Iyana Jenna is a new-to-me author, so it was just as illuminating for me to read Iyana's answers, as it is for you now. So, without further ado, let's get cracking with another round of twenty questions.
ACT ONE – all about you…
Hi!
I'm Iyana Jenna and you can call me Iyana. I like writing, romance, and man love so as you can see on this site, you're mostly going to find m/m stories whether they are for adults or young adults. They are not going to be too heavy on explicit sex, though, as many say that my stories are considered sweet romance.
When I don't write, I teach English to children, teens, and adults. I also work in the curriculum and materials department in an institution. Among my responsibilities are writing books and tests.
1) Have you always been a writer or is it something you fell into?
Hmm, let’s see. I started to write something about eight years ago because I couldn’t find the thing I wanted to read. But if I went back more to the past, when I was at elementary school I already liked scribbling. My school once pointed me to represent them in a writing competition. I didn’t win anything but I felt very proud. So I guess to answer the question, I might have always been a writer. :)
2) Do you have a particular writing style or ritual?
I think deadlines play an important role here. When I face a deadline, suddenly I can push myself to write, so anywhere I sit and any writing tool I have will be enough for me to start writing. The perfect place must be in front of my computer, but I can also write in my cell phone on my way to the office and back. In fact, that is mostly my writing mode recently, writing into my cell phone.
3) Is there a book or an author that has influenced you in your writing?
Honestly, my main inspiration is J.R.R. Tolkien. I’d never have started writing again or been inspired to keep writing in these eight years. Because of him and his books, The Lord of the Rings, I feel like I can’t stop writing. I extend my highest gratitude for him for that.
4) Is there one piece of writing (or life?) advice that has stuck with you, or that you would like to share?
It’s just that you shouldn’t give up writing, editing, and sending your pieces to the publishers. Rejection is a normal thing. The point is you should keep doing it and improving your writing at the same time.
5) Can you tell us three things about yourself that we probably don’t already know?
1. I like squid. Squid cooked in red chili pepper is the best.
2. I’m totally forgetful. I have to put reminders on my cell phone or I will never remember doing things I have to do.
3. I’m crazy about Sam and Dean Winchester, the two sexy ghost hunters from the series Supernatural.
6) What five luxury items or gadgets would you hate to be without?
Uh, I guess I don’t have too many luxurious items. All I need are my netbook and smartphone. I don’t even have an e-reader. I know, I know…
ACT TWO – all about your new release…
Taking a break from dealing with his father’s clients on legal matters, Nicholas Haynes went out to the sea on his yacht—only to find a man floating in the water. The man was still alive, much to Nicholas’s relief.
Gregory Phillips was a private investigator and his last job almost turned him into fish food if not for Nicholas. Little did he know that the main suspect in his case was one of Nicholas’ father’s clients. When Nicholas insisted on taking care of Gregory after the incident that almost killed him, can he trust Nicholas enough with his life?
7) Congratulations on your recent release of Release Me, what was your inspiration for writing Nicholas and Gregory’s story?
Thank you very much! For the characters, my inspirations are still these two guys that I love so much. They look so good together and it’s obvious they love each other. Sorry I can’t tell their names, though. :) As for the story, it’s because I like to watch action thriller movies, but in this case I mix drama and romance into it. I love romance. :)
8) Did the story flow from your finger tips or did some scenes take a bit of cajoling?
When I first wrote it, it seemed to just flow from my fingertips. But when it got to the editor’s hand, I found that I needed to fix quite a number of things. I don’t know if my logic is too weird or what. :)
9) How long did it take for the initial spark of the story to make it onto the page and then onto the publisher’s desk?
I can’t write very fast. The most I can do in one day is probably just 1,000 words, what with going to the office, teaching, and all. That happens for every story I write. It’s the same with this one. But the process from getting the idea to the writing was quite fast because I didn’t make an outline first. It was all in my head.
10) Do you have a favourite paragraph or sentence from your story that you would like to tantalise us with?
Nicholas practically carried Gregory back to bed. Gregory’s pale face turned greenish when Nicholas laid him down and tucked him in. His breaths were short and fast. Nicholas couldn’t help brushing Gregory’s brow with his thumb, and froze as he thought Gregory would snap at him. But Gregory said nothing. He lay still, eyes closed, but caught Nicholas’s wrist when he was about to pull back.
11) Over to you, what can you tell us about Release Me, to make us rush out and buy it?
It’s a gentle romance between two men, a story where one guy saves another’s life and despite the condition and who they are, they fall in love and decide to be together for the rest of their lives.
12) What can we expect from you next? Is there something you are working on right now?
This July 21 I will have an m/m short story released by Alfie Dog Fiction. Some future releases include short stories and a novella that will be published by Books to Go Now, Leap of Faith (October 2013), and JMS Books (January 2014). Right now I’m revising a short story after I got inputs from some friends. I’m also working on a novella that I hope I can finish in time to be included in an anthology. Please cross your fingers for me. :)
QUICK FIRE ROUND – it’s pop quiz time…
13) Plotter or pantser?
More pantser, I guess.
14) Secret Seven or Famous Five? (please tell me you know them!?)
The question is, you know them?? :D That’s awesome! It’s Famous Five all the way. I guess it’s the first book I read.
15) Digital books or print books?
Print books
16) Tea or coffee?
Coffee
17) Cats or dogs?
Cats
18) Extrovert or introvert?
Introvert
19) Save or spend?
Save
20) Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook
And that’s a wrap!
Thank you so much for taking part, Iyana, I wish you every success with your new release.
Thank you so much for having me! It’s been such a pleasure.
To discover even more about Iyana Jenna, and to keep up with her latest projects, you can visit her at:
Buy it now…
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
All Romance E-books
Bookstrand
Giveaway…
I would love to offer two free e-books of your choice from my published work.
Thank you again!
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