You may remember my introduction of Jacqueline and her debut novel a few weeks ago. Today, we follow up with a Q&A, because I know you want to know. She’s sassy. She’s fabulous. She’s freakin’ funny. And she’s got a heart of gold. 

Jacqueline Garlick is an author of YA, New Adult, and Women’s Fiction.  


Lumière—A Romantic Steampunk Fantasy—is her debut novel, Book One, in her young adult The Illumination Paradox Series. She is represented by Josh Adams of Adams Literary.

Available in paperback and kindle.

1. If you had to describe your current/released project in one
sentence, what would it be?

Fast-paced, action-packed, heart-touching romance adventure.

2. Did you always know it was for YA? Or did you just write and
let the chips fall where they may?

No, I knew this piece was a YA. I’d been writing YA for four years
at the point I started this project, so the YA voice came natural to me, and so
I heard the story through that voice. 

3. Eyelet is determined and courageous, yet vulnerable. How did
her character take shape?

I wanted Eyelet to be different than all the “Kick-Ass
Angelina Jolie” clones out there in today’s YA. I didn’t want her wielding
swords, or able to karate chop some guy out of her way. I wanted her to be more
of an average girl, full of pluck, who gets thrown into an extraordinary
circumstance, and must use her mind to  figure her way out of it. I wanted
her to grow and change and still have a
heart, not be turned into a cold, calculated fighting machine. I wanted her to
be loveable and memorable, as she learned to overcome her fears, and become a
better person for it. I’m not sure if I succeeded, but those were my wishes for
her. I wanted to show there are other ways a girl can be tough and smart,
without necessarily being physically aggressive. I think, in an effort to
create the so-called ‘strong heroine’ image, much of YA today is polluted with
a convoluted image of women (girls) who act like men to be revered as ‘strong,’
and I wanted to show strength can be demonstrated in many different ways, even
subtly.   

4. Urlick is lovable, but not a typical love interest. How did his
character develop?

In researching the early x-ray machine I came across a SHOCKING
newspaper clipping, in a major US newspaper, whereby a doctor claimed he’d use the x-ray
machine to turn a “black man’s skin white”. I blinked at the screen, my jaw
hanging open, as I read the article, which ended with an advertisement
basically soliciting more business to his office. I started to think about his
victims, all the people who flocked to his office for treatment and why (as the
article suggested, to rid themselves of the unwanted stigma.) It made my
stomach stick just to think about it. From there sprung one of the major themes
of the book– inclusion. The right of every person to belong, and to be loved
and acceptance, no matter their appearance, disability, or colour of their
skin. And from there I developed Urlick, the juxtapositional character to
Eyelet, who suffers from an internal disability, whereas Urlick’s disability
(as he viewed it) is worn externally. As well, I came across further research
to support that early x-ray machines where thought to be able to eliminated
unwanted birthmarks and unsightly scars. 

5. Do you find that there is a digestion process even after your
work is “completed”? Describe what it’s like for you when it’s time to walk
away from something you’ve been working on.

I don’t think you are ever finished with any work because as it
evolves and strengthens, you evolve and strengthen, so you could basically keep
improving it forever. I think there comes a time though, when you just have to
let it go and let it be whatever it is going to be, in the eyes, thoughts and
minds of the readers, and be happy with that. I think also though, that final
passes on any work, are the most enriching and the most satisfying, and writers
should never deprive themselves of the joy that comes from adding those final
finishing touches. With that said, writing a series is kind of a cheat, because
you don’t have to part with your characters and your world for at least another
6 or 700 pages. (grin)

6. How did you decide it was time to take the self publishing
route?

In a nutshell, it was time. After four years of NYC editors
championing my work and my writing, but never buying it, it was time to do
something else. What is that old saying, “The definition of insanity
is…???” To quote Einstein. What I was doing wasn’t working, and yet I
was producing great stories. Good friend and colleague Rosemary Danielis and I
often argued about whether just because NY didn’t have room for my stories on their
limited lists and physical shelves, did that mean my stories should rot in the
virtual (computer) drawer forever and never be read? Rosemary’s position was,
“No, they shouldn’t.” My position was unclear until…the feedback on
LUMIÈRE was so overwhelmingly positive and still NY publishers decided they
could not buy it. THEN Rosemary’s way of thinking won me over. I was not ready
to give up on a story that had received so much praise and start another (50
pages of LUMIÈRE had won Don Maass’ Breakout Novel
Intensive Scholarship). I expressed my reluctance to my agent Josh, who shocked
me and suggested I self publish it and see what happens. And I haven’t looked
back. 

7. Can you describe the key steps to self publishing?

Wow, there are way too many for a blog post, I think maybe I’d
better teach a course on it instead! (See: niagararetreatandconference.com Sorry,
shameless plug.) But I will say this, everyone’s journey is as different in
self publishing, as it is the traditional way. There doesn’t seem to be any
‘key’ elements, no ‘right or wrong way to do things’, but what I will say
is this, it takes a lot of dedication and guts to self publish. It is not for
the weak of heart. 

8. How important is it to find a good editor? – or –  What do
you look for in a good editor?

OMG…you are only as good as your editor. You can quote me. THAT
is what I have learned. Self pub or traditional, finding a credible,
critically-eyed, nurturing, yet firm and honest, all knowing (meaning well
versed in the art that is storytelling) editor is the stuffing that will make
or break the success of your book. THAT and a sound and smart copyeditor. Those
are the people you need on your team. And they are two very separate things.
Simply put, if your story arc sucks, try as they may to win over a readership
for you, your characters, no matter how admirable, cannot do it on their own.
Find a story guru editor, as I call them, and LISTEN, WRITE, REVISE, and
REPEAT. Then and only THEN, publish.

9. Where does your interest in steampunk stem from?

In short, my father, who was very dear to me, owned a tool and die
(machine shop), so machinery is in my blood. Along with that he was a closet
inventor. He and I spent many a Saturday afternoon together inventing things,
designing cool contraptions out of old scraps we found in the garage or at his
shop, or sometimes just on paper with pencil. Steampunk reminds me of my father
and our cool inventions of long ago, so I guess that’s why I was naturally
drawn to writing it.  

10. Have you always known you were a writer?

Yes, since I was very little. I wrote my first series when I was
eight years old. Splendor’s Mountain it was called, a knock off of the famed
and beloved, Walton’s Mountain, TV show.

11. What has been the best writerly advice you’ve received?

Two things. Both from Bella Andrea. Get your words down first every
day, then tend to business. And… Don’t be a girl about it, if you have to,
fire someone. 

12. Who do you love to read? What genres do you lean towards?

I read everything, depending on my mood. I have a soft spot for
Laini Taylor, Ellen Hopkins of course, Veronica Rossi, and more recently
Rainbow Rowel. I also love LOVE Lori Lansens, an old high school pal of mine.
She writes for the adult market but her Rush Holme Road has to be one of my all
time faves.

13. What other things do you enjoy doing?

I love to create art, draw, paint, sculpt…and hang out with my
kids. I love to watch my kids play sports or whatever their endeavours. I don’t
think I ever feel more joy in my heart than watching my kids excel at what they
love. (grin)

14.  Any advice for unpublished writers?

Work at your craft. Get it to a point where agents and editors are
championing your work, even asking for it, then decide the publishing route
that is right for you. If you love to write and it is your passion, don’t let
all the white noise of the industry thwart you from achieving your goal.
Writers have choices now. 

Thanks for the great interview Jackie, and for sharing your wisdom with us.