BooksChatter: ℚ♫ The Truth She Knew: The Truth [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author J.A. Owenby to talk about The Truth She Knew (6 September 2016, J.A. Owenby, 304 pages), a Contemporary New Adult, book one of The Truth series.

“J.A. Owenby has outdone herself! The Truth She Knew is a beautifully written, thought-provoking story that will leave you wanting more. The feelings and emotions come through page after page, and I while I could not put the book down, I also didn’t want it to end. Lacey, Walker, and Mama are engaging, believable, and authentic. I found myself talking to the book – to the characters – giving them advice, laughing and crying along with them. Only the most talented of authors can bring out such strong emotions in their work.” Sarah Jones, 5 Stars review

Synopsis | Trailer | Teaser | Author Q&A | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to J.A. Owenby; thank you for joining us!

Here at BooksChatter we love music; do you have a music playlist that you used in The Truth She Knew, or which inspired you whilst you were writing it?

"I definitely have a playlist for my books. I love that request. It’s also included in the back of my EBook. Use Spotify? Check out the full playlist here."

Excellent! - enjoy ;-)

What was the inspiration for The Truth She Knew?

"The Truth She Knew is book 1 in a series. The purpose is to raise awareness for mental illness, physical/mental abuse, and the choices a young adult would have to make concerning a mentally ill parent."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas and attended Lake Hamilton High School. It was fun to highlight those places again. I don’t think I’m reflected in this book per se, but I can remember falling in love for the first time just like Lacey. It was an amazing experience, and I’m grateful that I’ve been lucky enough to have it. I also remember being 18 and how confusing things were as I stepped into adulthood and figured out where my place was in the world."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for The Truth She Knew - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"Every part of the cover is symbolic of Lacey’s journey. The dirt road represents the road she travels to find her truth, the butterfly represents her personal growth, and the tree represents her choices and the many directions they would take her. I worked with an amazing designer at Design for Writers in the UK."

Why should we read The Truth She Knew and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your series unique?

"This series is written to draw attention to topics that are typically whispered about behind closed doors. I want to increase awareness and support for young adults struggling to find their place after growing up with a mentally ill parent or anyone that has suffered from physical and mental abuse. As a young adult living at home, they struggle to find answers, and a lot of time the child thinks it’s their fault. Lacey’s journey takes us through her identifying that her mother is mentally ill and the struggles she goes through. In the second book, I continue to bring awareness toward abusive relationships and the cycle that needs to be broken. There is hope and help available."

Can you tell us something quirky about The Truth She Knew, its story and characters?

"Yes, Joss and Emma are actually based on two amazing lifelong friends. Their characters stay very true to who they are in real life."

Who would you recommend The Truth She Knew to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"This book is for 17+. It contains violence, language, and sex."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I have a passion for young adults. The choices they make in their early years will affect them for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, abuse and mental illness aren’t talked about, and people aren’t sure where to go for help or understand what’s going on at home. With that said, I love writing new adult. However, I have an unpublished manuscript that would be classified as a thriller. We will see if I pick it back up in the future."

What is your writing process?

"I outline, write the rough draft, run through my edits, and send it to my editor. I daydream a lot in between. :-)"

What is in store next?

"Book 2 in the series is with my editor for developmental editing this very minute. After her edits, we will discuss if this series will be a 3 or 4 book series. I have started the first chapter of book 3 as well as the outline."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"My office is filled with Winnie the Pooh, Olaf, and Minions. :-) I love them all. They make me laugh and smile and remind me of what amazing creativity our world is filled with. I also have Chloe, my office kitty."