Welcome to FAR, Jennifer. Jennifer Macaire, is an American freelance writer/illustrator. She was born in Kingston,NY and lived in Samoa, California and the Virgin Islands before moving to France. After settling in France, she started writing full time. She has written a series of seven fiction novels based on the life of Alexander the Great – the award winning Time for Alexander, Heroes in the Dust and Children in the Morning,. The Promise, a science fiction book for young adults, is published by Double Dragon Books.

Is The Secret of Shabaz the first in a fantasy series?

It’s not a series – it’s a stand alone book. If I do write a sequel, it will be when I’ve finished all the projects I’m working on right now!

The story for The Secret of Shabaz sounds enticing. I cannot wait for it to be published. Where did the idea for it come from?

Again, it was a theme that got me started – the absurdity of war and how hard it is sometimes to differentiate between good and evil sometimes.

When will The Secret of Shabaz be published?

It just became available this August!

What inspired Virtual Murder? Do you plan a sequel?

I didn’t plan a sequel, but that doesn’t mean I won’t sit down and write a story for Monkey someday. I grew very attached to that character and would like to explore his life in the ‘real world’ someday

Virtual Murder’s statements on humanity and inhumanity touched me deeply. Your skill with which you thread important issues into your fiction is remarkable. Does the story automatically have a seed of the issue in it or do you need to work it in?

I usually start with an idea or theme – you pinned Virtual Murder’s theme quite neatly! I find that using a theme as part of the background for a story helps hold it together and gives it deeper meaning than just the plot.

I love your web page design. Did your books inspire it or did it inspire your books?

Thank you! I think it was inspired by the books; I tried to make the web page fit the books, so to speak.

Was Angels on Crusades inspired by living in France?

Yes, it was directly inspired by a visit to the Saint Chapel, an incredible church built to house the crown of thorns that Louis XI bought back with him from the Crusades.

What resources did you use while researching the 8th Crusade?

Lots of different resources: books, biographies, visiting monuments themselves to get a sense of what happened so long ago. I love research almost as much as writing.

What inspired you to write about Alexander The Great?

That was after I read a biography about Alexander the Great by an Italian author who claimed that all of what was written about the man was hearsay – he theorized that everything we knew was written almost 400 years after Alexander’s death. That left quite a window open in my imagination…I pictured going back in time and interviewing him and the rest is ‘history’!

How do your “historical fiction” novels differ from your “Science Fiction?”

They don’t differ by much. I use a lot of research for both, and also a lot of imagination.

What resources have your found to be the most valuable when seeking to understand an era in history?

My public library – I was able to research, to order books, and to find people through the library who could help me with certain questions. And then I used the internet to contact professors and everyone was incredible supportive and helpful.

The Promise is a story of hope and strength. How would you like The Promise to change/affect your readers?

I would like it to show that everyone deserves a second chance (Red Sky) and that hope is vital to any mission (Ryan). It is a strong story, and one that gets very emotional responses from readers.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your books?

I write to entertain, and I write because I love reading and writing. I have a great respect for the written word and feel lucky to be able to write novels…without taking myself too seriously!

I am in awe of your variety of genres. Do you need time to switch from one genre to another?

Actually yes, I do need a little time, but not much. I usually tell people I write different genres because I’m easily bored. I guess there is something to be said for that!

Is there any music that inspires the different genres?

I like music, but not anything particular while I write. It depends on my mood more than the genre I’m working on.

Do you a specific routine before your write? Do you write in one area only or everywhere?

I try to work a little every day, but when I go on vacation, I don’t do anything at all; I try to empty my mind and relax. It’s very hard for me to do that!

Who/What inspired you to write?

My mother, an English teacher, has encouraged me the most.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Ray Bradbury, Dorothy Dunnett, Carl Hiaasen, Linnea Sinclair, Sharon Kay Penman, Henning Mankell…I can go on and on! I read voraciously.

What future books do you have in the works?

I’m anxiously awaiting the publication of ‘Horse Passages’, a science fiction for YA that will blow you away! (Medallion Press) And I’m working on three other books right now that I want to finish – vacation is almost over, I start work again on them in September!

Is there a way other than your website for fans to keep updated?

My website is probably the best bet – otherwise my publishers usually keep readers abreast of what is happening. I send out sporadic newsletters – the address to subscribe is on my website!

What finally advice would you offer to writers who are seeking publication?

Patience, faith in your work, and Read, read, read!

Finally, any last thoughts.

Thank you for the interview – I feel very privileged to have gotten this!
Best wishes, Jennifer

Thank you Jennifer for taking the time to answer my questions and give us a glimpse into your life and world. For more information about Jennifer Macaire and her books, visit her website.

Interviewed by: Dena