Interview with Samantha Jee
Published 2014-01-27.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I am a Veterans Service Representative for a small county in California. I try to help veterans with their disability claims, home loans, education benefits, etc. through the VA. I am the only female in a group of six. I am also the second vice commander of the local American Legion and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corps league.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I usually find my books through Amazon and through the local veterans' suggestions. During the Portland Comic-con, I had the pleasure of meeting the author, Miranda Mayer, who introduced me to this site, so I believe I will be finding a lot more books to read through this web site.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, I do. I was eight years old and I wrote a short story about a dog, Sandy, and his friends. If I remember correctly, it was about how he was able to make friends despite being so different.
Describe your desk
My work desk is always a mess. CD's, papers, a cup of Ramen noodles, a highlighter, and a piece of foil my husband decided to leave for me for some reason. My home desk is filled with notebooks, pens, pencils, about 10 books, and at least one of the cats trying to get more wet food.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Concord, California. The book I have been trying to write for some time actually takes place in that town. My perspective of how things progress in my stories is usually based on some part of that town. Weather it's character names, addresses, schools, or just the town name itself.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing when I was eight years old. My parents were separated at the time, and my mom encouraged writing my feelings down. I started off writing about my dog, Sandy, pretending he was able to make friends in the animal world.
What are you working on next?
Right now I'm working on a series of about four books. The first book will be about the parents of six children (two girls and four boys) who run an international weapons distribution company. The second will be how the children respond to the ongoing conflicts in the US.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
I would say my husband inspires me most of all. We got married a few years ago and have been almost inseparable since. When we moved to a new town, I needed to have faith that a job would eventually show up for either of us. He is my rock and helps me get through hard times.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first story I remember ever reading is "The Little Engine That Could". I must have memorized that book by the time the year was done.
What do you read for pleasure?
Currently, I read documentaries, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi. I have three books I am reading at the moment, and about four more to read after that.
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