My second novel takes place in New York City and is about a firefighter named Michael McGinnis who is part of the Fire Department of New York. He has had a troubled past which includes the death of his father when he was just fourteen as well as a younger brother Casey, who he’s had to look after. As adults they both still face struggles. Michael has problems with alcohol and Casey is a drug addict and gambler. A violent bookie gets involved with both of them and there is also a romance that develops between Michael and fellow paramedic, Eva. The plot intertwines and involves blazing infernos, high-rise saves, romance, dangerous bookies, and tough brotherly love.
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What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Jessica Tate
It is set in New York in the borough of Hell’s Kitchen. The city itself feels like it’s own character. While there are a few sub plots going on, the reader will find that each storyline will intertwine with each other to bring the book together.
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Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Jessica Tate
I chose to write about an FDNY firefighter because I have visited New York several times and have stopped by several firehouses. Ladder 21, where Michael works at in the book, is one that I make sure to stop at and say hello any time I’m in the city. I also love Hell’s Kitchen and it is the borough I’m most familiar with.
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Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Jessica Tate
Definitely. Despite the fact that I was already familiar with Hell’s Kitchen, I still found information about the borough very interesting. One thing I didn’t know before writing Through Smoke was the reasoning behind the name of the borough. Back when Hell’s Kitchen was first formed, many immigrants from Ireland, Cuba, Italy, and all over the world mingled in one neighborhood. Around dinnertime they would all be cooking their ethnic foods and if you stood out on the street the smells all collided as one. Someone made a comment that it smelled like the “kitchen from hell” and the name stuck. Not only that, but New York is a city where you learn something new everyday. There’s always something happening.
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What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Jessica Tate
I would feel really honored if readers who enjoyed the plot and characters would tell others that Eva, Casey, and Michael were well developed and interesting. I hope that they actually seem like real people and I’d like for readers who found that to be true to pass it along. Without good characters a story is incomplete.
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Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Jessica Tate
I could see someone really pondering the fact that I’m a country girl from Texas but show a lot of interest for the big city of New York and feel just as home there as I do out on the ranch.
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How can readers help you promote this book?
Jessica Tate
Reviews are always helpful but also, any time there is a suggestion area on sites that people post in hopes to find new material, just a mention of the book does immense amount of work in promoting and getting it out there. Readers like suggestions from other readers.
About You: Jessica Tate
My name is Jessica and I have lived in Texas all of my life. I am currently a student at Texas Tech University and with my free time I enjoy reading, writing, long distance running, basketball, golf, being outdoors, and spending time with my family. I love to travel as well.
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Why do you write?
Jessica Tate
Writing is like my therapy. I write things that I’d love to read. It just feels so powerful to be able to think up your own characters and do anything you want to them. I like the progression a character goes through as I write the story. I love giving them their own personality. I’ve always enjoyed telling stories and entertaining people that way. It’s my creative vice since everyone who knows me knows very well that I certainly can’t draw!
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What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Jessica Tate
I feel that my description is the strongest part of my stories. I am a visual person so I try to put the reader right in the scene with the character, right down to the emotion, the way the person is feeling, and exactly what they are seeing.
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What quality do you most value in yourself?
Jessica Tate
I usually succeed at anything I put my mind to. I’m a go getter and when someone tells me it isn’t possible, that’s when I want to try even harder and prove them wrong!
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In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Jessica Tate
Sports! I have been an athlete since I could walk. I love playing sports, watching them, writing about them, and everything in between.
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What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Jessica Tate
So far, I am proud of the fact that I have two published e-books. Also, I have an associate’s degree from South Plains College and am about to have my Bachelor’s from Texas Tech University. It has taken me longer to get my education than a “normal” student, but the way I see it, as long as I’m going and haven’t quit yet, it’s something to be proud of.
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Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?
Jessica Tate
I have a good friend that I do writing sessions with a few nights a week. We share the same writing style and share the same interests in TV shows and entertainment. Her name is Mary McDonald and she has two books out – No Good Deed
and March Into Hell
. They are two books in a series and she is currently working on the third book. Her work strikes me because she is very good at the description part of storytelling as well. She really knows how to put you right there alongside the characters as if you were in the room with them.Read more about Jessica at http://jessiettu.blogspot.com
