J.P. Sterling and I took time this week to discuss her busy life writing accomplishments. A resident of North Dakota, J.P. is a wife and the devoted mother of two children.
One of her children’s sensitivities inspired her to research and write a story about an exceptional little boy named Peter.
J.P. enjoys reading classic novels, eating dark chocolate, and drinking coffee.
Now that you’ve been introduced to J.P., let’s get to know a little more about her.
Hello, J.P., and welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you for having me.
What inspired you to be a writer?
Like most writers, it’s always been there. I was a huge day dreamer in school and always thinking of stories.
Is writing your full-time profession?
Right now it is. I was an Integrative Nutritionist and a college teacher for years. I chose to stay home with my babies, so I write for therapy. For a little income, I do some freelance writing for Nutrition blogs and doctors.
How long have you been writing?
Since I learned to write.
Which genres do you write?
I have a hard time classifying my stories. The books I have now are in-between young adult/literary fiction novels.
How many books have you written?
I have two published, but I have notebooks and computers full of unfinished stories.
What inspired you to write Ruby in the Water and Lily in the Stone?
I always wanted to be a writer. I asked God to make me a writer, and the story came to me like a movie in my head. It wouldn’t stop playing until I wrote it down.
Is Peter Arnold, the main character in your books based on a real-life person?
You are the first person to ask me that. Great question. In a way, my son who is highly sensitive to many things in his environment inspired Peter.
Many people saw these sensitivities as a hinderance and something I needed to change or “fix”. Maybe it’s thepoet in me, but I beneath these “hinderances” I saw talent. So, I wrote a story about a boy who turns his challenges into special gifts and talents.
Will there be a third installment to the series? (Does this series have a name?)
I strive to reinvent the wheel with my writing. I have two books plotted but my critique partners recommended not including them in the series because it changes the main character. So, I may do a spin off of those.
But I can see more of Peter’s story unfolding later. I let the stories play out in my head for a while so hopefully someday I can add that third one to expand on Peter’s journey. Right now, I’m at peace with where that series ended.
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
Hands-down meeting the great people. I never imagined how cool it would be to hear from readers who loved my story.
Educators and moms email me thanking me for writing it. It is unreal. I have met other great writers who offered great advice, and they are just awesome people. Writing has the best community.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
Don’t get fixed on one idea and one path. There are lots of ways of doing things.
Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you? Just how much I appreciate them and love hearing from them.
What do you find most challenging about writing for your genre?
Right now it’s getting discovered by readers. There are many great writers in my genre and so many books to choose from.
Do you have any hobbies?
I usually mom it up all day. I home school my son by classical method and I am so in love with that. Classical education is a writer’s dream. I also have a baby.
As I mentioned before, I am a nutritionist, so I obsess about cooking real food. I spend way too much time researching supplements and natural health products.
What are your favorite books, movies, TV shows?
I have little time for TV. Although I love me some PBS Masterpiece shows. I think the story telling is unlike any other I have ever seen.
Books – Many of my favorites are classics like Jane Eyre. Right now, I am loving Nancy Tillman books. I received one as a baby gift, and I enjoyed her simple writing and gorgeous pictures.
I know it’s meant for kids, but I leave it on the living room ottoman as art. The more I hang out with my kids at home the more childlike my heart has become so maybe that’s why I find it endearing.
What are you working on now?
Officially I took a year off since I had a baby, but my brain never really stops. I’ve been thinking of middle grade books to plot, and a dozen other things.
Do you have a website/Facebook page?
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012533437339 HYPERLINK “https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012533437339&ref=bookmarks”& HYPERLINK “https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012533437339&ref=bookmarks”ref=bookmarks
Speaking of the people, I want to credit a couple of the vendors I have worked with. I collaborated with Rachel Brandt, the AMAZING actress/voice-over artist who brought Ruby to life in an audio book.
Her style is so original and clean, I cried when I heard many scenes. You can find that wherever audio books are sold.
And THANK YOU, Ellwyn for sharing your platform!!!!!!!!!
You’re welcome, J.P. Thank you for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!
