Welcome to YA Books Central’s “Indie Superstars” column.
This monthly event will spotlight the best and brightest of the
indie community.
You don’t want to miss out on these talented authors
This week, we’re interviewing USA Today best selling authors and co-writers, Jaymin Eve and Leia Stone
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write together as co-authors? And how does that work with Jaymin in Australia and Leia in the US?
Jaymin: We loved each other’s work, we had lots of readers in common, and we knew we could write an awesome story together. We share the entire load, we each try and write 2000 words, and then send back to the other one and they add their own parts to that and then continue on with the story. We wished we lived closer, just so we could hang out and such, but the internet allows us to keep in touch easily. We skype to discuss the storyline and then chat every single day. All day.
Leia: Ditto. All Day. Sometimes I just email her to see if my outfit is cute enough for my date night with hubby. =)
YABC: You guys are so fast! How long does it take you to write a book?
Jaymin: We can write 80k words in about a month. It’s so nice to have a writing partner. When one of us is not feeling very creative, the other steps in, and then somehow it boosts both of us. A perfect symbiotic relationship.
Leia: It really is and I feel like parts where I am weak, Jaymin is strong and vice versa. We are both really creative individuals but nothing compares to when we put our writer brains together.
YABC: Which part of the writing process do you each enjoy? (Drafting revising, editing etc.) How do you split up all the duties that come with being independently published?
Jaymin: I love the planning and first draft. The pure creation and writing without thought. Just letting those words and the story flow out.
Leia: Same here. Is there an author alive that likes editing? Lol. We split everything when it comes to duties. We both help design the cover and have a say in the editing and all of that.
YABC: What were your reactions when you made the USA Today Best Seller list?
Jaymin: I was asleep when Leia found out (Time difference in Australia) so I woke up to multiple messages and emails. We were so excited. Jumping up and down, and moments of disbelief. It was a wonderful feeling.
Leia: Total fan girl freak out with arms flailing and everything. I jumped on the couch and then off of it, over my dog, up the stairs etc. Was a beautiful day! To make that list as an Indie is a great accomplishment. We are really proud and honored.
YABC: What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
Jaymin: I have two daughters and they are perfection. I spend my time with them, and they give me a sense of joy I could not get anywhere else. Otherwise I love eating out, coffee with friends, karaoke, and travel.
Leia: I have three year old twins who are not perfection lol but pretty close. I love family time and also alone time. For alone time I go to movies, book stores, and coffee dates with friends. Living in Portland Oregon we spend a lot of time outdoors, ya know hugging trees and being weird.
YABC: What advice would you give to anyone thinking about self-publishing?
Jaymin: That it is a long, hard road. That you will fall and hurt and cry, but it’s also something so amazing. Satisfying. Perfect.
When you’re a writer, you have to write. It’s in your blood. Your soul. If you don’t free the characters and worlds you’ll go crazy. So write. Every single day you should write. Also read as much as you can, it’s the best way to learn and grow as a writer.
Leia: All of the above and NEVER give up. I have had so many rejections from agents and 1 star reviews but here I am. I never gave up and sometimes my mom was my only reader. Ten years later I’ve turned this into a full time career.
YABC: What do your families think of your books and all the success you’ve each experienced?
Jaymin: They are very happy and proud. Knowing I am doing something I love is all they ask for.
Leia: Mine are proud and amazed most days that I get to sit around in my pj’s and create worlds. But, fun fact: most of my family hasn’t even read my books.
YABC: How many books have you each written? Which are your favorites?
Jaymin: I have written 16 books and am working on two more as we speak. I don’t think I could choose a favourite, that would be like choosing a favourite child, but Queen Heir is quite a special book to us.
Leia: I’ve written ten and have another on the way (It’s like a baby) and I would have to agree with Jaymin that Queen Heir is quite special.
YABC: What’s up next for you both? Together as a team and as individuals?
Jaymin: NYC Mecca series is our next coauthor adventure. Queen Heir is due for release in December and the rest of the series will follow close behind. Individually I am working on Sinclair Stories #2, which is my contemporary romance series.
Leia: Yep, Queen Heir and then I’m working on Matefinder Next gen book 2, Walker.
YABC: Have you ever gotten reader’s block? Does the writing and editing process ever make it difficult for you to enjoy reading for pleasure?
Jaymin: Yes. So much yes to this and it breaks my heart. I am really picky now with the books I read, and it’s hard to capture my attention. I used to be able to read everything but now I edit as I go, and pull apart storylines, and find faults. I wish I didn’t, but if you train your mind long enough, there’s not much you can do. Luckily there are many, many amazing writers out there. I still manage to read 2-4 books a week.
Leia: YES! What Jaymin said above. I was a HUGE reader and now I’m picky and it’s hard to hold my attention as well. When watching movies I always guess what will happen! But I still love reading and will never stop.
YABC: What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Jaymin: I have many author friends and they are wonderful. Honestly, no one understands this world like another author. The ups and downs. We are artists and sometimes our sensitive souls just need another sensitive soul to connect with. There are too many to name, but I appreciate each and every one of them.
Leia: Yes, this Indie author community is so tight knit. We have a special group on Facebook and we can all go on there and talk about covers and editing and stuff that only authors will get. Elise Kova, S.T Bende, Derek Murphy and other YA authors have been so supportive.
Arianna is a queen heir and at 20 years old she’s now eligible for the crown of wolf shifters. Heirs are trained and groomed so that they’re ready, should the queen perish during their time of eligibility.
Of course, there’s little chance of that happening. The Red Queen has stood for a century, and her power is beyond reckoning.
Or so Arianna believes, right up until the final tolling of the bells. The queen has fallen. Four heirs will now fight it out for the crown.
Let the summit begin.
Follow Jaymin Eve: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon
Follow Leia Stone: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon
*GIVEAWAY DETAILS*
One winner will receive a copy of Queen Heir: NYC Mecca Series #1 (Jaymin Eve and Leia Stone)
~ (US Only) ~
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
The cover looks cool, it looks like a crown made of ice, which is why when I first saw the cover I thought of an ice queen. The synopsis is interesting and I would love to find out more about it and who will win the crown. Though the synopsis is short, it makes me want to find out more about what will happen.
Splendid cover.! Splendid synopsis!
Loved reading this interview with you two! Feedback on cute outfits is definitely an important part of the writing process 😉 And knowing you can write 80k in a month kinda makes me want to find a coauthor to kick my butt into gear! And I love the book cover. I’m excited to read this one 🙂
This book sounds exciting! A fight for the throne! I like the cover.
Queen Heir sounds great, I would love to read this book. I think the cover is great! Thank You
Sounds and looks like a very intriguing book.
The cover is beautiful! The synopsis really makes me want to read the book.
The cover is awesome. The synopsis is very interesting. Sounds like an exciting read.