Interview and Giveaway: Jace's Trial by JM Wolf

Lisa: We’re so pleased to have author JM Wolf joining us today on the tour for his latest release, Jace’s Trial, book one in the Trials of Abingdon series.

Welcome, JM, let’s start by having you tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.

JM: I’m a major Pokémon fan. I still watch the movies, I play the games on my 3DS, and I play the trading card game (I love my metal deck lol). Yes, I’m still a nerd and I’m a big kid lol

Lisa: What’s your favorite scene in Jace’s Trial, and what makes it a fave? And would you care to share an excerpt from the scene with us?

JM: It’s difficult to have a scene in my books that I would consider being my absolute favorite, but I will say that one of my favorite scene is Gerard watching the video of Jace performing his song Gone But Not Forgotten. To me, that’s a very important scene in the book, because it shows Gerard just how much Jace’s music can impact people’s lives and it also has a powerful subject. I actually wrote the song about six years ago, and the story behind it is true. I originally wrote the song when I was going through a suicidal phase, and I began researching suicide cases in the LGBT community. So, when I learned that the oldest known case was in his twenties and the youngest was about nine, I died inside, and I knew I had to write the song. Then when I wrote Jace’s Trial and I was thinking about the kind of music Jace wanted to put out there for the world, I thought this would be a great song to show exactly who Jace is as a person and as an artist.

Excerpt: “Thank you all so much for being here,” Jace said. “I’m Jace Garrison and I’ll be performing an original song.”

The crowd cheered some more before Jace continued.

“I thought long and hard about what kind of song to perform for you all. A song that would be worthy of the trophy that would be presented to the winner. When I got my answer, I realized that the trophy didn’t matter anymore. It came to mean much more than this contest.”

I turned to steal a glance at Desiree who was glued to the screen before drawing my attention back to it. I was intrigued by the song Jace would be performing. He mentioned that music was like a story, an artist’s personal diary that had the power to influence others. That the lyrics could hold a message. What would his say?

“Over the last few years, the LGBT community lost a lot of its members because they felt the need to take their own lives. Either they were bullied to the point where they couldn’t take it anymore, they didn’t feel the love and support they needed or reasons that remained unknown to their loved ones. As I researched several suicide victims, I learned that the oldest member I found was twenty-five years old. The youngest was only nine.”

My jaw dropped at the knowledge. As much as my family’s rejection hurt me, I never once considered taking my own life. To hear that victims that young felt that death was a better option than to keep living was heartbreaking. How much pain could a fucking nine-year-old go through to decide something like that?

Jace in the video took a deep breath before continuing. “I saw videos of their families crying, wishing there was more they could’ve done. Wishing that the son or daughter they lost knew how much they were loved. It’s why I wrote this song. It’s my way of telling those we’ve lost that very message. This song is called Gone But Not Forgotten.”

Jace began to play the intro to his original song on the guitar before sucking in a deep breath and began to sing. Closing my eyes, I focused all my senses on my hearing. I wanted to hear the words he wrote himself. The story behind his song.

You were far too young, for your life to end.

You have left behind, family and friends.

We all question why you were hurt so bad.

We wished we could help, keep who we once had.

We didn’t hear your cry for help.

We didn’t know you fell apart.

I hope you know that we miss you.

You know you’re always in our hearts.

You are gone, but not forgotten.

We know you’re in a better place.

Where you’re happy and you’re safe.

Baby, you are gone, but not forgotten.

Our love will always be with you.

We’ll meet again someday soon.

Darling, you are gone, but not forgotten.

Never forgotten.

When Jace finished the song, the crowd’s cheering grew louder than it first started. It only lasted about a second before the video ended.

My eyes were still glued to the screen as they stung with unshed tears. Jace’s song was the most beautiful thing I’d ever heard. The crowd should’ve cheered as loud as they did, maybe even louder. Now I understood what Riley meant when he said Jace’s music could impact people’s lives. With songs like that with real deep meanings behind them, Jace really did have the power to influence others.

Lisa: If you could spend some real-life time with one of the characters in the book, who would you choose and why?

