Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester is happy to shine our spotlight on Misty Jae Ogert, a local author of contemporary romance, who we’re also pleased to have visit our 65 James Street store this Sunday, July 10, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. Misty has been writing since elementary school and winning awards as early as second grade. She’s move all around the world, living in places like Korea and Spain. She’s currently a wife, mother of two, and works full time as a Registered Dental Assitant.
Thank you very much for joining us, Misty! For readers unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe what you write? What can readers expect from your work?
I write fast paced contemporary romance novels you won’t want to put down. You can expect a great story with steamy love scenes.
See You Never is about two couples that have been best friends since college. They have grown up, gotten married, and settled down with kids and great careers. Taking a time out, they go on vacation together leaving the kids at home. On the return flight, a tragic plane crash leaves Harper Quinn and her best friend’s husband Bennett as the sole survivors. Both of them must cope with the loss of their best friends and spouses.
Marooned on a deserted island, they have to learn to survive and also deal with the growing feelings they have for one another. When rescue seems unlikely they wonder what would be the harm in giving into temptation?
Amnesia at the Altar is about a tragic car accident on Julie Hart’s wedding day before the “I dos” The next morning, she awakes in a hospital bed the dashing groom by her side. Quickly she discovers that not only does she have no memory of the crash but of anyone or anything before that.
With a case of amnesia, her life becomes more complicated when in walks the “boy next door” her best friend since childhood. Julie feels and instant connection and closeness to him, making her question every decision she had ever made up until that point.
What kind of research went into writing this book? What is your favorite research story? What cool facts and findings didn’t make it into the book, but you loved discovering?
I researched a ton for See You Never. I needed to know what times of plants and foods could have grown on the island and survival skills they would need to learn and adapt to stay alive.
Some of my most interesting and helpful research tips weren’t exactly for the storyline but more on the publishing side of things. One of the things I had thought to do was buy a stock photo to use for my cover art. I came across an article that had several examples of people that had used the same stock photo for their book cover. They made a good point, “Do you want to sell a book for someone else?” So I designed my own book cover.
Another important and helpful hint was figuring out word count. I realized the first book I had written was way short of the mark and probably why even though literary agents were telling me I had a good imagination that they maybe didn’t want to take a chance on my book that clearly needed work to getting to look like a complete novel.
So once I was done with See You Never, I revamped the entire novel of Amnesia at the Altar and I am so glad I did.
What draws you to the particular genre or style that you write? What do you think draws readers to these kinds of books?
I love, love. It’s as simple as that. I think readers are drawn in for the same reason that it is my favorite genre to write. They are stories you can lose yourself in. It’s the excitement of finding first love or falling in love again. They are stories about people like you or me that you can relate to. They generally have trials and tribulations just like us that they must face and overcome.
What piece of advice would you want to share with other writers?
I would say, don’t give up. Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Do it for yourself and not for the fame or fortune that may follow. Stop making excuses. Research, research, research! There are so many helpful hints and bloggers out there willing to share their experiences. If you have a question there is someone out there with an answer. Do it because you have a story to tell. Do it because you love it!
What else can we expect from you in the near future?
Next year, I would like to release two books! I took a James Patterson class through Masterclass.com (which I highly recommend). He was looking for his next co-author. so I put my hat into the ring. I did not make the final cut but I did come out of it with an amazing idea for a book called Shepherd’s Hook.
Shepard’s Hook is a murder mystery. A small town cop, Cole Shepherd and FBI agent, Lexi Davenport join forces to solve a murder of a woman that is found with her engagement ring shoved down her throat. It is discovered that this is not the first time this has happened in this small town. Sixteen years earlier the previous sheriff dies before solving the crime.
Also I am currently working on a book that is a spin-off of Amnesia at the Altar called HONEY without the MOON. Melissa Kline is a driven young woman who just procured her dream job. It’s the night before her wedding when she catches her fiancee in bed with the dog walker.
Canceling her wedding, she decides to go on her honeymoon with her best friend.
What does your writing space look like? What do you need to have around you while writing or editing?
My writing space is wherever my laptop is. Typically I’m reclining on the couch with my two dogs between me and my husband while we watch TV. My car is also where I do a lot of writing while my kids are at soccer practice. My dining room table and breakfast bar in the kitchen is also good.
While you’re writing, do you prefer music, silence, other? Please elaborate!
I do my best writing in silence with no one around to distract me and no internet to get in the way! I do most of my writing, however, in total and utter chaos, kids running around screaming, the TV blaring in the background, and dogs barking. Sometimes I will write on the soccer fields while my kids are warming up or practicing. I try and carry on conversations around me so I don’t seem rude or reclusive. That is my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It is hard to get anything accomplished with everything going on around me but for the most part it’s take it or leave it. So I take the opportunities when I can.
Where can people find your work? (Besides ABSW ;)–though they should totally check here first!)
Amazon.com
Goodreads.com
Wattpad.com
Richard Sugden Library in Spencer and hopefully soon at the Auburn Library.
Klem’s Farmers Market-Sat. 9-2 in the summer. (Check Facebook to know which days.)
Brookfield Orchards also carries by books.
How can we follow your work, share your awesomeness, or otherwise stalk you in a totally non-creepy way?
I would love new followers on Facebook! You can find me under Misty Jae Ogert (Writer). I update all the time what I am up to and my progress adding photos of where I’ve been.
You can follow me on Goodreads.com and can ask me questions. I have a 4.33 Star Rating there.
I have excerpts from See You Never on Wattpad where you can follow me, vote for chapters, and even make comments in the sidebar.
You can also follow me on Amazon in the Author section. I have a 4.8 Star Rating on Amazon with 22 Reviews.
Annie's Book Stop of Worcester 