Janelle Armstrong Interview Published on: 10, Apr 2020
Where were you born?
I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Which is your favorite childhood memory?My best childhood memory is family vacations exploring the state.
What did you love the most about Nancy Drew book that your grandmother gifted you?I got hooked on Nancy Drew books because they offered mystery. It was fun reading how spunky Nancy followed clues to solve the mystery.
From historical romance to mysteries and thrillers, you have always had your nose in a book. But which genre books do you love reading the most?I like mysteries mixed with romance. I love books that have twists I didn't expect.
How and why did you choose the romance?I thought everyone liked a good romance. Well, maybe not everyone.
How did you begin writing The Barren Plains Series?I've had the story floating around in my brain for several years. When i finally had the time to write it, it was pretty much set in my head.
How did you come up with the Gray and Ro's story in "Clash"?The Barren Plains Series took all three books to tell their stories. Spreading it out, I was able to tell more about Ro and Gray.
Who inspired the character of seventeen-year-old Ro in The Barren Plains Series?No particular person inspired me. I just made her a combination of several strong females I knew.
Will you write or plan to write any standalone books in the future?I think I will try a stand alone book after The Outcasts (The Extinction Archives, Book 3) is published later this month.
When did you decide that The Extinction Archives is going to be a series?I decided to tell the story of three different couples and how they reacted to the same situation.
How do you ensure to keep your readers wanting for more at the end of each book in a series?In a series, I like to do a little bit of a cliffhanger, so readers want to find out what happens.
If you could be a part of any one of your stories for a day, which one would it be and why?Since my two series are dystopian, I think I like the new world in The Extinction Archives best. Iris is a great character.
What are some common traps that new authors tend to fall into? Any advice on how to avoid these traps?Since I'm a fairly new author, I'm sure there are many traps in my future. Hopefully I can avoid them. So far, I've encountered some 'writer's block'. All I can say is don't give up. Keep writing. Keep a notebook handy where you can jot ideas down, so you don't forget them. It really helps. There will be times when you want to throw up your hands and shout "Why did I start this?!" Take a deep breath, scream, go for a walk (please don't scream while taking a walk) and chill for awhile.
Which is the next book you are working on? What is it about?I'm in the very early stages of my next book, but I can say it involves a person with a special gift who is on the run.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?My experience with AllAuthor has been great. Seriously, you wanted to interview me. How great is that?
