Inside The Indie Author: A Conversation with Josephine Jordan

Diana Kathryn
Jan 30
5 min read

Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?

Absolutely! Josephine Jordin is my pen name. It has a far better ring than my actual name and creates a much-needed separation. 😉

What is your “go-to” method for working through or around writer’s block?

Can’t say I’ve encountered full on writer’s block (yet, anyway!), but if I’m struggling with a particular scene, I retreat to a special, secluded area of my house to find my Zen. Simply calming my mind and shutting out the world for a brief time often allows me to work through any particular stumbling block.

From your perspective, what are the most important elements of good writing?

Strong character development! I’ll read anything, regardless of prose or plot, if I love the characters.

What comes first – the location, the plot, or the characters – and why?

For me, everything stems from the characters. Just how my mind works. 😉

What are your least favorite and most favorite things about publishing a book?

Least - the final stages of editing. Hitting that “publish” button is a harrowing action… Most - love the cover design process. Seeing the culmination of your efforts come to life through one central image is so very beautiful.

What is a significant way your book changed from the first to the final draft?

The development of my side characters… Initially, their role was minimal, but they seemed to flourish more with each draft.

What was the inspiration for your most recent book?

Can’t honestly pinpoint one particular source; it was more of an evolution.

What is a “darling” you’ve killed in a book that you’d like to resurrect in a future book?

Several “darlings” have been killed along the way during the writing of my more intimate scenes… I fully intend to weave them into other novels at some point in time. 😉

Where are your most productive writing spaces, and what elements are important about that space to keep you focused on writing.

I tend to live in my office when I’m writing (or would, should my schedule actually allow it). This is often hard to juggle, as I’m a mom first and foremost, so I have to balance frequent interruptions. I’m used to working with minor background noise but greatly prefer quiet. A significant portion of my evenings and early morning hours are spent in my office, when the house is perfectly still.

If you were to give one of your side characters a novella of their own, who would it be, and why do you think they need their own story?

Definitely Scotch, my retired sniper Scotsman with a penchant for mischief. His adventures, pre-Storm series, would take readers on a wild ride.

What risks have you taken with your writing that made the book better?

Hmm… Initially, I was working with a small press publisher. Things were evolving quite nicely but one of my side characters became quite the sticky point. The editor wanted a particular character either removed or tweaked to meet their specifications. I ultimately decided to self-publish and keep the character written as intended. In speaking with readers, the consensus seems to be that this character is a fun vignette! So, hopefully that gamble pays off!

What’s the best monetary investment you’ve ever made with regard to your writing practice?

My laptop!

What is your writing software of choice, and what is its best feature?

Microsoft Word… too many features to name just one!

Do characters’ names come immediately to you? Do you add them in a final draft? Where do you find names, and how do you make a final decision about the names you’ll use?

Oftentimes, yes, a certain name will simply strike me. Or a name populates in my mind, and a character’s development follows. The inspiration for the name of one of my protagonists occurred during a collegiate baseball game… the player’s name was announced as he stepped up to bat and I was immediately struck with oh my gosh, that name belongs in a book! I tweaked it slightly, of course 😉.

Tell us the title of one of your favorite novels, and why this book is a favorite.

Beyond the incredible classics (works of C.S. Lewis, Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to name a few of my favorites), one of the novels that has stayed with me the most over the years is Dean Koontz’s Intensity, which I read probably close to thirty years ago. It was my first true experience with a could-not-put-down novel, and I devoured it. I recall staying up till three am one morning (despite having to get up for work a few short hours later) because I had to know how it ended. Then, of course, I couldn’t fall asleep!

Think of the title of a hugely popular novel. What is one major thing you would change about the book?

This is dangerous territory, my friend. 😊

What are you reading right now?

I find myself drawn to more nonfiction as of late. I’m currently reading Phoenix Revival by Lt. Kegan “Smurf” Gill. It details the aftermath of Naval Aviation’s fastest survived ejection.

If you could take on the identity of a character in one of your favorite books for twenty-four hours and retain the memory of that experience, which character would you choose? Tell us the title, author, character name, and why you would want to be that character.

My beloved Special Agent A.X.L. Pendergast, from the works of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. He’s part of a series of books, starting with Relic. He’s the most intriguing fictional character I’ve discovered. I would love to experience a day in his fascinating life and absorb a small taste of his extraordinary mind.

If you could save five books from being destroyed in the apocalypse, what books would you choose, and why?

The Bible
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe; C.S. Lewis
The Scarlet Pimpernel; Baroness Orczy
The Lord of the Rings; J.R.R. Tolkien
A Christmas Carol; Charles Dickens

Why? Because they contain stories of the most inspirational people/characters ever written, in my humble opinion. Characters that remain etched in your mind, who demonstrate great faith, loyalty and perseverance during the darkest of times.

Tell us a little something about your current WIP. When do you expect it to be released?

I’m currently working on book three of my Storm Series, which will conclude the series. Aiming for a release toward the end of this year. After that, I have a suspense novel planned.

What are the titles and genres of each book you’ve written?