JM: Probably Jace’s best friend, Adam lol. Adam seems to be the number one character everyone wants as their best friend. I love him because you can tell how free and comfortable he is about himself. He’s fun, and sassy, and confident. He’s definitely someone you could have a good time with.

Lisa: On the flipside, which character would you probably least get along with? Why?

JM: Probably Malcolm Hew because he literally screams helicopter parent. Malcolm Hew is basically the father-figure in Jace’s life after his father passed away, which is good and all, but you can see where he steps in a little too much. While I love that he cares and wants what’s best for him, if I were in that situation I would’ve felt a little suffocated.

Lisa: Let’s take off your author cap and put on your reader cap for a moment: what do you look for in a book, what sort of protagonists do you love, and do you have a favorite genre/sub-genre?

JM: I’m probably one of the most easy-going readers any author would meet. I’m not nearly as picky as some would be. What I basically look for is more plot than anything else. I want a good plot, characters that make me want to root for them, moments where my emotions are all over the place. I want to feel like I’m in the book or that I’m watching it as a movie.

As for favorite genre, it will always be MM Romance but sub-genre I’m not as picky. I read a little bit of everything from paranormal, contemporary, suspense, BDSM, etc. Really it all depends on the book.

Lisa: What are your least and most favorite things about being an author?

JM: I think my least favorite thing about being an author is having to watch what you say or do, especially on social media. I can never stress enough how it is to be careful about that. I’ve seen so many authors who receive major backlash because of a stupid decision they made or something they said. When you’re an author, you have people who look out for you or who look up to you. It’s very easy to say something that could offend others and then it gets passed around to other authors and readers, and it could affect your sales.

My most favorite thing about being an author is seeing the positive impact it has on people. Now of course there will be people who will hate your books and it’s very easy to let those get to you. But there are people who will enjoy them, and they would message you or leave a review about how much they love your book, and it just feels so good to read those. I’ve had readers who would message me on social media. One called me a genius. Another actually thanked me for being an author because I’ve written amazing stories. It’s moments like that that makes all the struggles that comes with writing worth it.

Lisa: Have you ever written a line, paragraph, or passage, and thought, “Darn, that’s pretty amazing, even if I do say so myself”? What was it?

JM: Normally I would say I don’t have one because I never think too highly of my work. In fact, I’m usually my biggest critic. But for Jace’s Trial there is one part that is constantly brought to my attention from my readers to the point where even I have to admit that it’s a good mini scene.

Excerpt: I allowed myself to relax after that. Gerard’s fingers ran through my hair and I found myself humming the tune I’d been working on for song I was writing for him.

“What’s your favorite song?” Gerard asked in a soft whisper as his hands began rubbing soothing circles on my back.

Curling myself tighter against his side I placed a gentle kiss on his heated skin then nuzzled my cheek against his fuzzy chest close to his heart.

“Your heartbeat,” I mumbled with a smile. “Your heartbeat is my favorite song, and I could listen to it forever and never get tired of it.”

Lisa: What’s the one genre/sub-genre you haven’t written yet, but would love to? What’s kept you from it so far?

JM: BDSM hahaha. I have a major BDSM kink and would love to write one, but I’m such a novice that it terrifies me to even try to write about one.

Lisa: Let’s talk tropes: do you have a few favorites that you enjoy both writing and reading? If so, what are they and what makes them your faves?

JM: I definitely want to say paranormal/fantasy because the idea of other species like shifters, vampires, etc. living amongst us and falling in love with them is dangerous but sexy and it would definitely spice things up in life and in the bedroom 😉

Lisa: If you could choose one of your books to be adapted for the silver screen, which would you choose? Why do you think it would translate well to film?

JM: I would say Jace’s Trial would be the perfect book to turn into a movie because of the music, the storyline, but more importantly the life lessons within the book that people not only in the LGBT community but everyone in general could relate to and learn from.

Lisa: If I were to interview Jace and Gerard, what would they say about you?

JM: I believe they would be happy that I was able to tell their story and share it with the world. I think Jace would be grateful that I helped him conjure up some beautiful songs that he was able to perform in the story. I think Gerard would thank me for giving him his second chance of happiness. Above all, I believe they would be looking forward to working with me again as side characters throughout the rest of the series.

