Happy Book Reviewers: Author Interview: Jackie M. Smith

Interview with

Jackie M. Smith

author of

Colliding Hearts

“You’re so tempting, dear Alice. If only we could make this moment last.”

I love a good historical novel, and am looking forward to talking to Jackie M. Smith today at The Happy Book Reviewer about her upcoming historical romance, Colliding Hearts, due out this summer.

In it, Alice Malone dreams of being a writer, but her pending engagement puts a damper on her dreams. When she meets Ryan Quinn during the construction of Titanic, their attraction is immediate. With him, true love could exist despite the difference in their social standings. Ryan Quinn knows Alice is the woman of his dreams. He loves her courage and determination, but he fears another rejection and the possibility her engagement might take her away from him. Can their love survive?

I love that you deal with social class structure, but also that you set this during the construction of the Titanic (so much is written about the sinking, but so little about the time before). What kind of research did you do to prepare for writing Colliding Hearts?

Jackie M. Smith: For this book, I read whatever I could get my hands on, and I watched documentaries. I've always been interested in learning about the lives of those who helped build the Titanic. We have seen movies and heard stories about those who were on the ship, but nothing much about the people from the lower classes.

That's a good point. So it sounds like you started with the historical setting then, rather than the characters?

Jackie M. Smith: I've always loved the Edwardian era. So much historical events have occured during this period. Society changed in a drastic way. And, I believe the sinking of the Titanic, despite its very tragic end, helped change people's view of the world and society itself.

The cover is gorgeous! Tell me about the designer, if you’ve worked with her before, and if you had envisioned this cover or if she totally surprised you.

Jackie M. Smith: Dawné Dominique is the best! Except for my first historical Klondike Winter, I have worked with her for my SCP books. She has always put into reality the images in my mind. Every time, she totally surprises me. I give her my ideas and thoughts, and she turns them into something magical.

If a high school class were reading your book some day, what themes would the teacher want the students to pick up on in your book?

Jackie M. Smith: Social class structure would be the main theme, I believe. It is so important for children of all ages to know that the great differences between social classes once existed. Social class structure still exists today. However, until the beginning of the 20th century, the differences were a lot more visible.

You now have half a dozen books on the shelf. What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a writer?

Jackie M. Smith: The advice I would give is to never give up on your dreams. It can be very difficult sometimes especially if you don't get published at first. But, keep going forward. I went through two differents publishing houses before finding SCP. Finally, do not quit your day job until you can live off your writing. That's a hard one, I know. I have tried it, but found myself getting discouraged with the bills to pay. So, I continue to write while working, and promoting whenever I can.

As I writer myself, I second this advice!

I watched your book trailer for Colliding Hearts. Who created it, and where can readers find it?

Jackie M. Smith: Thank you for watching my book trailer. I'm so proud of my creation. Readers can find it on Youtube at http://youtu.be/6jqDjHdxv6w

Please do not hesitate to like and share the love!

If you could be sucked into any novel, which would it be? Would you be yourself, or would you be one of the existing characters?

Jackie M. Smith: Hmm.. Honestly, I don't have a favorite novel, but I do have a favorite era, the Edwardian one. I probably would be myself, living in Paris, wearing the latest fabulous fashion styles and fighting for women's rights.

What book are you reading right now?

Jackie M. Smith: Right now, I'm not reading anything particular. I'm currently in the production process for Colliding Hearts, so that keeps me pretty busy.

Ah, it is always a struggle for the writer... read? write? market? edit? There are only so many hours in the day! So you're editing right now. How about writing? Are you working on a next book? Can you give us a hint on what it is about?

Jackie M. Smith: Yes, I am working on my next historical romance set in the Edwardian era. It's a sequel to Klondike Winter. (smiles)

One last question! I love collecting quotes, so add to my collection. What is your favorite line from Colliding Hearts?

“You’re so tempting, dear Alice,” he said with a soft breath against her ear. “If only we could make this moment last.”

Thanks so much for joining me today! Readers can find you and your books at: