INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY
Julie & Kishore
by Carol Jackson
Julie & Kishore is currently on tour with Ravenswood Publishing. The tour stops here today for my interview with the author and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.
Description
Julie – a Kiwi girl, a red-headed, freckle-faced, plain-Jane longed to wear a white wedding dress and see her handsome groom waiting for her as she took her walk up the aisle.
She was waiting to find her Mr Right – then she met and fell for Kishore, a boy from India who had been in New Zealand for two years.
Despite her reservations she decides to go out with him. In doing this, was she going against all that was deemed acceptable?
How would her parents react?
If their relationship blossomed would Kishore’s very traditional Indian family accept an English girl into their family? Can their love survive?
Praise for the Book
"A heart warming love story. Description of Indian words and Indian things are so accurate . Author has done a beautiful job in explaining two cultures differences and similarities .this book took to my childhood and back to India same time. I highly recommend if ones like nice pleasant read." ~ Ree
"Great book for someone who loves international cultures. Makes you smile and cry , a heartwarming love story !! A Real page turner." ~ Tomoko Haines
"This is a touching and true story of cross cultural love and commitment. A well written and easy to read book. Highly recommended." ~ Jeanette Hight
"A wonderful story of love and faith in each other, Made me Laugh and Brought tears to my eyes. Great description of Time, Colour, Sounds and Taste while in India." ~ Kerri
Interview With the Author
For what age group do you recommend your book?
I would suggest mid-teen to adult.
What sparked the idea for this book?
Just like Julie and Kishore, in real life I am a Kiwi [New Zealander] and my husband is Indian. For years friends and family urged me to write a book about our lives; finally I found the time, although I have changed a lot of the story to make it more exciting and, as such, it is fiction.
What was the hardest part to write in this book?
The hardest part to write was when Julie got lost in the marketplace. When I was actually in India, the markets were very crowded and I did in fact fear I would get lost. As in the book, I held tightly onto my husband's shirt; I wondered what I would do if we became separated. While writing and describing this from Julie’s point of view, I did imagine it was myself and I did feel my heart racing as I "went along" with Julie.
How do you hope this book affects its readers?
Julie & Kishore is a sweet inter-racial love story, I hope people understand that race does not matter when it comes to true love. One reader has made the comment that it made her laugh and cry; I would be honoured if the story had that effect on other readers. Also in the book I have explained many different Indian customs from my point of view, which I hope will give people more of an understanding of Indian culture.
How long did it take you to write this book?
Years! Of course time was a factor. In saying that – when I did find the time, the words poured from my head and heart straight to my fingers and onto the keyboard. I had to get the story out!
What is your writing routine?
At the time of writing Julie & Kishore, my children were at school, now they are both at university. I am lucky that we have our own business, which enables me to log into the office from home. Once I have completed my office work, I have time to write - but I must be disciplined, it is so easy to get distracted. I carry a notebook around with me to jot down any ideas I have.
How did you get your book published?
By sending it to many, many publishers until I found the lovely Kitty at GMTA Publishing – she thankfully accepted it; she is so fantastic and so helpful.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
Do not give up! Keep trying – I have a piece of paper that I keep on my desk next to me while I am writing; it says "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming," as spoken by Dory from Finding Nemo.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
As mentioned, we have our business and I do some of the office work from home. I am passionate about animals and conservation, I volunteer at Auckland Zoo one and a half days a week in the primate section. I also read a lot, as I am encouraged by other people's writing. I enjoy going to the gym, walking and spending time with family.
What does your family think of your writing?
They think it's great; they say they are very proud.
Please tell us a bit about your childhood.
I had a typical Kiwi childhood. I was raised in the same house my parents still live in today. I went to the local primary, intermediate and high schools. I am the youngest of four children and grew up in the 1980s, which I think was a great era. My childhood is briefly described in Julie & Kishore through the eyes of Julie.
Did you like reading when you were a child?
Oh yes, definitely.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I have always enjoyed writing and like to practise writing with poems – haikus, cinquains and rhymes. I realized I truly wanted to be a writer when I married my husband, and family and friends wanted me to write our story.
Did your childhood experiences influence your writing?
Only by reading a lot during my childhood and possibly understanding the basics of what a book needs to keep the reader engaged.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
All of the favorites from my childhood - Roald Dahl, E. B. White, Eleanor H. Porter, C. S. Lewis, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Judy Blume.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
So far, so good, they all say they love the story. Some of the comments readers have left as reviews on Amazon are: "A heart-warming love story." "Highly recommended." "A wonderful story of love and faith in each other." "Great description of time, colour, sounds and taste while in India." "A real page turner." "Author has done a beautiful job in explaining two cultures' differences and similarities."
What can we look forward to from you in the future?
I have already written and am currently editing, proofreading, editing and proofreading (a long process!) Julie & Kishore – Take Two, which follows directly on from Julie & Kishore. I am also writing a third book, Nina’s Art, which has many of the same characters, but is a different story.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by today, Carol. Best of luck with your future projects.
From the Author
I am born, bred and live in Auckland, New Zealand. In real life, just like my books, I am married to an Indian man. My husband and I have been together for more than twenty years. Friends and family urged me to write a book about us; finally I found the time.
Julie & Kishore is loosely based on my life, although I have changed too much of the content to call it nonfiction.
I have written two books, Julie & Kishore and the sequel, Julie & Kishore – Take Two. I am currently writing a third, Nina’s Art, which involves many of the same characters but is a different story.
Giveaway
Enter the giveaway for a chance to win an ebook copy of Julie & Kishore by Carol Jackson.
Links
