Featured Interview With Carol Jackson
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I live in Auckland, New Zealand where I was born and raised. My hubby was born in India and came to New Zealand in the late ’80’s. This is the subject of my book, Julie & Kishore, it is loosely based on our lives, how we, as a couple faced being in an inter-racial relationship at that time. Although I have added more ‘spice’ to the story to make it more interesting. It is perhaps 40% non-fiction and 60% fiction.
We have two children who are young adults. We also have a Pomeranian dog called Louie and his best friend is our ginger cat, Donny.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always had a fascination with books, while growing up I enjoyed reading: Anne of Green Gables, Pollyanna, Charlotte’s Web, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and many more.
I have had the idea to write three different books in my head for a long time. It wasn’t until my children started school and I was doing accounting working from home that I found the time to write. Once I started, I could not stop, the words poured out of me, although Julie & Kishore still took two years to write.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
It is not the author that attracts me to a book, it is the plot. I love books, I love to read and I love being engrossed in a story. I go through stages of enjoying both fiction and non-fiction. I have recently read – Room by Emma Donoghue and Wild by Cheryl Strayed. I belong to a book club and we have a list of different books to try to read each month. This is great because this makes me read different genres that I would not usually choose. I am inspired by all authors, I learn and take a little bit away with me from each book I read.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
Julie considers herself a freckle-faced, red-headed plain Jane, she dreams of one day having a traditional white wedding. Then she meets Kishore, a guy who was born in India, but has been in New Zealand for two years. They go on a few dates and love blossoms. The couple face trials and tribulations from family and friends about being an inter-racial couple at that time, but they battle on with building their relationship. They become engaged and the inevitable happens, they decide to travel to India to meet Kishore’s family. Upon arrival, Julie is faced with a huge culture shock and is astounded by the sights of New Delhi. She goes through a harrowing ordeal when she gets lost in a busy market place. She is just recovering from this when Kishore’s Mother drops a bombshell, by suggesting Julie & Kishore get married before they leave India.
Will Julie say yes? Can she even think of getting married in a foreign country without any of her family or friends for support?
I am currently writing Julie & Kishore – Take Two and have started my third book which I have called Nina’s Art.
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