Author Bio:
Hello!! I’m Bella Jai Collier. I’m from and currently live in Georgia with my husband and our five (yes) five children! I found writing very interesting when I was just ten years old. I remember picking up a notebook and writing a short story. The older I got, the longer my stories were. I published my first novel in 2009 under a somewhat Traditional publisher. In that contract I learned a lot about the publishing business and I am still learning to this day. Now I have four books and a stage play that I hope to bring to the stage soon. My new novel is one that I am super excited about and I cannot wait for the world to read it! Being an author is rewarding to me because whenever I don’t like the world I’m living in I can just create and escape to another!!
What inspires you to write?
My inspiration comes from the love of writing. Writing is something that relaxes me and brings me great joy! I'm inspired to write for my family. Everytime they see me on the computer working on my novel they also see me working on a dream. I hope that watching me work on my dream and something I love, will inspire them to go after theirs.
Tell us about your writing process.
When I know that I'm going to write a book the thought comes into my head. From there I take maybe a day or two to process how I'm going to write the story. I think about where the characters will reside, their occupation, married with kids or single. Once I know which direction I will be going in, I then begin to write. If it flows, I know to keep at it, if I struggle with the story, I toss it to the side. I always want to give my readers authentic characters that they can relate to. Whenever I write a book I have to be excited about it! If I'm not connecting to the story and not excited, I can't expect my readers to be.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I talk to my characters. I literally have to tell my kids, I'm not crazy when they walk in on me! My latest book I talk to the characters as if I'm talking to a real human being!!
Who are your favorite authors?
Mary Morrison and Kim Lawson Roby. Their writing style is different but I enjoy their work equally. Kim Lawson Roby "The Curtis Black" series and for Mary Morrison the "If I Can't Have You" series. Both their books are sold in stores, online and in libraries.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
The first book I published was under a company that represented as a Traditional Publishing Company. I learned the hard way but it was too late because I had signed on the dotted lines. That taught me to research, ask questions and not to be so quick to believe everything I hear without researching first. I've been going the self-publish route. I rather enjoy it because I get to make all the decisions but the business side of self- publishing is tough, especially the marketing. But when you believe in what you're doing and you love it, each day is a joy!
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I hope more Traditional Publishers and Literary agents will give more unknown writers a chance. But it's great that people will still be able to read your work and you can still enjoy being an author through self-publishing.
What genres do you write?
Women's Fiction, Drama, and Family Saga.
What formats are your books in?
Print
Website(s)
Bella Jai Collier Home Page Link
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
