Author Jaye Wells
Quick Six: Jaye Wells
Jaye Wells writes damn good books. From vampires to assassins and magic wielders, her characters make for books that capture the attention and imagination.
Her newest book, Volatile Bonds, fourth in her Prospero’s War series, hits shelves September 12th.
We caught up with her for a Quick Six Interview:
What do you do when you aren’t actively writing?
Cooking is my main hobby. In my house we like to say that I’m incapable of making simple things. When I cook, the kitchen looks like a tornado blew through. Recently, I’ve been inspired by the Great British Bake Off to try my hand at baking, too. In the last three weeks, I’ve make focaccia, a simple white loaf, and pretzels. To counteract all of these delicious activities, I’ve also started talking long walks every day where I listen to audiobooks.
Morning or night person for work?
More like mid-morning and late night. I have yet to finish the draft of a novel during daylight hours. For some reason, the end of a book requires a quiet, dark house. But most of my writing happens between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm–that’s when I’m most productive on a general basis.
How do you know when a book is finished?
The deadline hits.
Who decides on your book cover art?
Depends on the project. With most of my books so far, I’ve working with my publisher (Orbit). They have amazingly talented cover people and I’ve been very lucky to have great designs. I usually got some input on them, but I’m not a designer so it was best to let the pros get the final word.
Now that I’m doing more self-publishing, I’m making the final calls on the covers. I have a wonderful designer who is very responsive and open to suggestions. Having worked on so many books, I have a better idea of what sorts of details work for covers, but I’m still learning.
What inspires you recently?
Alchemy. For the Prospero’s War series, I spend a lot of time reading alchemy texts of all sorts. Many of these revolve around how alchemy is partially a recipe for enlightenment, but there are so many layers to the history and practice that I’m always finding new twists and ideas to bring to the series.
What’s next for you?
For the next several months, I’ll be focused on finishing my Prospero’s War series. Book four–Volatile Bonds– is out this month, but I have three more novels to write to finish off the series. I might have some other projects mixed in there, but that’s my main focus for now.
THE QUICK SIX: POP CULTURE BEAST LETS ARTISTS CHOOSE FROM OUR STANDARD TEN QUESTIONS – WE LET THEM TELL US WHAT THEY’D LIKE YOU TO KNOW. (SOMETIMES THEY ANSWER MORE THAN SIX, WHO ARE WE TO SAY NO?)
Pick yourself up some of Jaye’s books and stay up all night reading.
More of our Quick Six Interviews
JL Jamieson is a strange book nerd who writes technical documents by day, and book news, reviews, and other assorted opinions for you by night. She is working on her own fiction, and spends time making jewelry to sell at local conventions, as well as stalking the social media accounts of all your favorite writers.