Jessica Redmerski: Writing is a part of me, and I can’t imagine a life without it

J.A. (Jessica Ann) Redmerski is an author of many interesting books. Her works have been translated into twenty languages so far. She began self-publishing in 2012 with the book titled of THE EDGE OF NEVER and also made the New York Times bestseller list. THE KILLING SARAI is the first part of In the Company of Killers series and my website Kulturalne Rozmowy is a media patron of this novel. I invite you to read the interview about this story. We will also talk about writing, passion and hobby. 
  

Sylwia Cegiela: Who is Jessica Redmerski as a writer and a woman? 

Jessica Redmerski: As a writer and a woman, I think I am the same person, except Jessica Redmerski the writer is less afraid of the world and faces it head-on. As a woman I have always had a deep desire to speak my mind, but I find myself often afraid to because confrontation fills me with anxiety and being “seen” in any kind of spotlight, negative or positive, makes me feel vulnerable. As a woman, I am ashamed of the world I live in, many of the people I am surrounded by in the country I am a citizen of. I express my sadness, anger, disappointment, and my desire for change, through my writing. It’s the only way I know how.

S.C.: Your novel KILLING SARAI was published in 2013 but we have had the occasion to read its Polish version only for several weeks now. That’s why I’d love to hear what inspired you to write this beautiful and keeping your readers in suspense story. Do you remember where you were when the story came to your mind?

J.R.: KILLING SARAI was inspired by the television show Dexter, and the movie Savages.

S.C.: Writing a book must be as much of an adventure for the writer as it is for the reader. Why did you decide to become an author? Do you know when it exactly happened? When did you feel that this is what you want to do for your whole life ?

J.R.: I have been writing since I was very young, but I started writing actual books around the age of thirteen. Getting lost in the worlds I create have always been what’s held me together, and it has never let me down. Writing is a part of me, and I can’t imagine a life without it.

S.C.: For many Polish readers you are not a well-known writer. If you wanted to encourage these people to read your books what would you say about your stories?

J.R.: I write from the heart – not for money. Of course, I do make a living writing, but even if I never made another dollar from my books, I would still write, and I would still write with passion.

S.C.: And as a reader what do you like to read the most?

J.R.: I like to read a lot of different genres – I write a lot of different genres, so it goes hand-in-hand, I guess. I really can’t stick to one because I would feel suffocated. But if I had to choose what I like to read the most it would be anything that makes me feel something. Some of my favourite authors are Anne Rice, Neil Gaiman, Paullina Simons, JK Rowling, and Cormac McCarthy.

S.C.: What do you like in writing? What do you feel when you create your stories? 

J.R.: I really love to write dialogue. It just feels more natural for me. And I love to write in first person POV because, like dialogue, it feels and flows more naturally, and it feels more personal. As far as genre, really my favourite to write is fantasy.

S.C.: You have an impact on your characters when you write their stories. How many times did you have to change the plot in your novels?

J.R.: Things change in my novels constantly. I’m the kind of writer who likes to just start writing, with little to no direction; I like to let the characters takes me where they want to go rather than the other way around. So, it’s safe to say that storylines change a lot as I write.

S.C.: When you write your stories you probably feel the same emotions as your characters. How long can you live your character’s life? What do you do if you are tired of the story which you have been currently writing?

J.R.: I absolutely feel my characters emotions. I believe that to write a story that readers can connect to emotionally, the writer needs to become the characters, feel their emotions, live out their lives in your head. 

S.C.: How do you plan your novels?

J.R.: I don’t. I get an idea in my head and I dive into the story and let it take me where it wants to go. After all, it’s not really my story a tall – it belongs to the characters, and I’m just writing it all down for them.

S.C.: Do you set a daily writing goal? Do you have any rituals which help you to write?

J.R.: I always write in the morning. When I’m on a good writing streak I’ll get up at 4 or 5 a.m.! And I always need my iced coffee.

S.C.: Let’s talk about KILLING SARAI. What was your writing process in creating these stories? Did the characters write their own stories or had you had an idea of ending before you finished the book?

J.R.: I had no idea of the ending for the series, or the book KILLING SARAI. I still don’t! I mean, I do have a general direction I’m going to take the ending, but as with everything I write, that doesn’t mean it will change before I get there.

S.C.: How long did you write KILLING SARAI? Are the characters from this novel based on people who really exist?

J.R.: It took about six weeks to write KILLING SARAI. No, I didn’t base any of the characters on anyone I know.
     

S.C.: How would you describe Sarai and Victor? Is it possible to change him? Can Sarai do it?

J.R.: Honestly, I do not think Victor Faust will ever really change. Maybe just a little, but he will never be a “normal” man who goes out on dates, or mows the lawn, or attends bachelor parties. At least, not unless he’s there to kill someone.

S.C.: Is this book the beginning of the series? Will we see more of Victor and Sarai in the following books?

J.R.: It is a series. There are seven books so far, and the series is called In the Company of Killers. I do not know how many more there will be.

S.C.: Do you find it easier to write from a male or female point of view? Why?

J.R.: I used to think I wrote in the male POV easier than the female, but now I really think I write the same in both. I honestly don’t know why.

S.C.: Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time the best? 

J.R.: I love being outside: walking, hiking, tennis, swimming, anything outdoors. I feel connected to nature. Of course, I also love to read. And I’m addicted to my favourite television series’.

S.C.: What will you write next? What are you going to write in the near future? 

J.R.: I will be writing under a pseudonym. Probably more than one.

S.C.: We will wait. Thank you for your time.