getting used to having uninterrupted writing time. I’m sure I’ll eventually get out of my office to write, but just being in there is a change.

Do you belong to a writers’ group, locally or elsewhere?

I belong to the Romance Writers of America and Toronto Romance Writers. I am also part of many online writers’ groups, including SFR Brigade and Authors Helping Authors.

Do you teach writing workshops? If so, when and where?

No. I’m still learning myself. Though I do critique and beta read stories for other authors.

What do you think is the best resource in the area for writers and aspiring writers?

The Stratford Library is always a great resource. That’s where I started looking for writing craft books, and where I found my first critique group.

Is there one thing you’d like to see added to our community? Why?

In terms of writing? I’m not sure. As I said, I’m still trying to get my bearings with more time to write.

Why do you live and write in Stratford/Perth County?

I grew up in Stratford, went to school, and have lived most of my life here.

Any other comments you’d like to make?

Always keep reading! You never know where the knowledge will take you.

Connect online!

Read an excerpt from The Zurian Child

Jessica’s website.

Jessica’s blog.

Jessica on Facebook.

Jessica on Twitter.

Jessica on Goodreads.

Jessica’s Amazon Author Page.