I just had to interview Jamie Ford because I kept finding him all over the place with his books getting tons of 5 Star reviews and lots of other accolades!
I was simply drawn to him, so I wanted to have him as a guest on my blog. I am so grateful that he accepted the offer to let me interview him. I was rather humbled, to be honest.
The next few days, I will be spotlighting his books. So, be sure to check back.
Comment Below to Enter your chance to *WIN
a signed copy of both of his books!!
(Pictured Below)
*Winner will be announced on Thursday, April 14th, 2016
Q: When did you realize you were a novelist?
When I went to Norway for a book tour. That’s when I realized I’d created something that had taken on a life of its own. Basically, it feels like my book has a career now and I’m just along for the ride. (I stole that line from Pamela Anderson who once said, “My boobs have a career, I’m just along for the ride.”)
Annie ~ You are funny!! I love it..
Q: As you geared up for your Books being released, what was the most exciting part(s) for you?
Writing a novel is a like giving birth to a ten-pound baby, sideways. So after laboring for months and sometimes years—to finally hold that printed book in your hands is an amazing moment. Also, my wife who is a Labor & Delivery nurse just assured me that the sideways baby thing is not possible.
Annie: I can imagine how wonderful it is to hold the book in your hands for the first time!! You had me concerned that a baby could be born sideways. Thanks for getting that visual out of my head. 🙂
Q: You have written two novels so far; what is that your favorite topic to explore?
I love forgotten history. I’m like a little kid, I love turning over rocks and looking at the squishy things underneath—the stuff that we forget as a society.
Annie: Your stories definitely show that this is where you heart is!!
Q: Will you always write Historical Fiction?
I cheated a little bit last year and wrote a trio of steampunk stories. They’re published in the Apocalypse Triptych—three anthologies about the “end of the world as we know it.” But, there was a lot of research involved and they have a historical vibe. And I have a bit of crime noir in the works. Let’s just say that I’m enlarging the canvas of my imagination a bit.
Annie: Make sure I get to read your crime noir book! It sounds very different for you!
Q: Is there an author that you feel resonates with you and your writing style?
This isn’t a comparison as much as it’s pure admiration, but I love Pat Conroy’s writing. He’s a pure storyteller, who also weaves in amazing, lush prose that never obfuscates the story. Some people have lucid dreams where they’re flying. In my dreams I’m writing like Pat.
Annie: That was beautifully said! My friend, Sonya met Pat Conroy. Just recently, I was so sad to hear of his passing. The best thing though is that his books will live on. Sonya LOVES Pat Conroy….I am going to look for their picture and send it to you.
Q: When do you typically write? Where do you write? Set this up for us
I write in the mornings, upstairs in my office, surrounded by books, comics, and research materials, with my three dogs lazing about. Around noon I take the dogs for a walk to the Missouri River, about a mile away, then edit. Life, and writing, is better with dogs.
Annie: Dogs do make life better! That is for sure!! I have one dog, and he is enough to take care of, LOL..I could not imagine having three. Where do you live? 
Q: May I ask who your favorite authors are? Books?
Fiction: Pat Conroy – The Great Santini
Non-Fiction: Jon Krakauer – Into Thin Air
Short fiction: Harlan Ellison – Deathbird Stories
Poetry: Buddy Wakefield – He’s a slam poet. Best seen LIVE.
Comics: Marjorie Liu – Monstress
Q: What is your favorite part of being an author?
Doing interviews! Kidding. In Italy I once did 11 interviews in one day, with an interpreter. By the end, my brain was tapioca.
Honestly, the best part has been meeting some of my favorite authors. I’m still just a fanboy.
Annie: I love that you are still a fanboy!!! You are so cool!
Q: Any hobbies you’d like to share with us?
I like red shoes. I like Hiking. I especially like hiking in red shoes.
Annie: Love it!!! This is a great picture! #HAPPYFEET
Q: I see that your books have been translated in to 34 languages, and you won an Award. Can you please tell me more about that…?
Books in translation are amazing; in fact, HOTEL was #1 in Norway for nearly four months. I always credit the translator—they must be doing something right. They could put zombies in my books and I’d never know
As far as awards, they’re a lovely validation, but nothing compared to getting a tweet from a high school student who says “This is the first book I’ve been forced to read that didn’t actually suck.” That kind of stuff makes my year.
Q: When can we expect your next book? Do you want to tell us a little bit about it?
As soon as I finish it. I’m close—and this time I meant it! The new book (no title yet) is about a mixed-race boy who was raffled off at the 1909 World’s Fair in Seattle. That part’s true.
Annie: A must read, for sure!
Lastly, Book or eBook?
Book. I do read eBooks as well, but prefer comfort over convenience.
Annie: I am an Old-School person too. I have a library in my home, and my husband has a man cave. I love being surrounded by books…it is rather calming for me.
The Write Review 
Jamie Ford, we missed you at Girl Friend Weekend this year. We had a grand time but you always add that special humor that gives us a belly laugh. We all hope you are able to come this next year. bjdupre.gore@yahoo.com ” the hat lady” our club loved HOTEL!
I loved your book, thats all I gotta say
I would love to win autographed copies of Jamie’s books!! I can’t wait to see what gift he gives us with his next book.
Enjoyed reading the interview! I Love Mr. Ford’s books and adding the autographed copies in my library would be a treasured addition. I attended a Jamie Ford author event at a St. Louis library and loved how down to earth and funny he was. I have been anxiously awaiting the next book!!!!!
Great interview Annie, this was fun to read. I find it very interesting when authors find time to write. I’ve heard at night when the kids are finally asleep, in the morning, while traveling, etc… It’s when you find that time when your mind opens up!!
Keep up the good work!
Two new historical fiction novels to read would be just the thing to look forward to
Thank you for the interview. I enjoyed getting to know a little bit about the author. I, too, feel calm when I am surrounded by books. I would love to read these and Mr. Ford’s next release has me intrigued as well.
I would love to read these books! Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet has been calling to me for awhile. And, yes, I adore Pat Conroy. Meeting him left me with a memory I treasure. The world still feels diminished now that he is gone. I’m so thankful for his books. Knowing that Mr. Ford also enjoys the work of Mr. Conroy just moved his books to the top of my wish list. I have no problem placing books signed by Mr. Ford by those I have that are signed by Mr. Conroy in my library 🙂 Wishing Mr. Ford much continued success! Great interview!
Would really love to win and read both of these books. Unknown author for me but I am game at giving new authors for me a chance for my opinions and reviews!