With us today is Jennifer DiCamillo, Author of The Price of Peace.


Thank you, Mrs. DiCamillo, for taking the time to be here today.

It's my pleasure. Thanks for having me.

Can you tell us more about The Price of Peace...

I'd love to. The Price of Peace is an emotion and action packed, multi-plotted epic, set in 13th Century Wales. The pages are filled with murder, suspense, and romance. Ultimately, it is the love story of Rob ap Axtyn and Carys ab Rhyl, two people who struggle with trust and honor, whose hearts you absolutely ache for by the time it's done. Five clans are torn apart and brought into one demesne before the whole thing is done. But it is a satisfying story that makes you feel, truly, like you lived and loved, and survived the war.

You have some wonderfully beautiful poems on your site. Are they how you got your start in writing?

Thanks for the compliment. I love poetry. I wouldn't say it's how I got my start, but it does tell on me, I think. You can see that I have a poetic soul.

I'm currently the Vice President of Missouri Poets and Friends, and, if you don't mind, would like to put a plug in for all the poets, and wannabe poets out there. http://www.nfsps.com/ is the website for the national federation of poets. It lists the various state organizations, poetry contests they're offering, and other information that poets may be interested in. Please...don't be shy. Check it out!

Also, I run poetry contests on my site from time to time. Please throw in your two cents worth. I love to read what other poets write.

What prompted you to write your first book?

Ah. That's easy. My husband. He's always believed in me. And, at times, he's been downright pushy about encouraging me to put my writing on the line. (Send it out for others to look at.) Everybody should have a troublemaker like that at home. ;)

You were a motivational speaker for 20 years, why did you decide to leave that field and become a writer?

I've always been a wife and mother, first. The motivational speaking slipped in between other things--including running a beauty pageant and a pre-school.

We moved across the country, in 1999, from Nevada to Missouri, and, I think, that changed my focus. Believe it or not, the Midwest is a great place to start a writing career. There is a strong hub of published and helpful writers, and many organizations that help new writers polish their prose.

Your awards page is long and distinguished. How does it feel to have so many accolades under your belt?

(Laugh) Good?

Can I tell you about that? Early in my writing career--I haven't been at it long--only two and a half years all told--someone told me that you can't be an award-winning writer if you don't send your work to contests. So, being motivated, and goal oriented, I decided that I needed to apply myself to that in order to be considered an 'award-winning writer.' I highly recommend those who are aspiring to send their work into contests, because sometimes, when you get discouraged, a simple honorable mention can inspire you to keep on plugging.

Can you tell us about your family?

Ah. There's a can of worms. Let me keep it fairly simple. I have been married for 24 years and have five children--four girls and a boy. For the most part, we're a presentable lot and you can take us out to eat in public without being too embarrassed.

How do your kids feel now that Mom's a writer?

For the most part, they are excited--hoping that we'll one day get rich off the book sales, (Ha!) which, of course, means that they are simply making bigger Christmas and birthday lists these days.

And finally, Can you tell us about your Work In Progress, Courting Disaster?

Actually, Courting Disaster is finished, and under contract with Zumaya Publications for a 2006 release date. They've also contracted for a third novel, Dead Line, which will be released in 2007. Courting Disaster is set in a fantasy kingdom with an old England feel. Romance lovers should enjoy the two hot and cold stories entwined. Two couples, worlds apart, under one roof, forced into motion by the other. One is a hot blooded, foot stomping, somebody should knock that man upside the head romance--wait, somebody does. (laugh) If you like humor, some sword slinging, and a whole lot of tip-toeing around emotions, with sensuality to the fore, you'll probably like that tale.

Thank you very much Mrs. DiCamillo for your time today. If you'd like to visit Jennifer's site, you may do so here, http://www.jenniferdicamillo.com/ Or http://www.publishedauthors.net/jenniferdicamillo/

Thanks, again, for having me!

Interviewed by: Mary