#WriterWednesday Author Interview with Jackie Layton

I would like to welcome my friend, the amazing Jackie Layton, to the blog this week for #WriterWednesday!

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: I almost said reading, but I make time to read. I enjoy watching true crime TV shows.

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: Keep up with my writing expenses. Every year, I plan to do better, but when I get ready for taxes, I realize I have not done a good job at all. Things you need when you’re in your writing cave: I need coffee, but I rarely snack when writing.

Things that distract you from writing: Most of my neighbors use the same company to mow their yards, so when they show up, it’s loud, and it lasts a long time. My husband takes care of the mowing at our house, and I help with weeding and gardening, so I don’t deal with the noise then.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Marketing.
Easiest thing about being a writer: Brainstorming. I love to think about new story ideas.

Things you will run to the store for at midnight: Nothing for myself, but if I have a grandchild or parent and they need something, I’ll go. There’s nothing like a baby with a fever to get me moving.

Things you never put on your shopping list: I never put those frozen hamburger patties on my list. I tried once, but they don’t taste as good as patting out the burgers myself.

Favorite snacks: Pretzels, popcorn, and peanut butter cups.

Things that make you want to gag:  Too much mayonnaise on a sandwich, in chicken salad, or anywhere.

Something you wanted to be when you were a kid: I wanted to be a nurse, a pharmacist, a journalist, a teacher, a writer, and a secretary.

Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do: I dreamed of being a published author, but I didn’t think it was possible. With encouragement from my husband, my parents, and my kids, I gave it a shot. I feel blessed that my dream came true.

 Last best thing you ate: My husband surprised me with triple berry muffins, and they were delicious.

Last thing you regret eating: Fried chicken tenders. I’ve avoided fried food for so long, and I felt icky after eating it.

Things to say to an author: You kept me guessing until the end. I didn’t see the twist coming.

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: Your story was predictable and boring.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: I moved from Kentucky to Athens, Georgia with my three-year-old son so I could attend pharmacy school. (The dean at another college told me I’d never make it as a divorced mother, and his words discouraged me, but I did it anyway. And I graduated. So glad I went, and it’s probably the reason I’m such a big UGA fan.)

Something you chickened out from doing: I just joined the Y, and I still haven’t gotten the courage to take a water aerobics class. The locker room intimidates me. It’s probably because I’m not athletic.

The most exciting thing about your writing life: Seeing the first paperback copy of Bite the Dust in print was exciting. I am always excited to get that first print copy of my books.

The one thing you wish you could do over in your writing life: I wish I had started writing sooner.

Best piece of advice you received from another writer: Brandilyn Collins told me to join a writing group. I learned so much once I took her advice. I also met a lot of great authors and readers who are now my friends.

Something you would tell a younger you about your writing: The journey to publication is a wild ride, but don’t give up.

About Jackie:

Jackie Layton is the author of cozy mysteries featuring Spunky Southern Sleuths. Her stories are set in South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. She lives on the coast of South Carolina, where she enjoys beach walks and golf-cart rides around the marsh. Reading, gardening, and traveling are among her favorite hobbies. Jackie always keeps a notebook handy to jot down ideas for future stories. Many of her ideas come from observing people and watching Dateline and American Greed.

Let’s Be Social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackieLaytonAuthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jackiebeth117/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/joyfuljel

Threads: https://bit.ly/4oOCK6R

Substack: Jackie’s Substack | Substack

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackielaytonauthor.com

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/49XTfpf

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/37RqGQ8

TikTok: https://bit.ly/43ENa0M

Website: https://jackielaytoncozyauthor.com/

Killer Secrets

Speed dating sabotage?

Or straight-up murder?

Kate Sloan’s best friend, Bess Walker, decides to try speed dating and convinces Kate to go with her for moral support.

The night of the event is filled with many emotions. Excitement, hope, jealousy, fear, greed, and even anger. Emotions spiral out of control for one person.

Before the second round, the event’s host is murdered.

Kate will use her skills at organizing, list-making, and questioning to try to solve the murder. Can she unravel the mystery before the killer leaves town for the next weekend of singles events?