Virginia Lori Jennings on The Alien Mind

1. Q: Tell me about your new book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?

This story was inspired by some conversations I used to have with my father, some articles I was reading while I was studying some quantum physics theories. I wanted to explore how I believed humans might act to the news in the event alien life elsewhere is discovered.

2. Q: How did you get interested in writing books?

I became interested in writing in 6th grade upon encouragement by my 6th grade english teacher after she finished reading one of my short stories. I started homeschooling in 7th grade and found that I had more time on my hands to explore my writing.

3. Q: What kind of research did you do for this book?

As I stated before, I did some reading into quantum theories to get some new ideas about space travel. I also loved watching the Star Trek Enterprise series. As a result my books tend to display the same clean, inspirational, science fiction fun that many older science fiction pieces tend to use. I wrote this way to be able to inspire the next generation of children to continue to explore their minds and their imaginations even when their ideas might look impossible. Who knows- the next seemingly impossible idea may turn out to be the next big thing.

4. Q: What's a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?

I NEED to start setting a writing goal and dedicating myself to it. I would LIKE to start writing during my almost 2 yr old's naps, when it is quiet and I can think. A typical working day right now consists of moderating Where Writers And Authors Meet online, promoting my newest release, and helping other authors with their promotional efforts.

I write at my cluttered computer desk that DESPERATELY needs to be reorganized. My desk is situated in my living room which also doubles as the game room and dinning area for our home- so- not the quietest place to write.

5. Q: What is the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part by far is finding time to write while I am motivated. Though I do manage to do a lot of the world building and dialogue hashing in my head so that by the time I sit down to write I can mostly get quite a bit done.

6. Q: What’s the best thing about being an author?

The best thing about being an author is seeing other people enjoying my stories!

7. Q: What are you working on now?

I am working on three different projects right now. I am illustrating a book for a friend. I am writing a small coffee table book, and I also have a novel length project I am working on.

8. Q: What advice would you give aspiring young writers?

Never give up and never stop writing. If you self publish PLEASE make sure you have an editor go over your work.

9. Q: Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?

Tons. I love the classics- The Twilight Series, Harry Potter, The Redwall Series, A Wrinkle In Time. I have also recently discovered The Ian's Realm Series by Dianne Gardner (Deception Peak and Dragon Shield), as well as the Antiquity Calais series by Jim Henry. Watch these two series', I predict they will be going far!

10. Q: What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

If I could, I'd love to take this moment to give you all an excerpt from my book. I LOVE asking others for excerpts in their interviews as I always find them so thought provoking and inspiring, wondering what happens next! Strangely enough I have never been asked to offer an excerpt from my own book- so here goes:

     “I thought it would be a good way to see how much you’ve learned and if you’re ready for tomorrow,” Rivi answered.
     “What are we doing tomorrow?” Dan asked, picking up a rock.
     “You are going to walk into the front door of the school and go to class,” Rivi answered.
Dan put the rock down and kneeling beside it, he looked up at her, confused. Then all expression melted from his face as he looked up at the sky.
      “I see...Bill and his pals will be in their same old ‘guard station’ and you want me to stand up to them if they decide to bully me.”
      “Yes,” Rivi answered hopefully, yet evenly.
      “I can’t,” Dan answered, standing and turning away from her.
      Rivi thought for a moment, trying to figure out what to do. She remembered a similar situation between her and Ankh; she decided to follow Ankh’s example from the situation and just give up.
      “You’re right,” Rivi answered, her voice sounding dead.
      “What?” Dan asked, turning back around.
      “You are right,” Rivi continued with no emotion apparent in her voice or face. “You can’t do it. It was foolish of me to get my hopes up. I should’ve known all along that you couldn’t do it.”
      “What? Some friend you turned out to be!” Dan replied furiously. “All this time you’ve been trying to convince me that I could, and then when my confidence slips, you just give up?”
      Rivi shrugged, pursed her lips, and shook her head as if she did not care (although she and the knot in her throat knew better). Dan stamped back in disgust.
      “I don’t know how they do things on Aun, but here, real friends don’t do things like this...You know what? Surprisingly, I don’t even care! Goodbye, Rivinaig!” Dan shouted, as he stamped furiously out of the backyard gate and headed home.

--> I loved writing this scene because I love getting the opportunity as a writer to explore each character's personality and through their emotions.

11. Q: If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

A Series Of Random Coincidences- though I prefer to write the book, or in this case live it, before I come up with a solid title lol.

About the Author

Virginia Jennings lives in South Carolina with her husband, three kids, and two cats. She graduated from High School at 16 and was published by the time she turned 18. She is the author of two science fiction books and has plans in the works for two fantasy books as well. Her ideal evening is spent watching Star Trek or Eureka with her family over dinner. She enjoys playing putt putt and watching the latest sci-fi or action adventure movie. She does most of her best writing in the car as her characters prefer to talk to her while she is driving. Finding time to write down what they tell her- now that is where the real challenge is! When she is not hanging out with her family or writing she also runs the 'Where Writers And Authors Meet' writers group online at www.wherewritersandauthorsmeet.webs.com or www.facebook.com/groups/wherewritersandauthorsmeet

Authors Website: www.virginiajennings.webs.com

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVirginiaJennings

On Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/virginialorijennings

On Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/authors/a2479890/Virginia-L-Jennings/

On Amazon: http://amzn.to/RLoyH9

About the Book

Title: The Alien Mind                                                Author: Virginia Lori Jennings

Category: Science Fiction                                                   ISBN # 978-1480111561

2nd Edition Published: October 2012                                                        Pages:272

Format: Paperback and E-book                           Price: 12.99 (paper)  2.99 (E-book)

            In The Alien Mind, Young Rivinaig shares her adventures and trials that began on that fateful day when a group of aliens called the Aruk abducted her and several other children. Another group of aliens called the Aunantet rescue the children and raise them as their own. Their new families teach them how to harness the full capacities of their brains, enabling them to defy the laws of physics and develop special mental abilities.

            The past returns to haunt them as the Aruk plot revenge and make a bid to regain their control; the fate of the entire galaxy depends on whether the children can maintain their freedom.

Where to find the book:

Amazon.com (paperback): http://amzn.to/RgtpQX

Amazon.com (kindle): http://amzn.to/RNHPHD

 

Happy readings,
Casey Sean Harmon
www.caseyseanharmon.com