Lisa: What books and authors would you say influenced you to become a writer yourself?

JM: I was a major bookworm growing up so there had been a lot of authors who influenced me. Before I discovered MM, I grew up on Goosebumps and Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Rick Riordan and Cinda Williams Chima were my go-to authors during High School. I also enjoyed D.J. MacHale’s Pendragon Adventure series. When MM became everything to me, so many authors inspired me. From Lucy Lennox, to Devon McCormack, N.r. Walker, SJ Himes, Jex Lane etc.

Lisa: How long did it take to write your book, and what was the most difficult part of the writing process (i.e., dialogue, plot or character development, pacing, etc.)?

JM: Jace’s Trial took roughly about five months to write, then another month to revise half of the original storyline. A lot of the writing process was easy. but I think the real difficult part was trying to find a balance within the storyline. Timing is everything

Lisa: What would you say was the most intimidating thing about publishing your first novel?

JM: Reviews. When you’re a novice, you feel overwhelmed about what people will think about your first book. It’s hard to ignore negativity but over time you learn that not everyone will like your work.

Lisa: What’s the best piece of writing/author advice you’ve received that you’d pass on to someone else just getting started in the business?

JM: Never argue or ignore the voices in your head. The characters and the story itself will begin to speak to you. Listen to those voices and never go against it. You’d be surprised how easy the writing will be if you let the story tell itself.

Lisa: Was there a particular part of the process—from writing to editing to cover design to publishing—that was easier or harder than you thought it would be? What was it?

JM: OMG the editing process of the story is a BITCH! Nuff said.

Lisa: Thanks so much for joining us today, JM, it’s been a pleasure!

About the Book

Book Title: Jace’s Trial (Trials in Abingdon: Book One)
Author: JM Wolf
Publisher: Encompass Ink
Cover Artist: Rue Volley
Genre/s: May/December, Contemporary Romance, HEA
Length: 87K Words/230 Pages
This is Book 1 in the series, but can be read as a standalone story. No cliffhanger.
TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains content of physical and mental abuse, grieving, and bottled emotions.
Blurb: Life is a trial full of obstacles that stand between you and your goals. Do you have the courage to face your own trial?

Jace Garrison was a musical prodigy at Juilliard ready to take the world by storm. Everything he could ever want out of life was unfolding right before his eyes, until everything came crashing down at once.
With his muse gone, along with everything he loved, will Jace find the courage to move on?

Former Navy SEAL Gerard Ramhart had always played by his family’s rules and traditions. Until he fell in love with Riley Garrison. Unfortunately, before Gerard had the courage to propose to the man he loved, Riley’s life was taken away. Gerard was left devastated, with only his memories of Riley and the pain of losing him to keep him going.

One year after Riley’s death, Gerard finally makes it to Riley’s hometown in Abingdon, Virginia and meets his son Jace for the very first time. Two men grieving over the loss they shared, and during their time of heartache, something blossoms. Can Gerard help Jace find the will to live the life he’s meant to have? And can Jace find his muse and accept his feelings for Gerard, despite the fact that Gerard once belonged to his father?

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About the Author

JM Wolf never thought he would one day say that he’s a published M/M romance author. Having a poet for a mother and a sister who once ran a blog, it was only a matter of time before JM discovered his writing genes. In the beginning, his sole purpose in life was to be a singer/songwriter. Writing lyrics was the first step putting his thoughts onto paper. Even while singing, JM always found time to dabble with writing little short stories but never thought too much about it.

Once he reached adulthood, his music dreams left him, but not the feeling for writing down what was in his mind. However, that didn’t mean music no longer played a part in JM’s life. His debut book The Black Feather was inspired by one of his favorite songs. Whether lyrics or love stories, you will always find JM’s heart and soul in every word on paper.

JM Wolf lives in Chesapeake, VA with his husband and in-laws. When he’s not writing, you can always find him reading a good book, spending time with the love of his life, or jamming out to music. He didn’t pick the world of literature, the literary world picked him.

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