PEI Author Jaime Lee Mann
Jaime Lee Mann writes every day as a
copywriter and ghostwriter. She also writes fiction under her own name and late
last year had her first, very own, middle grade novel published. Elora of Stone is
the first book in Mann’s Legend of Rhyme Series which describes the magical
adventures of two twins, who were separated when one disappeared at the age of four, and who must find each
other before an evil sorcerer takes over the world.
We caught up with the PEI author to
learn more about herself and her stories.
Where are you from originally?
JLM: Lower Rollo Bay. (A teensy
speck on the east coast of Prince Edward Island.)
Why do you think at nine years old
you decided you wanted to be an author when you grew up? (What inspired this?)
JLM: I feel like it was decided
for me that I would grow up to be an author. I don't remember a time when I was
not dreaming up stories. I loved writing. But I got the hugest thrill when
classmates enjoyed reading my work. I remember my friends getting a kick out of
giving me a word and asking me to write a poem or story based on it. I never
really thought about the significance of that feedback from my peers until now.
Maybe that enjoyment of my words by my peers let the whole
"authoring" idea percolate in the back of my mind.
How did you come up with the
intriguing plot for Elora of
Stone? And, is this your first
published book?
JLM: Elora of Stone is
the first book I've had published under my own name. (As a ghostwriter I've had
other works released.) The plot changed many times. I can't give you a clear
answer without spoiling the ending! I knew how the novel was going to end, but
I didn't know how I was going to get there. I wrote a very rough first draft
based on my initial outline, and it was crap. It had issues. So I sat with my
husband (and some wine) and he (they) helped me to work through it. When I came
up with the twist I wanted to use, the plot was perfect.
“No books I've read in my life have
stayed with me like the books I read in my childhood.”
What age group is your book/series
geared towards?
JLM: It was written for the 9-12
set, but I've had really positive feedback from younger and older readers, as
well.
I love how the series is called
"The Legend of Rhyme". What's the significance of that?
JLM: It was impossibly hard to
come up with the name for the land where this magical stuff was going to take
place. I originally pictured a land like Ireland, but with more Icelandic
geographical features. The name "Rhyme" just came to me during one of
my bouts of brainstorming. I thought it would pique interest on the shelf. And
the entire series is based around Legend surrounding this mysterious land.
How hard was it and how enjoyable was
it to sit down and write the first book?
JLM: When I allowed that
creativity tap to be turned on at a full roar, it was a huge thrill to just let
my own words flow. From my own brain! My own stories! I love ghostwriting and
copywriting (that is my profession)but with my own stories I have complete
freedom. Writing is not hard for me. Editing? Hard. Writing? Bliss.
“I remember being a little girl at Rollo
Bay School and listening to Deirdre Kessler reading us her book, Lobster in my
Pocket.”
What has the response been like to Elora of Stone?
JLM: Completely
overwhelming. I was proud to have a book written. I set out to have a novel
published. I did it. Yay! Oh, right. Now I'm completely open to criticism and
potential rejection if these people don't like it! I haven't been in front of a
group of kids yet where they didn't get upset that I couldn't keep reading. The
feedback is unanimously positive from all grades 3-6 classes I've read to so
far. I'm getting positive feedback all the time and it's the most incredible
feeling.
How have you enjoyed touring schools
and libraries so far?
JLM: I remember being a little
girl at Rollo Bay School and listening to Deirdre Kessler reading us her book, Lobster
in my Pocket. That was proof that I could be an author one day. To be able
to sit in front of these groups of children and read to them is an honour. I'm
also remembering how much I love kids. Obviously I love my own kids, but I love
the energy that comes off a group of kids. I love teasing them and making them
laugh. It's so much fun.
What are you working on now?
JLM: I'm
trying to wrap the first three books in the series. Book 2 I should be working
on right now because it's due to the editor. But I am answering your fun
interview questions instead, until my coffee is ready.
When you are not writing novels, what
are you up to?
JLM: When I'm not writing
novels, or working on client projects, I'm probably in the kitchen. I love
cooking. I'm also always doing dishes because of my aforementioned love to
cook, plus our lack of a dishwasher. I'm also a kettlebell addict and can be
found at the local fitness studio quite often.
What's your favourite kids’ book/kids’
author?
JLM: I'm a diehard Dr. Seuss
fan. The Chronicles of Narnia is also tops. I love books that make kids think.
What do you like most about children's
or YA literature?
JLM: Children's literature has
the power to shape the way you see the world. No books I've read in my life
have stayed with me like the books I read in my childhood. To think that one
day, a child may look back on Elora of Stone as a story they
will carry with them? That would be awesome.
“Hard work and determination will get
you there much faster than wishing on stars.”
Anything to add?
JLM: No matter how old you are,
follow your dreams. It took me 25 years or so, but I'm proof that if you focus
and work hard, you can make your dreams come true. Hard work and determination
will get you there much faster than wishing on stars.
