WELCOME AUTHOR
JILL STARLING
Author bio: I
majored in literature at the State University of New York, Empire State
College. My passions include spending time with my family, writing, reading
biographies, watching documentaries, and anything chocolate. I live in upstate
New York with my husband and two teenage sons. I am the author of St. Agnes’ Place, and At This Moment.
Brief synopsis of
your book: Six lives connect: from a ballerina, a gang member, a
devoted wife, an ambitious builder, a mistress and a blind child. As told
through the point of view of each character. The choices they make today will
affect their lives and one another. Follow them as their lives intertwine and
unravel in ways you never expected. Anything is possible, At This Moment!
Book title:
At
This Moment
Current book or project
you’re working on:
I am currently working on a sequel to my debut novel St. Agnes’ Place, and a children’s’
series, entitled, Monet the Mouse.
What was the
inspiration for your novel?
I was inspired through a series of personal things that
occurred in my life over the past two years, which opened my eyes to the fact
that it takes only seconds for a tragedy to occur. This being said, I believe
this moment is all we are promised for now—so savor it!
Please share
three interesting facts about your book which are not covered in the synopsis.
1) Gentrification
2) Adultery
3) Forgiveness
Who is the most
complex character from your current novel?
They are all pretty complex. If I had to choose one I
would say, “Lauren.”
Lauren is selfish, self-confident, and will do whatever
she has to do to get what she wants. Regardless, of whom she hurts in the
process.
Are there any
characters in your book that remind you of yourself?
There are really no characters that share my traits, but I
believe I have a heart like, “MaryAnn.” She wants only the best for her family.
If you could pick
any well known or famous author to review your book who would you pick and why?
I would want Dr. Maya Angelou. Her novels were a work of
art, opening my eyes to things I never thought about in the past. My prayer is
that my novels have the same effect on the reader as Dr. Angelou’s.
Genre/Author/Reader:
What genre does
your book fall into? Contemporary Literature.
What is the first
book you remember reading, that affected how you thought or felt about
something?
I don’t remember one particular book, but all of Judy
Blume’s books opened my eyes as a child to the wonderful world of books. Her
novels were about “real people,” not just the pretty and popular ones, but
those who are sometimes overlooked.
Which three
authors have inspired you the most, and why?
1) Richard
Wright
2) Ralph
Ellison
3) Dr.
Seuss
Their stories stuck with me since the first time I read
them.
Have you ever read
a book you couldn’t finish reading?
I hate to disappoint everyone, but I only made it halfway
through “Fifty Shades of Grey.” It wasn’t my cup of tea.
Do you read a
book, while you are writing a book?
I love to read, but don’t read often while I’m in my
writing mode, due to lack of time.
The process:
How many books
have you written? Which book is your favourite and why?
I have written two adult novels, St. Agnes’ Place and At This
Moment. I have a children’s series that I wrote that is in the processed of
being illustrated entitled, Monet the
Mouse.
Is there anything
that helps get you in the mood to write?
Watching documentary films, and a clear mind, always
motivates me to put my pen to paper.
What were three
challenges you faced when writing your book?
1)Time
2)Time
AND
3)Time. There
are never enough hours in a day or days in a week.
What lessons have
you learned as an aspiring writer?
I learned that writing a book is only one piece of the
pie. Self-promotion takes up a lot of time. Thankfully, social media has made
it a whole lot easier. Also research, my
novels deal with many issues that are not always openly talked about. I do a
lot of one on one research in order to prepare for my novels.
Do you ever
experience writer’s block? If so what helps you to ‘overcome’?
I do, but I don’t let it bother me. I know that God gives
me the words to write. They don’t always come right away, but when they do they
are very free-flowing.
What is the most
important thing you’ve learned, either in the self-publishing or traditional
publisher, route?
I learned that once the last word is typed, it is really
only the beginning. Edits take a long time.
How long does it
usually take for you to complete a book?
It usually takes me about a year and a half, give or take
to complete a novel.
Do you have any
ideas for your book and Hollywood? Actors, directors, music.
I always write my novels in scenes, which play out in my
head. I actually write as if my books were a movie. Many people have told me
that St. Agnes’ Place should be made into a movie. I agree. I could see Rita
Moreno or Cicely Tyson playing the part of “Alma.” I believe Vanessa Hudgens
would make a great “Leelee,” and maybe Jennifer Aniston for “Shawnsy.”
I am waiting anxiously to see people’s reactions to my new
novel. I believe that could be a movie, too.
My prayer is that someday producer Scott Steindorff, known
as “Hollywood’s Book Man,” takes on one of my novels and makes it into a movie.
That would be a dream come true.
Which book to
movie conversion is your favourite?
Eat, Pray, Love. I
loved the book, and enjoyed the movie even more.
Do you watch a
lot of science fiction or fantasy movies?
No, I very rarely watch science fiction or fantasy movies.
I’m more “real life.” They actually bore
me.
Do you study
science, the planets, history or anything special to help you with your
writing?
No, in order to prepare for my research I watch
documentaries and interview people who have lived through the experiences which
I am writing about.
What, who, and
when were you first inspired you to write?
I always wanted to be a writer.
I would say since
the third grade, when I started reading Judy Blume. I feel being a writer is my destiny and what I
am called to do.
Personal favs:
Drink – Unsweetened
Iced Tea
Food – Oh so
many, but anything my mom makes, which is usually Italian.
Vacation – Mazatlan,
Mexico, one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. My husband and I
took an excursion there while on a cruise for our honeymoon, many years ago. I
definitely would like to return there someday.
TV show – The Killing on AMC
Movie – Clueless,
Under the Tuscan Sun, Manhattan Murder Mystery and Eat, Pray, Love.
Animal – Dogs
and Llamas
Sport – None
Book – The Bible. Biographies, and
anything spiritual.
How can people
connect with you?
Twitter: @ jill_starling
Facebook: facebook.com/Jill
Starling
Goodreads: Jill
Starling
Where can readers
find your book?
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