An Afternoon with Jessica Cameron
How did you come to write Implanted? And is this your first title?
The idea came about when I was trying to speak to my partner about some recurring nightmares I’d been having for years, and we said about how great it would be if we could somehow record those and watch them back. An idea was borne and I set to writing Implanted. It is my first title.
How were the plot and characters of your book inspired?
The plot was inspired by the nightmares themselves, I decided to create something that is somehow relatable emotionally whilst being incredibly out there with the plot. I found that whilst I was writing, I would be flooded with new ideas and directions and so the book actually changed direction a couple of times before I was happy. I aimed to have the characters come across as people you would meet in day to day life, to allow the reader to relate to them better.
What is it that makes this book unique?
The concept in itself. I believe I have written something that is not very predictable but is easy to follow if you allow yourself to be absorbed into the narrative. Also the fact that whilst it is certainly a thriller it also touches on a few other genres, so many different groups of readers can find something to enjoy within the pages.
What feedback have you had on your book that you’re most proud of?
I was told by one reader that they connected very strongly with parts relating to mental health and that some personal experiences they had never known how to put into words was there in the pages acknowledging them, and inspiring them to speak out about their past experiences. That was pleasing for me and again touches on the fact that whilst the plot has some sci-fi, it can be emotionally relatable.
What was the best piece of advice given to you in your writing journey?
Stop editing whilst writing. Finish the book first, then edit it. Otherwise you’ll never finish.
Who is your favourite author that writes in your genre and why?
James Herbert, I used to go into my Mums bookshelf and look for his name. He wrote some fantastic stories that I read growing up, and the images that his books conjured in my mind stay with me to this day. To me that is an incredible skill.
Has publishing Implanted made you want to publish more in the future and if so, would you stay within the thriller genre?
Yes, I have enjoyed this journey greatly. I have a couple of other books I am working on that come under the thriller definition, but I also have a series that I have been working on for a while which are quite the opposite. These will appeal to a different audience who like a bit of fantasy and whimsy.
How long did you spend writing Implanted and was the experience what you expected?
Implanted took me around 6 months to write, then longer to edit and have a finished product. I didn’t have too much of an expectation for the experience I would have whilst writing it, but I have taken away with me the belief that if it isn’t causing an influx of ideas or inspiration whilst I am writing it I need to step back and come back another time otherwise I end up changing it all anyway.
Is there anything further you would like to say that isn’t covered in the above?
If you do find yourself reading Implanted, I hope you enjoy the ride and I am always eager to hear people’s interpretations of it!
Jessica Cameron’s Implanted
is available in Paperback and eBook.
Find out more about Implanted here.
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