Hello there!
I’m thrilled to have been invited to write for the Inspy Romance blog and am eager to get to know you all. This is my first post, so I thought I’d tell you a little about myself.
My name is Jackie Castle and I see my life as a journey full of twists and turns and every so often, a few missteps, but all directed by the Lord that I serve. Each step I take I cling to the promise that He is good and has good plans for me. No matter what kind of terrain or weather I’m traveling along, I’m going to be okay, so long as I’m following after Him.
I’ve known since I penned my very first story when I was in the 6th grade that I wanted to be a writer. My first and only mystery had chapters and a few illustrations, and it was really thick for a 12 year-old. I was a big Hardy Boys fan at the time.
My teacher read the story and liked it so much, she shared it with the whole class during our daily reading times. What staggered me was that my classmates enjoyed it, too, and when she’d finish a chapter, they always act like they wanted more. It was then that I knew… I just knew what I wanted to do with my life, even before Mrs. Graham said she expected to see my books in stores sometime in the next 20 years.
Well, it’s been more than twenty, but I never lost sight of my life’s dream goal.
I’ve been a member of several writer’s groups from the time I was old enough to start joining them. Seriously, the first one I attended, one of the members said they should check my ID to make sure I was 18. (I was, but just barely.) I was young and eager to tell all the stories clunking around in my head, but my path kept taking me in other directions. During my later twenties and thirties, writing took a backseat while I was raising my kids. Then I had an opportunity to attend college and did that. About the time I was almost thinking I might never be a writer, the Lord turned me down another corner and all those stories I’d written and tucked away had a chance to come out and be set free. And here I am, a full time writer who has lived a lot of days and seen a bunch of things and now has things to really write about.
You might be wondering what I write. Yes, I do write Romance (since I’m here, that’s probably a given)
But I also have a fantasy series that I’m finishing up this year. However, my writing journey has taken yet another turn I’ve focused my sights on the romance genre. I’m having a blast writing the Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast series which starts with Snow Belle, then a novella titled: Secretly In Love, followed by Raining Fools. I’m currently working on the third novel called, Sun Flowers that should be out this summer. And then there will be another novella released for Christmas, but I’ll have to tell you the title later.
One more thing…
Secretly In Love is free, and available on all reading devices. Click here for links to your favorite distributor and enjoy a complementary book, on me.
I’m pleased to be here. What a privilege being included with some wonderful romance writers, many whom I’m a huge fan of.
Blessings and Peace to you.
Jackie Castle is the author of The White Road Chronicles a fantasy series, The Sentinel Archives for school-age readers, and newly released Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast romance series. She has also published articles and short stories in numerous magazines. She’s enjoyed many crazy adventures from working as a hairstylist, to her bravest quest: teaching children in daycare and elementary schools. Eventually, she settled down to a somewhat safer pursuit of being a Story-weaver. Now she lives in her comfortable Texas home where she spins marvelous tales and enjoys relaxing in the evenings with her husband Bob, their children and grandchild. She looks for the extraordinary in every ordinary day that she experiences.
Welcome to Inspyromance, Jackie! I’m so happy you held on to your dream.
Thanks Jill, me too.
To one Jackie, from another Jackie in GA..lol….your books sound great to me, an avid reader! I am headed to download now!
Jackie is a fabulous name. =) Hope you enjoy the story.
Welcome Jackie! How awesome that you were able to discover your love for writing from such an early age.
You know, a lot of writers I’ve talked to said they fell in love with storytelling when they were kids. Not all, but many. Thanks for the welcome.
Welcome to Inspy Romance! Thanks for the blog about your writing journey. Looking forward to reading your book. Best wishes and Happy Writing.
Thank you, I’m glad to be here.
It’s great having you here, Jackie! I would love to hear about the corner in the road that brought you into full time writing. I was engrossed in your journey and want to hear that part too. lol I hope you will tell us more some day.
I sure will. Great idea for future posts. =)
Jackie, so good to have you here with us! And ditto to what Kimberly said! We need a Part 2 next month. :)
Will do! Thanks for having me. =)
Your books look good. Thanks for making “Secretly In Love” free! I am looking forward to reading it and happy to “meet” another new-to-me author.
Happy to meet you as well!
Hi Jackie,
I love this post. I’m always amazed at people who have always known they wanted to write. I always loved to read, but it never occurred to me that I could be a writer too. Most days I still don’t believe it.
Teacher me is so proud of your 6th grade teacher. One of my former students self-published a novel when she was in high school. I was so excited to see it.
Looking forward to reading Secretly in Love.
I was teaching an after school writer’s club for 5th and 6th graders at a school I was working at. It was so much fun and they have such creative minds. We were working through NaNoWriMo and they insisted I write a book along with them. Which I did eventually publish. I’m grateful for that teacher that encouraged me. I wanted to do the same. =)
Welcome, Jackie. Thanks for sharing your writing journey.
We’re so happy to have you here at Inspy Romance, Jackie! I’ve really enjoyed your Madison Creek series.
Thank you. I’m a big fan of your farm stories, as well. =)
Welcome and thanks for the freebie. I wish I’d been in that 6th grade class to hear your first book!
It was a mystery at its finest. For a 12 yr old. ha!
Welcome. Always happy to meet a new author.
Welcome, Jackie! I had an encouraging teacher in middle school, too.
Teachers are jewels of our society.
Welcome Jackie! It’s always nice to meet a new-to-me author and so glad to get to know you as part of Inspy Romance. I look forward to future posts by you :-)
I picked up Snow Belle the other day as the 15 author Bookfunnel giveaway, didn’t realize that was your book :-) I also just did Secretly in Love, sounds like a fun read! I’ve had a few “secret” crushes in my life. ;-)
Blessings!
Thank you. I hope you enjoy them.