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May
8
Today I am excited to introduce you to Jean Hackensmith. She is the author of the romantic thriller, Checkmate.
You can purchase Checkmate at Amazon.com, HerOrbit.com, and autographed copies are available at www.jeanhackensmith.com
Blurb/summary of book:
Caryn’s ex-husband bound her and their children hand and foot, locked them in the bathroom, and set the house on fire. They managed to escape with their lives, and Dan Hamilton was sentenced to eighteen years in prison for the crime. He’s out now and the rules in his sadistic game allow Caryn only twelve “moves” before she will die. Zach Riker, Cheyenne’s Fire Chief, was the first paramedic on the scene eighteen years ago. He saved Caryn’s life. Now she is his life and he’ll stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves.
Do you set writing goals and write them down?
I keep a list of future book ideas, if that counts. My mind is always reeling with ideas…especially at night. People often ask me if I get any sleep! Yes, I do, but it’s generally a long time in coming. My mind refuses to shut down. Next to my husband and children, writing is my life. When those ideas begin to dwindle, then I’ll begin to worry.
Do you set goals for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of your life with specific action steps and deadlines?
Yes, all the time. I’m trying to lose weight right now, so reaching my target weight is one definite goal. I do specific things each day to achieve that goal and have set what I hope are not too stringent guidelines. Emotionally, I’m feeling pretty good right now, but my son is having a hard time with a new relationship, so that’s stressful for me as well—especially when the girl he’s dating is my best friend’s daughter. My friend isn’t too happy with the relationship; I am delighted. The idea that, if things don’t work out between the two of them, it could affect my relationship with my friend is constantly on my mind. God willing, the situation will work out for the best. I’ve been doing a lot of praying for all of them.
What aspects of your own life are woven into your book?
I hope my sense of humor comes through in my characters, as well as an in-bred determination to overcome obstacles that could jeopardize my happiness or that of my family. I am also a victim of spousal abuse and rape, so when these issues are addressed in the book, I speak from my own personal experiences. In the book, the heroine places the safety of her family above her own—something I would undoubtedly do in that situation. I’m a mother, after all. No matter how old my children are, their well being will always be foremost in my mind.
How do you spark your creativity?
I am lucky in that I live at the western tip of Lake Superior, the “inland sea.” Whenever I run up against a stone wall in my writing, which doesn’t happen very often, I take a notebook and pen and go sit on a secluded beach overlooking the lake. It seldom fails to jumpstart my creativity. This is also one of my favorite places to write, even when I’m not suffering from writer’s block. The serenity and peacefulness of the water on a warm, calm, summer day makes the creative juices flow. I’m one of those writers who need absolute quiet when I’m working. The Lake provides that—and so does writing at night. My normal writing time is from around 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. when the house is quiet and I know I won’t be disturbed by ringing phones, radios or televisions.
How do you relax?
Again, I head for the Lake…or I just grab a soda and a good book and go sit outside in the yard. I enjoy nothing more than watching the world go by on a quiet, peaceful day; waving to the neighbors, watching deer feed in the yard across the street. Nothing is more relaxing for me…especially on days when I just don’t feel like being a part of that world.
What do you enjoy doing with friends?
Movies, camping, bowling…though I’m terrible at it, but I have fun! I’m also very active in our local community theatre, which is where most of my friends reside, also. I actually founded the theatre back in 1992 and still direct 3-4 shows a year. I’ve also stepped onto stage a few times, portraying “Anna Leowens” in THE KING AND I, and “Miss Hannigan” in ANNIE. I’ve also written three plays for the theatre and, believe me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your work come to life.
What quality do you most desire to develop in yourself as a person?
I could work a little on developing a higher level of patience. When I see those around me doing something self-destructive or damaging to another person, I’m tempted to knock their heads together and scream, “Why can’t you see that there’s a simple solution to this!” Of course, what may seem simple to me may not be to them and, especially with those closest to me, I’m always worried about hurting their feelings. I have learned, though, after fifty-one years, that sometimes it’s necessary to address the hard issues head-on rather than pussy foot around and watch someone you love make a grievous mistake.
What themes and/or issues are predominate in your work?
The main “theme” in all of my work, I guess, would be that good can always conquer evil if you’re willing to work hard enough to accomplish it. As far as issues, almost all of my books have a beleaguered person in there somewhere who must overcome some kind of abuse, whether it be physical, sexual or emotional. There have been many special people throughout my life who have helped me to overcome different forms of abuse. Those angels of mercy, as it were, are also integrated into my novels.
What is better about your life now than it was 5 years ago?
Undoubtedly, the fact that I am again free to live my life as I please. Admittedly, I have an addictive personality. Thirteen years ago, I was a compulsive gambler. I stole some money to fuel that addiction and, luckily, was caught and forced to get help. I spent a month in the county jail, was put of probation for 10 years, and ordered to pay restitution. I did repay the money—every dime—and was released from probation back in 2005. I haven’t stepped in a casino since, and I never will. One pull of the “one armed bandit” is all it would take to suck me back in.
What was the most important lesson you learned about yourself as a person during the writing of your book?
That, even in my writing, I am capable of making the hard decisions. One chapter in particular in the book went totally against my grain as a person, but I knew it had to be for the story to have the desired impact. The reader will know the chapter, I’m sure, when they get to it.
Thanks Jean for stopping by the blog that shows you how to awaken the hero within YOU!
Tags: blind, storyation, business development, mentoring, entrepreneurial authoring, mentor
Ronda Del Boccio, The Story Lady of Storyation.com is an author, dynamic speaker, author coach, story coach.
She is the author of I'll Push, You Steer: The Definitive Guide to Stumbling Through Life with Blinders On
The Kama Sutra of Storytelling: Positioning, Power and Profit
and her upcoming book...
The Geometry of Success: 5 Simple Shapes that Shape Your Life
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Thank you so much, Ronda, for hosting me today! Unlike many interviews I’ve done, your’s really made me stop and think…about myself and my life. I had to dig a little deeper to come up with the answers to your questions, which is never a bad thing in my opinion. It’s necessary for every person, at some point in their lives, to take a step back and look at who they really are.
Thanks again for the experience!
Jean Hackensmith
[…] Hackensmith, author of the romantic thriller, Checkmate, will be stopping off at Awaken the Hero Within You! A victim of spousal abuse, Caryn’s ex-husband bound her children hand and foot, locked them […]