H. Schussman interviews Pamela Woods-Jackson

Pamela Woods-Jackson Interview, 2017

Heidi:
Pamela, it’s been a couple of years since my readers have heard from you. Tell us a little about what you’ve been doing since March 2015? 
Pamela:
Since we last spoke, I moved to Noblesville, Indiana, just north of Indianapolis, in order to be closer to my children and my part time job. However I’m originally from Oklahoma City and have a Bachelors degree in English/Education from the University of Oklahoma.

Heidi:
What genre do you write? Has it changed over the years?
Pamela:
I mostly write Young Adult, although I had one contemporary romance come out
In 2015, Certainly Sensible, but it’s definitely of the sweeter variety. I also have a New Adult novel coming out this spring, Teenage Psychic on Campus. It’s a sequel to my very first YA novel Confessions of a Teenage Psychic. My Heroine Caryn Alderson, has been aged up to an 18 year old college freshman.

Heidi:
What inspires you to write novels with the psychic twist? When did you start writing?
Pamela:
I've written my whole life, but I started writing novels in 2007. A situation involving one of my students inspired the story of Confessions of a Teenage Psychic. I have always loved Caryn, but I wearied of writing about high school students. I wanted to pursue Caryn’s story and see how she had matured since last we saw her.

Heidi:
I see Teenage Psychic on Campus is coming out soon. Is this a sequel to Confessions of a Teenage Psychic?
Pamela:
Yes. She is now an 18 year old college freshman majoring in journalism. I brought forward her friend Annabeth from the previous novel, but I found her a new boyfriend, Gary Riddell. I realized her first boyfriend didn’t really understand her. I wanted a character that both challenged her and “got” her.

Heidi: 
What are you working on now?
Pamela:
I have a completed YA with a working title of Emma With Something Extra. My POV character is named Emma Austin, she makes matches among her high school friends, and she has a special ability that helps her out. I’m also working on a contemporary romance about two star-crossed lovers who have tried to be together through the centuries. Think “Romeo and Juliet” moving through many lives together.

Heidi:
Has who you consider to be your favorite character in your stories changed since 2015?
Pamela:
I have to admit that my favorite character is Caryn Alderson, my teenage psychic. Second favorite is Synthia Whitfield, my nineteenth century journal writer in Genius Summer. That story was based on a true story, and Synthia is (was) a very spunky, determined 15 year old.

Heidi:
Do you see yourself in any of your characters? Does one particular character reoccur in your stories?
Pamela:
I see my former students in many of my characters, but the only one I see in myself is Susan Benedict from Certainly Sensible. Susan is a high school English teacher like me.

Heidi:
Where do you write? Describe your workspace? 
Pamela:
Since I moved in 2015, I now have an entire bedroom that is a dedicated office space.

Heidi:
Who is your all-time favorite author?
Pamela:
Hands down, it’s Jane Austen.

Heidi:
Did you find writing a query letter a challenge? If so, how did you overcome it? Do you think there was a key phrase or idea in your query letter?
Pamela:
Query letters are tough, but I try to tailor them to the person/publisher I'm sending it to. Adding a personal touch (oh I see that you also majored in English/love Jane Austen/live in Indiana, etc.) is also a good way to connect with the recipient.
I rely heavily on the annual Writer’s Market that’s available at any library. It’s filled with lots of resources for both new and aspiring writers.

Heidi:
What advice do you have for a writer aspiring to be published?
Pamela:
Butt in chair! Otherwise I’d say just be patient. Don’t be in such a hurry to send your manuscript out into the world until you are sure it’s ready. Join a writers’ group or find beta readers. Your mother or spouse probably won’t be objective enough.

Heidi:
Agent or no agent? Do you think a writer should go directly to the publisher or go with an agent?
Pamela:
I would dearly love an agent, but apparently they aren’t lining up to represent me, based on the rejections I’ve gotten. I wish I knew the secret of signing with one. Any suggestions? :)

Heidi:
Would you like to acknowledge someone for their help/assistance/faith in you?
Pamela:
I’ve been working with editor Kinan Werdski at The Wild Rose Press for a while now. She provided invaluable assistance with the rewrites of Certainly Sensible, as well as great editing on Teenage Psychic on Campus. I'd also like to thank family friend Lee Wilson (author of "Rebel on Pointe") for being my advanced reader, and my brother Robert Woods for his encouragement.

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