I missed the start of this fantastic tour because I was running around Berlin. I’m back now and here’s what I should have posted on July 27! So sorry for those that were left waiting… but better late than never, right?
SHOWCASING:
Author:J.L. Campbell
What title are you highlighting in this blog hop?
Distraction
Synopsis:
Three Jamaican women walk a tightrope of decisions when their lives are derailed by blackmail, deceit and infidelity. JUSTINE CHARLES, sensible and self-contained, battles an addiction which could destroy her marriage, reputation, and relationship with her daughter. DIONNE JONES, an aggressive go-getter, takes risks that cut a trail of devastation through her family and business. KYRA MILLS, struggling single mother, is crippled by debt, bad judgment and destructive choices. Can two of the long-time friends survive startling revelations involving their partners? And will the other push her obsession to the point of danger?
Who is your favorite character and why?
That would be Justine, because she is the most conflicted. She keeps doing the wrong thing, but like many of us, can’t help the road she’s travelling.
What was your biggest challenge writing this book?
At the outset, I didn’t realize how tricky it would be to write a book from the perspective of three women. Personalities, hobbies, likes and dislikes had to be distinct, however, the most demanding part was getting the timelines absolutely correct. I also had to ensure that the story flowed properly since Justine’s plotline goes back and forth in time.
Where do you live? Jamaica
Tell us a little about an interesting landmark in your country.
Redemption Song is located in the Emancipation Park in Kingston. It’s an 11 foot high bronze statue that attracts a lot of attention. It comprises two nude statues (male and female) gazing skyward and is supposed to represent freedom from slavery. There’s a fountain at the base of the statues.
What’s amazing is the magnitude of work that went into creating the statues. A model was created in a month and then five months were spent carving the models from styofoam—69 pieces in all. The pieces were then cast in bronze and rejoined. Though hollow, male and female weigh 2,000 and 1,300 pounds respectively. The artist, Laura Facey, has said she was inspired by words from both Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley.
What’s the most well known city in your country and why?
Montego Bay, because it’s the tourism capital of the island.
What’s a little known fact about where you live?
Jamaica has been through many name changes since the time Christopher Columbus ‘discovered’ the Tainos (Indians). The island was referred to as Jamaica as early as 1511, as well as being called Jamica, Jamaiqua, Jamaiaua, Jamaqua, Jamaicha, Xamaica. The name has also been written as Gemecoe and Gemego, Jamico, Jammaca, Jamajaco and Jamecah.
What are you giving away on your blog?
A ten dollar Amazon gift card for anyone who stops by and comments while the hop is on.
Who is the author you are highlighting on your blog?
Jordyn Meryl
Where can readers connect with you?
J.L. Campbell is a proud Jamaican and the author of Contraband, Distraction, Dissolution, Don’t Get Mad…Get Even, and Hardware (pen name Jayda McTyson). Campbell is always on the lookout for story making material, loves company and can usually be found lollygagging on her blog at http://thecharacterdepot. blogspot.com
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