Today I’m welcoming the zesty JL Addicoat to my website to chat about her original debut novel, Spirit of Love. JL and I have been long-time members of the Bundaberg Writers Club and she’s soaring high with her touching romance novels.
Cheryse: What inspired you to start writing? What inspired Spirit of Love?
JL: I’ve always wanted to write. I’ve been writing my own stories, just for my enjoyment, since I was a teenager. Writing also helped me cope through some of the darker days of my life. In my stories I could escape this terrible world into one of my own making. I have to say, I couldn’t publish them now. Talk about following the fundamental rules. At the time, it didn’t matter. I finally decided to put something on paper after being asked to be a beta reader by a friend. I didn’t even know what one was, but I read her stories, corrected what I thought should be corrected and let her know what I thought. This included words I had never heard of before like ‘laved’. Incidentally, even though I know what it means, I still don’t like the word. What inspired me to write Spirit of Love was a love of old buildings, English Heritage, the TV shows ‘Grand Designs’ and ‘Restoration House’ and a case of thinking, ‘What if.’
Cheryse: The Aussie bush around your hometown is a world away from the Cornish countryside? Why did you choose this location?
JL: I feel pulled toward Cornwall as my ancestors on my father’s side come from St Buryan and St Just. The place is on my bucket list to visit. I love the English countryside and its flora. If it wasn’t for its cold weather, I’d probably be living in Tasmania. I love colourful flowers and trees, but I love the warmth more.
How did you come to write speculative fiction? What attracted you to the genre?
The Paranormal has always interested me and is in my blood. I also love Fantasy as there are very few boundaries and everything is possible. Romance, well romance is everywhere. It doesn’t have to be a full-on sex scene, but can be soft and subtle like a gentle kiss given by the boy next door. I really don’t think any story can be just ‘one’ genre. There always has to be something else to help carry it through.
What do you love most about being published?
The congratulations from others who have trod the same road must come in at number one, also the comments I have received from others saying they like the way I write. Even though I have always loved reading and writing, I never thought that one day I would write something that someone else would pay money to read
Have you ever had any paranormal experiences in your own life?
I have had many paranormal experiences. I have seen my aunt and grandfather after they passed away. I have seen and heard tea parties being held at Werribee Manor. I have watched as the spirit of a young man walked through an office worker and then out of the room through a brick wall.
What has been your most terrifying real-life experience?
My most terrifying experience happened when I was pregnant with my first child and I heard my younger sister calling my name over and over even though I was in Canberra and she was in Townsville. I called my mother who contacted my sister’s school and the headmaster discovered she was missing from class. The teachers searched the grounds and finally found her hidden and badly hurt amongst rocks at the back of the school. ESP does exist and can be used.
Tea or Coffee?
Definite tea. I used to drink coffee, very heavily, but my brain gave me a warning over three days a few years back with a massive migraine. I haven’t had a cup of coffee since.
Cats or dogs?
I am a well trained cat servant. I started my training when I was six years old and haven’t been without a cat for more than six months since – and even during those six months, I took care of a number of semi-tame feral cats at the Cabarlah Army base.
You’re trapped on a desert island. What three things do you wish you came armed with?
My husband Kevin (he’s a must have), a fishing rod and a book, preferably a DIY manual. If I could have a fourth item, it would be Anna Campbell’s ‘Seven nights in a Rogue’s Bed’. Then Kev and I would have something to re-enact in our spare time.
Readers can check out Spirit of Love on Amazon.