A Special Interview with Author Jade-Rose Staletia

I’m happy to have the opportunity to introduce you to Jade. I met her at my 84 Ribbons book signing at Kitsap Mall last year. She won the prize of naming a character in book 2 of my ballet trilogy. I thank her for giving me Lily Rose Costello to be Marta’s friend in When the Music Stops-Dance On. Now, let’s meet her.

Tell us about yourself (your background, schooling, hobbies and interests).

I’m almost seventeen. I was born October 1st 1998. My dad is American and my mom is French. I like cars, dolls, history and to collect things. I also like writing, of course. I have a beautiful calico cat named Spatch and she is one of my best friends. We like to cuddle together. Spatch would come on me and fall asleep. Sometimes for several hours.

What made you want to become an author?

I started writing when I was about six or seven, but it was only a hobby at the time. When I was about thirteen I decided to become a writer. I guess what made me want to become a writer is when I read the Harry Potter books when I was twelve. My parents had recently divorced that year and Harry Potter was somewhere I could “get away from reality” for a while. I wrote fan fiction of Harry Potter and during that time I decided to be a writer. And on September 16th 2012, when I was almost fourteen, I started my first book; The Carter Twins and the Mystery of Aqua Star Island. I finished it on October 7th 2013 and I am now working on the third in the Carter Twin series, The Secret of the Jade Dream Catcher.

When you write, do you plan out the story before you begin or do you write and see
where the story leads?

At first I started books when I have ideas, but now I start every year I can think of (I’m a historical mystery writer). I am now working on sixteen books.

What gives you the most joy when you write?

Getting far in my books and eventually finishing them. It’s fun to write about the settings, the main characters, villains, etc.

What characteristics do you appreciate in your characters?

No matter how old or how young my characters but they are very gifted and always prepared. They are brave, loving and kind. Occasionally they get into situations out of their comfort zone to help others they care about.

How many hours do you write in a week?
It depends. If I have little ideas I write for a few minutes approximately. But if I have a lot of ideas I usually write for at least an hour a day.

If you could meet a famous writer (dead or alive), who would you want to meet and
why?

Excellent question. That would be J.K. Rowling, writer of the Harry Potter books. Ever since I was twelve, I have been a fan of the Harry Potter world. I love her books and have seen practically every Harry Potter movie. She’s pretty cool.

Jade Rose Staletia.

Thank you, Jade. I wish I’d starting writing when I was your age. Your determination and drive to write inspires me! We need young authors to feed our craving for stories.

Paddy