Talking with J.L. Petty

 About the book:

Set in the fall of 2001 and purportedly based on actual events. Michael Devoe, journalist for the New York Times, is the victim of the most compelling evidences of disappearances ever documented in United States History. After a plane crash, Michael disappears one night during an encounter with an unexplained supernatural force. Authorities report that his body was never found.

About the author:

J.L. Petty is an author of several short stories. She published her first book, Death and the Journalist with Solstice Publishing, February 14, 2011. Her stories range in contemporary horror, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy fiction. Over the years, she’s written for various magazines and has been featured as an author in several anthologies. Petty discovered her love of writing at an early age and started working as a contributor for The Virginian-Pilot newspaper. After working with the local newspaper in her hometown, J.L. Petty embarked upon a career in entertainment journalism and also worked for United States Congress. She is currently working towards a Masters degree and resides in Virginia.


J.L., how long have you been writing, and how did you start?

I’ve been writing ever since I was 9 years old. My mother is a schoolteacher and writes children stories. She encouraged me at an early age to express myself through words.

What do you like best about writing?

I think the best part about writing is the creative process. I get inspired to write through watching horror movies. Sometimes, I may have a nightmare and just jot down ideas on my note pad.

What’s your least favorite thing?

My least favorite part about writing is editing. Sometimes I type so fast on my computer, I may make a lot of spelling errors and may have to go back and edit.

How would you describe your book in a tweet? (140 characters or less.)

Death and the journalist, A thrilling piece of work.

How did you create the plot for this book?

I had a dream about it once. I thought it would be cool to write a story about a journalist who comes face-to-face with death.

Do you outline, write by the seat of your pants, or let your characters tell you what to write?

Sometimes, I will do a character outline before I even get started on a story because it helps me to organize my thoughts so that I can portray each character accurately.

What do you do to market your book?

Sometimes, I speak at events or festivals. I also do guest blog posts and interviews on the Internet or for different literary magazines. Recently, my work was featured in Screem Magazine.

Tell us about your favorite scene in the book.

My favorite scene in the book is the plane crash scene. Most writers struggle with showing vs. telling. It’s a lot easier to just tell a story but very difficult to paint a picture. It was good practice for me and to see the final outcome, I was extremely proud of myself.

Who are your favorite authors?

Michael Crichton and Stephen King.

How do you handle criticism of your work?

I usually enjoy all feedback; regardless of whether it’s positive or negative. I usually take it with a grain of salt. I look at my writing as art, and everyone will have a different opinion about it. I write for me. If I like it and am satisfied with the body of work, then I am happy. I think readers are entitled to their opinion, and I respect it. But overall, my opinion is what matters most.


Do you have a routine for writing? Do you work better at night, in the afternoon, or in the morning?

I don’t have a routine when I write. I write when I feel inspired. I work better late at night. Usually I write when I can’t sleep. I may drink a soda and eat junk food while writing at my computer. That area of my house is so junky.

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