Author Mercedes Jade #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a 40ish y.o. fangirl that has found a new way to express myself outside of fandom. At home, I’m happily married to my high-school sweetheart, with two rambunctious boys to keep me busy. I own my own medical business.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

No. I’ve always written, but I had no thoughts about producing original fiction/novels until a couple years ago. My sister encouraged me. It started as a few smutty scenes for fun because I couldn’t find anything to read that I really wanted in between waits for my favourite series.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

My work in mental health inspired Victory Lap. I rarely see it addressed from the perspective of the family members of someone with a serious mental illness. The impact is huge. I wanted to tackle this complicated subject, all the feelings the family members experience, but may not always feel comfortable expressing in front of others. This is the ‘behind closed doors’ experience as we dip frequently into the thoughts of the MFC, Tess, and hear what she’s really thinking. The chaos of the first scene captures how off-balanced Tess truly feels as she visits the psychiatric hospital her mother has been involuntarily admitted.

What are you working on now?

Duplicity, the second book in the Victory Lap series is going out ASAP. I’m also working on my last open series, Maeren. The next book is ‘Witch Darkness Follows’ and should be out around Christmas. There are more books and a spinoff planned. I’m also re-editing all of my past books for better formatting and to prepare for paperbacks. I’ll be attending my first signing this summer at Literary Love Savannah July 2020.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

I bounce between books. It helps me to be able to jump from series to series if I get stuck one one book.

What are your hopes for the future?

Writing? Keep enjoying it. The world? Stop the next medical epidemic. (it’s going to be a flu-like illness) Stop world hunger through genomic advances. Stop violence, but especially gun traumas. Cure fucking cancer. Hey, I’m a doctor. We dream big. I also would like to see my boys grow up healthy and happy. I don’t want to miss a moment, even if I have to sacrifice some of my work-life goals.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Build your support team. I found Goodreads less than useful. Facebook groups are where you will get your betas, readers, and other support, such as editors and covers. Self-publishing is where it is at with KDP. Please, keep enjoying your writing. Put yourself first.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

Hey there, I wrote a book. Come, read it. I want to talk books all night long.