JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
J.L. Campbell , author of Retribution
(Little Prince Publishing)
Seven years after an extra-marital affair that goes sour, Justine Charles crosses paths with her former lover. Xavier McKellop only knows then that Justine has been keeping a secret that will change the course of his life.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write “Retribution”?
J.L. Campbell : “Retribution” came as a result of having written the novel “Distraction”, which explored Justine and Xavier’s forbidden relationship and the consequences they both paid.
JP: What sets “Retribution” apart from other books in the same genre?
JLC: While “Retribution” is a romance novel, it’s geared toward a more mature reader. Themes such as friendship, forgiveness, parenting and making sacrifices are also examined. I’m told the characters are memorable and that the Jamaican setting, cultural influences and proverbs help the book to stand out.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to “Retribution” getting out to the public?
JLC: I believe that learning the craft of writing is a key component to being successful. Then there is discipline and the persistence that comes with crafting a story and sending it out to publishers.
With the advent of self-publishing, the process is a little different. But there’s no substitute for learning how to write a compelling story.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish “Retribution”?
JLC: Nowadays, I have less time to write. I prefer to plan my stories by outlining the main plot points and writing around them.
“Retribution” was my 2009 National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) project. Most of the book was written in that month, and I took another month during 2010 to complete the story.
JP: What’s next for J.L. Campbell ?
JLC: A third story is on the horizon. The idea came to me during the final stages of editing “Retribution”. I’m aiming to have that one finished within six months. I’m also working on a series of romance novels, as well as some young adult stories.
http://facebook.com/pages/JL-Campbell/240869409272557
http://twitter.com/JL_Campbell
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Thanks for hosting me, Joey.