Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Jessica Berg

Book Title:  Grace through Fire

Released:  03/21/23

Genre:  Contemporary Romance with Mystery

Interview by Heather L. Barksdale

What inspired you to write “Grace through Fire”?

Berg: I love the Black Hills of South Dakota, and I love photography (although I'm not very good at it), so I wanted Nikki Lancaster's story to revolve around both.

How did you come up with the names of your main characters?

Berg: Naming characters is a fun but also a difficult element in writing. I always start first with what that name looks like to me. However, they might look different in the readers' heads! Nikki is such a free-spirited name, and I think it fits Nikki's personality perfectly. Xavier's name was set in stone in Amber Waves of Grace, and I think it grew with him as the MMC in Grace Through Fire; it's different and unique and, to me, sexy!

Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?

Berg: The Lancaster Series books are very near and dear to my heart because I was raised in a rural area, learned how to drive tractor when I was nine, and was on the road with my custom-combiner parents from when I was 3 months old to when I got a full-time summer job when I was fifteen! The prairie inspires me, and that's why most of my books are set in the Midwest. As for my writing process, I don't have a set schedule as I have four kids and teach high school English, so most of my writing is during the summer months. During the school year, I write in short moments when I get the chance.

If "Grace through Fire" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?

Berg:  Oh, definitely Chris Hemsworth with his long, blonde Thor hair! As for Nikki, probably Blake Lively.

When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?

Berg: After a solid panic session, I just write. It's usually gibberish, and I end up deleting half of what I write, but it usually breaks the block, and I'm off the to the races once again.

Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?

Berg: Simply this: write, write, and write some more. The more you write, the more confident you become with your own voice and the better you become at the craft in general.

What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?

Berg: I read all different genres (except for YA and horror), and my favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

What are you working on next?

Berg: I actually just finished the first book in a newly planned cozy mystery series and have sent it off the agents! Keep your fingers crossed for me

Interested in checking out the book for yourself?

Find it for purchase here or Kindle Unlimited

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