Interview with Jill Bisker, author of Finding the Way Back

Hiya peeps! Melange Books took a chance on me about five years ago and opened the door to make my publishing dreams come true. They've given many authors that chance since then, so I wanted to give props to Melange this month by interviewing several of their authors. You'll find some great insights, tips, and new books to read along the way. Enjoy!

Where are you from and what do you do when you’re not writing?

Jill Bisker

I live in the beautiful state of Minnesota where I enjoy biking, kayaking, gardening, reading, sewing, organizing, collecting anything vintage and taking photos.   My mind is always on another project whether it’s

decorating, writing or trying to stay active.

How did you come up with the idea for this book/series?

I’ve always loved ghost mysteries.  From Scooby Doo to the Ghost and Mrs. Muir to gothic novels, like those by Barbara Michaels, it’s just always been an interest of mine.  When I was growing up, my parents bought an old craftsman that they did refurbish and update, which sometimes really felt creepy if you were alone.  It started from those old memories and one day after watching The Ghost Hunters show the story just came to me. 

Tell us about the writing process—what were your favorite and least favorite moments? 

My favorite time is the creation process.  It’s so fun to imagine yourself in another world with a different life and then conjuring up scenes peopled by characters you have created.   From outlining through the first draft it is a great time.  Then comes the 2^nd, 3^rd and more drafts.  That’s when the real work begins.  Making sure you aren’t missing something and ensuring the flow of words seems smooth and seamless is the most challenging thing for me. 

What’s your favorite cure for writer’s block?

I outline in detail right from the start so I know the beginning, middle and end.  If a scene becomes difficult I go organize something, walk or drive in the country and it seems to make my brain work out the details.  It may end up as a scene that I have to rewrite later but it gets finished.  For me the challenge is not so much writer’s block as it is the rest of life getting in the way of my writing!

Grab Your Copy Here!

Can you please share an excerpt? 

Emmett walked over and pulled on the door. It was stuck.

“I just opened that yesterday, right after we moved all the boxes out of the way,” Connie said, going to the door also. “Let me try.” The door wouldn’t budge for her either. “Maybe something jammed in the opening or something,” she said, as she slid her hands around the edges of the door.

“Okay, my turn,” I challenged. Connie and Emmett moved over and I grasped the handle and pulled. Holding tight, I pulled with all my weight. The door gave way immediately, sending me flying backwards. Emmett jumped forward to catch me and we both crashed to the floor, our flashlights scattering. We lay in a crumpled heap, too dazed to move.

“Are you guys okay?” Connie’s forehead creased in concern as she leaned over us.

Slowly, I started to laugh. “I’m fine, except for my dignity and a few scrapes. Good thing I landed on Emmett.”

“I’m all right,” Emmett groaned from beneath me. “Got the wind knocked out of me but it was worth it.” I looked down at Emmett who was grinning at me from the floor. I blushed as I realized what he was saying. I hoped he couldn’t tell in the dark.

It was a new experience being around other men after so many years with just Simon. I hadn’t felt like this since I was in high school. Emmett’s breath was warm on my face and I felt an irresistible urge to kiss him.

What’s your next/current writing project?

I’m currently working on a fantasy novel about a young girl who was raised on earth but was born to a different world.  When she goes back to the alien world she finds everyone thinks she is a harbinger of change but for good or evil she has yet to discover.   

Here’s a totally random question for you:

Come up with your own silly haiku, but you must include the word “bologna”.

Light pink in color

Mystery ingredients

I love bologna!

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

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Jill Bisker lives in Stillwater, MN with her husband, son and a calico cat named Senora.  Her work includes paranormal mystery/romance, traditional high fantasy, and contemporary fantasy, as well as an everyday living blog. She believes in empowering women to be strong enough to protect themselves, while still soft enough to be loving and compassionate.   

AUTHOR Links:

Website - www.jillbisker.com

Blog - http://unaccompaniedjaunt.blogspot.com/

facebook - www.facebook.authorjillbisker

twitter - @jillbisker