Tuesday 6 February 2024

Interview with Jaime Johnesee By David Kempf


When did you first become interested in books?


JJ: I started reading at the age of four, and it was love at first book. 
 
When did you write your first story?

JJ: When I was eight, my teacher had us write stories in the cloth-covered cardboard books. Mine was about a porcine superhero named Superpig.

When did you publish your first novel?

JJ: My first novel, Shifters, was first published in 2015 by Devil Dog Press.

Why do you think horror books and movies remain so popular?

JJ: I think their popularity stands the test of time, because it allows us to experience the adrenaline rush that comes with fear. Yet it packages it in a safe and easy-to-consume format.

Why do you think that people are obsessed with being scared?

JJ: The world is a rough place. I think horror gives people a way to experience the thrill of fear without any attached trauma.

Who inspires you?

JJ: My kids. I learn so much from them. I don't know how I got so lucky to be their mom, but I sure am grateful.

What do you think your best novel is?

JJ: Discovery, the third book in my Samantha Reece Mystery series. I worked my way through writer's block to get it done, and I am really proud of how it came out.

What are some of your favorite horror books?

JJ: Number one for me is The Unabridged Edgar Allan Poe. Then I would have to go with Dean Koontz's Watchers. It held a lot of meaning to me, personally. I also have to give a nod to the Hot Blood anthology series. It holds some of the best names in horror, and some truly amazing stories.

What are some of your favorite horror movies?

JJ: I love creature features! Jaws, Deep Blue Sea, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Night of the Lepus they all tickle my zoologist fancy. I also love the movies Freaks (the original 1932 version), and April Fools Day (the 1986 version).

What are your current projects?

JJ: I am currently working on both the fifth book in my horror mystery series, Samantha Reece Mysteries, and the first book in a new series that's more fantasy-based called The Saga of Land and Sea.

Please in your own words write a paragraph about yourself & your work.

JJ: I am a medically retired zoologist–with lupus–who writes to deal with life's hells and pain. Horror is my preferred genre, but I've written a bit of everything. (You can find my work at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes, Smashwords, and more.) Before I leave, I just want to ask your readers that they please make sure to leave reviews for their favorite authors/books. It's important to help them be seen in the algorithms these days. Also, thank you for taking the time to interview me, and thanks to all those who took the time to read.

JJ Links:
Website: https://www.JaimeJohnesee.com
Amazon author page US: https://amzn.to/485XvCm
Amazon author page UK: https://amzn.to/3Oyfieo