ZOEY MARIE JACKSON

Zoey Marie Jackson Makes Her Debut

Interview by King Brooks

I came to know the woman behind Zoey Marie Jackson over 10 years ago as Michelle Lindo Rice and watched her spice up the inspirational/Christian fiction category. Zoey Marie Jackson makes her debut on Harlequin’s Love Inspired imprint. I had the opportunity to chat with Zoey Marie before the release of her debut book ‘The Adoption Surprise.’ So pull up a chair and enjoy this interview.

King Brooks: Hi Zoey, please tell the readers about ‘The Adoption Surprise?’

Zoey Marie Jackson: The Adoption Surprise is about a pair of twins, Mia and Morgan, who were separated at birth and adopted by two different families. Years later, when the twins meet each other after each suffering trauma, they are determined to be a family and to remain together. Mia’s dad, Zach, and Morgan’s aunt, Kelsey, feel it is important to keep the girls connected and form a friendship. But their matchmaking daughters might have other plans!

KB: Where did the idea for this story come from?

ZM: This all started with a tweet by the editor for Harlequin Love Inspired on Twitter. She loved the show, Sister Sister. I was inspired. Sister Sister was a favorite of mine and I began working on the storyline.

KB: How long did it take for you to write ‘The Adoption Surprise?’

ZM: Once I received approval for my proposal, it didn’t take long to write. The first draft took close to a couple months but then were rounds of revisions, rewrites and editing. So it takes a few months to a year to get the book ready.

KB: ‘The Adoption Surprise’ is your first book on the Love Inspired imprint from Harlequin. How different is ‘The Adoption Surprise’ from your other books?

ZM: The Adoption Surprise is an inspirational romance and the first as Zoey Marie Jackson. The central focus is the love story between two people united for a common purpose. My other books as Michelle Lindo-Rice do have a lot of faithful and inspirational themes but I think there are a lot of other twists and turns and plot points that might not be used in a Love Inspired read.

KB: What do you want readers to take away from ‘The Adoption Surprise’ after reading it?

ZM: I want readers to enjoy how Zach and Kelsey found healing through their faith and their love for the little girls. I want them to see characters who are facing tough trauma overcome because of their relationship with God. I hope they find it emotional and engaging, wanting more from Zoey Marie Jackson.

KB: Who is Zoey Marie Jackson as a person and as an author?

ZM: I love writing stories of hope and second chances. Why? Because I need hope to get up every day and keep going even when things are tough. I also have needed several second chances. So, I hope people see that reflected in my work as an author.

KB: How did you come up with the name Zoey Marie Jackson? Why did you change your name for your Harlequin debut?

ZM: Zoey Marie Jackson is actually a part of my actual legal name. A lot of us Jamaicans have a lot of names. I had already set up this pen name and my husband had designed the website but hadn’t decided what to do with it. However, God had other plans. So, when I was given the opportunity to write for Harlequin Love Inspired, it felt right to have a new name for a new adventure.

KB: When did the writing bug hit you?

ZM: I started writing when I was about 28 years old. Fast forward 20 years later, and I have several books written and four to be released this year. Two under Zoey Marie Jackson and two under Michelle Lindo-Rice. Two decades of not giving up, even when I felt like it. A lot of hard work, growing in my craft, behind the scenes to get here.

KB: What keeps you coming back for more? (i.e. writing, telling stories)

ZM: I believe it is a gift from God that I have to cultivate, even though I have bouts of doubt and thoughts of quitting. I can’t. Something or someone inspires me and I keep going. I have so many stories to tell, and I hope to one day have the time to put them on paper. As long as God gives me ideas, I’ll keep going.

KB: What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

ZM: Read. Read. Read. Read a lot in the genre that you want to write. And, don’t give up.

KB: How can readers get in touch with you and find your books?

ZM: Readers can find me on social media but the best way to get in touch is through my website. Check out my website and join my newsletter to keep track of my upcoming books. You can find me at www.zoeymariejackson.com.

KB: What can we expect from you in the future?

ZM: Zoey will have another book coming out later this year with Love Inspired. Michelle has Rivals at Love Creek coming out with Harlequin Special Edition on June 28, 2022 and also another in late August. I am also working on a Valentine’s book and a sequel to The Adoption Surprise for Love Inspired. So, yes, I am busy doing what I love and I am blessed.