JA Lafrance Interview Published on: 21, Apr 2022
Being born in Canada, what has been your most cherished childhood memory?
I grew up in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and remember spending many Christmases in shorts and the following day have snow gear on.
What does writing mean to you?Writing is a way to bring my ideas, characters and stories to life. I sit in awe as I watch people relate to a character I wrote.
When did you first realize that being a writer is something you wanted to pursue?Honestly, I started writing to fight insomnia. I figured emptying my mind would help in the long run. Then I started to get readers wanting more, it encouraged me to keep going, then it became a good addiction.
What are your thoughts on conventional publishing vs self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?Conventional vs Self-Publishing is what every one fights over. But, here is the thing, as a writer if you land a traditional contract, I applaud you. I support the author in any avenue they take. In this career its all about getting seen by any means necessary. I myself am a self-published author as well as I have books in with two Hybrid publishing houses. I chose what works for me.
What were some of the thoughts swimming through your head while you were trying to get your first book published?To be honest when I wrote my first book, I left it sitting on my computer. My best friend read it, then her and my spouse encouraged me to publish. Their exact words "it won't hurt anyone".
What inspired the plot of your novel, Stunned?Stunned came about when I was going through a phase of watching movies about stalkers. The story took me years to write, and then I found a cover model.
When writing, do you prefer to work after setting an outlined plot? Or just take an idea and then see where it gets you?I am a pantser. Meaning i have to write my story front to back. I can't plot the story it has to flow as I write.
What was the most crucial component when writing your novel, As My Heart Speaks?My poetry came about when another poet issued me a 100 poem challenge. I took it an ran with it. But, poetry rarely flows.
How do word count limitations affect what you can fit into a story?Very rarely do word counts affect me.
Do you write out an outline of your novel first? How detailed is the outline?Nope, I sit and write what comes from my head.
As a writer, how do you keep track of all the different characters and stories you've written? Do you have any favorites?I am constantly writing down my characters, which reminds me I need to get a note book and start plotting my characters.
My favourite character I've written is Cammy from The Brother & Her Best Friend although, Tamah is a close second.
Which is the best compliment or fan-mail you have received for your work?I recieved a message in my page from a reader who read From the Darkness and thanked me for giving her the courage. It was inspiring reading what she wrote.
What would you like to say to any fans reading this right now? Any advice?Thank you for taking the chance on me and reading the stories I write. If you love to read I encourage you to take a chance on self-published authors.
If you'd like to write, sit down and let the words flow.
Which is the next book you are working on? Give us an insight into it.I am working within a shared world called Pheonix Force. There are a group of author writing an all female security team. There are some out all ready. I have one coming out in May co-written with a USA Today Bestselling Author, and a solo in the same series releasing in September.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?As an author AllAuthor has been such an amazing tool to have.
