Can you share a little about your recent book?
The idea for The Songbird and the Spy came to me after watching a movie with a British soldier who posed as a Nazi to spy for the Allies. One of his rendezvous happened in this little French bar, and I though aha! Now that would be interesting. Could a woman fall in love with the enemy and what would that look like? The story would be ripe for drama!
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
I write because I have to write. It’s really that simple. Writing is how I express myself, and if I keep it all inside I’ll explode. I love telling stories and bringing to life characters in situations that I find fascinating and will continue to do just that for as long as I can.
To be perfectly honest, I didn’t start out with an intended message. I wanted to tell a fairly common story of falling for the wrong person with a twist of secret identities. Along the way, threads of not judging at first glance and finding unlikely bonds of love wove together in surprising ways. But it is the small deeds of courage in the face of evil that are the soul to this story. Every day people striving to do what’s right, taking risks no matter the fallout or danger to themselves because there is a rightness that goes above personal gain. I hope it gives people courage, no matter how small or significant they believe their role in life to be.
How long have you been writing?
My very first award winning story was written in fifth grade. A romance between an apple core and a trash can. However, I didn’t get serious until I was a junior in college where I put everything but the kitchen sink into that first novel. Riddled with beginner mistakes, it’ll probably never see the light of day, but sixteen years later and I’m still plodding away with all new stories.
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?
Let’s see, my serious writing didn’t start until around 2003 and it wasn’t until 2013 when I landed my agent. After a year of querying agents, she was the very last one I sent to haha. I finally got The Call from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas on Palm Sunday 2017. In between all those years I kept writing and writing, and learning, and entering contests, and joining writers’ groups, and writing some more. I never kept idle.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I’ve been clocking about one year per book. From the time I start research to the end of the final draft. Once my daughter starts kindergarten later this year I anticipate my writing productivity to significantly increase.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
I’m a stay at home mom so most of my day revolves around keeping a little person alive. Around 1 pm she heads into her room for quiet time and that’s when my writing begins. I get about 2 ½ hours to put words on paper before she comes breezing out again. At night time I’ll try to go over the pages I wrote earlier or do some reading.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
I wouldn’t classify this as a quirk, but I like silence when I write. Or very soft instrumental music at the least. Too much movement and sound takes me out of the head space I need to be in while unfolding the story.
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
It’s pretty hard to top publication. Years of work and perseverance and it finally pays off when you hold that creation in your hand for the first time. It’s absolutely amazing, but the thing that has and continues to bring me the most joy is getting that story of my heart onto paper. Even if no one else reads it, the story burning inside me comes out. It’s cathartic.
What has been your darkest moment(s)?
The days of self-doubt. For a writer they come often and swift. One minute you’re glowing in the perfection of loquacious prose, and the next banging your head on the keyboard crying whut r werds? It’s a rollercoaster, I tell ya. Nothing kills creativity faster than thinking you’re not good enough. Your story and your words aren’t good enough. That no one will ever read this dribble you dare to call an attempt of writing. I can’t tell you the number of times I cried myself into a pint of ice cream/pan of brownies/wedge of cake wishing I had the talent of so-and-so. But, from the very beginning I’ve said that I write for me, even if no one else ever reads my stories, I’ll keep writing for me and hopefully, with a bit of stardust, someday I’ll be someone’s favorite author.
Which of your books is your favorite?
You realize this is one of the most difficult questions asked of a writer, right? But that’s why you do it. My absolute favorite hasn’t been published yet. It’s the story of my heart, but it’s time has not come yet to share. Sooo, out of the two published novels I’d have to say Among the Poppies is my favorite. It holds a special place in my heart because it was my first published book, and even while writing it I knew there was something special about it. It began my love affair with WWI.
Who is your favorite author to read?
Tolkien. The gift of story that man gave to the world is nothing short of astounding. He gave me the bravery to dig deep inside myself for possibilities I didn’t realize could exist.
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have listened too?
Never give up! If this is truly a passion and you can’t imagine doing anything else, read, read, read. Reading expands your use of language and imagination. Learn everything you can about the craft and industry, enter contests, join writer’s groups, but most importantly, write. Write every day because that is how you become a writer instead of someone wishing they could write.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
Hahaha! Too many times to count. No one likes rejections. They’re defeating to the soul. Whenever I get a rejection, I take one day to mope about it. Get all that anger/sadness/frustration out in one big swoop then I’m back to work the next day. You can’t dwell on the negative because it will cripple anything positive you’re trying to produce.
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
Hoffenberg from The Songbird and the Spy is one of my favorite characters. He’s brash, eager, and loyal. I just love the lines he has because they’re completely unfiltered.
Where do you get your ideas?
Most of the time, if not always, my inspiration comes from a trifecta of resources: movies, music, or books. A single song lyric, or secondary character, or novel setting can trigger a whole world of possibilities that has to be explored.
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
Not taking the time to learn their craft. There’s so much more than simply putting words on paper and then sending it off expecting that an agent or publisher will snap it up. Like anything you want to achieve, you have to learn skills and then practice those skills again and again.
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
This is a toughie even for me! Learn everything you can about writing, implement it into your stories to write the best book you can, network with other writers, attend conferences, and enter contests. Eventually, all that hard work will pay off.
Author bio:
Believing she was born in the wrong era, J’nell Ciesielski spends her days writing heart-stopping heroes, brave heroines, and adventurous exploits in times gone by. Winner of the Romance Through the Ages contest and Maggie Award, J’nell can often be found dreaming of a second home in Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Born a Florida girl, she now calls Virginia home, along with her very understanding husband, young daughter, and one lazy beagle.
Social Media links:
Website: Jnellciesielski.com
Facebook: Jnellciesielski
Twitter: twitter.com/JnellCiesielski
Goodreads: goodreads.com/jnellciesielski
Pinterest: Jnellciesielski
Her Books:
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