Author: Jamie Loeak
Series: Body & Soul Trilogy (#1)
Genre: YA/Paranormal
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: August 25 2012
Kate, the daughter of a lawyer and marine biologist, has just moved to a small beach town in Florida. She’s forced to start over in the middle of the summer, but is used to it by now, since she’s moved around her entire life. When Kate meets Rico and Adriana on her second day at the beach house, everything changes. Kate is introduced to the world of Light and Darkness, and is thrown into the middle of it when a mysterious being attacks her one night. As Kate’s nights continue to get weirder, her friendship with Rico and Adriana grows stronger, and for the first time Kate has real friends. When Rico sits Kate down to tell her what is really happening to her, things start to click for Kate, and she is forced to make a decision to quit or fight for her body and soul.
Tell us the story behind the story. What inspired you to write this novel?
The dream was definitely the biggest inspiration. Also, my dreams of paying off my college loans. Yes, those definitely helped.
Fun Fact: I wrote this book in one week. My mother and father left me alone for Spring Break last year. I sat in the house, taking care of the dog, and wrote. Why didn’t I go anywhere, you wonder? Oh, I was left with no vehicle and no way to leave the house unless I called friends to pick me up. I decided I would rather remain alone. Turned out for the best!
Tell us about the book cover. How does it represent your book? How did you choose the artwork?
This cover represents a small, yet very important piece of the book, Kate’s dreams. She always wears the long, ivory gown, with her curls tumbling over her shoulders and down her back. This was chosen because I could never obtain a model. The one that I wanted is currently away at school. This photo, however, was perfect for the book cover; once I saw it, I had to have it! There was no way around it.
“I hope you don't mind Lucky Charms,” Rico said as he walked in.
“Nope. In fact, they used to be my favorite.”
“Yeah, well I thought they might be able to bring us some luck,” Rico admitted. He handed Kate a ceramic bowl and held onto his as he stood in front of her.
Kate scooted to the edge of the bed and looked into Rico’s cobalt eyes. “What are you talking about, Rico?” she asked hesitantly.
“ I'm heading down to Miami for a little bit. I’m going to contact an old friend of mine. He was the demon that told me that there were rumors about attaining a soul. I don't think he would trust me if I just went down there and asked, so I'm planning on spending some time with him.”
“When do you leave?”
Rico set his bowl down and reached out toward Kate. He placed his hand on her knee, but pulled away quickly. Kate could sense the pain in his eyes at not being able to touch her for very long. “I plan on leaving tomorrow.”
“What?” Kate sputtered. Milk splashed down her chin and hit the soft carpet that lay underneath her bare feet.
Rico laced his fingers together and placed his hands behind his head. Kate knew by now that he did this when he was frustrated with something, when he was on the verge of giving up. His blue eyes were stormy. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I just feel this desire to find this out now. I need to know if this is even possible, if I can obtain a soul, if you and I…” he drifted off.
“Can stay together?” Kate finished.
“No,” Rico said as he shook his head. “I just need to know if you and I can be together as mortals. I need to know if destiny will allow me to be with you forever. And I mean our souls, not our bodies.”
“What do you mean, not our bodies? Is there a way for me to become immortal like you?”
“Yes, but you would have to be willing to give up your soul, Kate. Haven't you ever heard of people selling their souls?”
“Yes, to the devil. Is Darkness the devil?”
“He’s human’s view of the devil. But, I don't want to talk about this any longer with you. You are not giving up your soul. It doesn't matter anymore.”
“I know I'm not giving up my soul, Rico. Don't think I'm some idiot girl like all of those book characters. I’m no Bella Swan. I know the cost of my humanity. I know that I shouldn’t be willing to give something up when you're fighting so hard to attain it. I'm not stupid.”
Jamie Loeak is an aspiring YA author. She has written and published her first novel and continues to work toward finishing the trilogy, while new ideas for more novels pop into her ever changing mind. Jamie resides in Florida, where she is a middle school teacher. Finding time for writing is difficult within the world of lesson plans, assessments, and students; however, Jamie makes sure to make time for all of the things that she loves in life, including her students, pets, and loving boyfriend. When Jamie isn't writing or grading papers, she is forcing her sister into photo shoots or playing her guitar. Her current goal is to finish the Body and Soul Trilogy so that she can let her other ideas escape.
Where do the ideas for your books come from?
Well, the idea for Body & Soul came to me in a dream. I was running from a guy that scared me. At the same time, though, I felt exhilarated and excited; it was almost like I wanted him to catch me, almost like I wanted him to find me. I ended up running into an old general store, where I hid behind the wooden counter and begged the owner not to tell my pursuer that I was there. The door opened, and I felt my pursuer’s presence behind me. My heart beat frantically, and I kept my eyes trained on the store owner. The two talked while I held my breath and begged my heartbeat not to betray my whereabouts. The only other part I remember: I caught a glimpse of the man chasing me. He had long, shaggy black hair and bright blue eyes. He was amazing.
When it came to The Key’s Keeper, it was natural. I let Kate’s life continue as I recorded. It’s almost as if the characters are actual, tangible people. Part of me feels as if I’m here to tell you their story. Because, once I build the characters, see them in my mind and heart, it is no longer my book or my story; it’s all theirs.
Now, my newest, untitled book was different. I just produced an image in my mind. If you read the first paragraph of my untitled book, which you can find on my blog, you’ll see the flash of inspiration. Now, I’m just building the story.
What type of research goes into your writing?
Right now, not much research goes into my writing. I made up the town in Body & Soul. I used my knowledge and personal experiences of Tampa and Ybor City when writing about Kate’s mini-adventures with Rico. When I wrote about the restaurant where Kate and Rico went on their date, La Creperia, I had to look up pictures to remind myself of the details of its exterior. When I wrote about Bok Tower Garden, I checked to find out which plants were in season during the summer months.
Do you remember when your interest in writing came about?
I would say that my true interest in the actual form of writing was in high school. My senior English teacher, Mr. Kocian, made me fall in love with poetry. Afterwards, I always said that I would write, but I never did. Eventually, my parents got tired of hearing about it.
Do you work with an outline or just write?
I just write, and let it all happen.
Do you have a writing schedule, like time of day a certain place or just when your muse talks to you?
I have to write in an almost completely silent room. Lately, I've been sitting on my bed with my computer in my lap. However, I wrote all of Body & Soul on the couch in my living room.
Just for Fun
Fave Color?
Pink. I'm a girly girl.
Fave Beverage?
Juicy Juice: Grape or Fruit Punch. Sweet Tea. Sometimes Sprite.
Fave Quote?
“Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.” –Khalil Gibran
Rain or Snow?
I've never seen snow. I'll go with snow because it rains too much in Tampa.
Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook
Places to find Jamie
Places to find Body & Soul
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I would love to hear your thoughts. :) HAPPY READING !!!!