J.P. Alters - Page-Turner Supernatural Thriller

J.P. Alters is Jamaican/English and lives in the South-coast of England with her family. She currently divides her time between spending time with family and friends, and her work. When she's not writing supernatural thrillers, J.P. has two day jobs; working with a local homeless project, and mentoring students who are neuro-diverse.  As our Author of the Day, she tells us all about her book, Psychic Echoes.

Please give us a short introduction to what “Psychic Echoes” is about.

Thank you so much for this opportunity to introduce my book, “Psychic Echoes.” Set in England, this supernatural thriller continues the journey of Mary Jameson, the protagonist we met in “Psychic Voices.” Mary, a psychic medium, finds herself reluctantly drawn into the search for a missing boy despite her better judgment. As she confronts immense danger, Mary must weigh up the value of risking her own life to rescue the boy.

“Psychic Echoes” continues the story of Mary Jameson, a young woman with the ability to communicate with the dead. What inspired you to create a character with such a unique gift, and how does Mary's journey evolve in this second instalment of the series?

My inspiration for creating such a unique character stems from my lifelong love for horror and supernatural thrillers, as well as my experiences in supporting marginalised individuals. Mary’s character is a fusion of real-life encounters, scenes that I dreamt of, and professional insights. In the first instalment, “Psychic Voices,” readers witness Mary’s defensive demeanour, which gradually unravels to reveal her vulnerability and capacity for trust. In “Psychic Echoes,” we delve deeper into Mary’s journey as she navigates the complexities of her “perfect” life, only to be confronted with a choice that threatens to upend everything she holds dear.

Mary Jameson is torn between her desire for a normal life and her compassionate nature, which draws her into supernatural mysteries. Can you discuss the internal conflict Mary faces as she navigates her paranormal abilities and the responsibilities they entail?

As you say, the internal conflict Mary Jameson grapples with is fuelled by her longing for a normal life and her compassionate nature. Mary has had a difficult life, and many of the people she was surrounded with made her feel she was abnormal and “less than.” Her friends and fiancé are the first people she has felt accepted by in many years, and the life she has made with them has granted her the feeling of fitting-in that she has yearned for. Mary wrestles with the decision to assist in the case of the missing child, and confronts the tension between her desire for living in peace with her family, and her moral obligation to help and protect others if she can. Her engagement in the investigation not only challenges her paranormal abilities, but also forces her to reassess her priorities and confront her own sense of right and wrong.

Detective Jay Santiago calls on Mary for help in solving the case of a missing child. How does Mary's involvement in the investigation challenge her perceptions of her own abilities and the role she plays in the world?

Mary’s involvement in the investigation challenges her perception of her own abilities and her role in the world by forcing her to acknowledge and accept the extent of her powers and the impact they can have on others. As she helps Detective Jay Santiago in solving the case of the missing child, Mary not only grapples with her fear of what might happen, but also the weight of responsibility stemming from having her unique gift. She questions whether she is truly helping or merely meddling in forces beyond her control, leading to a deeper exploration of her identity and purpose according to “The Universe.”

“Psychic Echoes” is described as a gripping supernatural thriller with twists and turns. Can you give us a glimpse into some of the suspenseful moments readers can expect in this book, without giving away any major spoilers?

Revealing suspenseful moments without spoilers is always a delicate balance. In “Psychic Echoes,” readers can expect heart-pounding scenes where Mary confronts malevolent entities from the spirit world, each encounter more perilous than the last. From eerie seances to chilling visions, the tension mounts as Mary races against time to unravel the mystery and save the missing child before it’s too late.

Your writing often explores themes of unity, diversity, and inclusion, influenced by your own experiences growing up as a bi-racial woman in 80's London. How do these themes manifest in “Psychic Echoes,” and why are they important to you?

Themes of unity, diversity, and inclusion are interwoven throughout “Psychic Echoes,” reflecting my own experiences and values. As Mary navigates the living and the supernatural realm, she encounters beings (both living and departed) from diverse backgrounds and learns to embrace their differences. Through her journey, the novel emphasizes the importance of empathy, acceptance, and the importance of standing up for those who are misunderstood.

These are themes that reoccur in my stories, and they’re important to me because I believe that diversity is something that our society should embrace, and one way in which I think I can help to celebrate diversity is to weave stories around the lives of characters who are diverse, making it more commonplace.

Besides writing, what other secret skills do you have?

Well, I’m a great listener and I like to be kind – which is why I work both as both a specialist mentor, and a homeless community outreach worker. I also have a passion for baking, so I'm constantly whipping up cakes and biscuits (perhaps a bit too often for my waistline!). Additionally, I love walking for hours on end. In fact, in September, I've committed to participating in an Ultra Challenge—a 55km walk. I'll be joining dear friends to raise money for Papyrus, the prevention of young suicide charity.

As Mary delves deeper into the supernatural world, she faces increasing dangers. How do you balance building tension and suspense while also developing Mary's character and the relationships with those around her?

Balancing tension and character development is crucial in creating a compelling narrative. By gradually escalating the threats and choices Mary faces while deepening her relationships with other characters, I maintain a sense of urgency while also allowing for emotional resonance and growth. I’ve tried to make it so that each suspenseful moment serves not only to advance the plot, but also to reveal new facets of Mary’s personality and the dynamics between her and those around her.

“Psychic Echoes” is part of the Mary Jameson Supernatural Thriller Series. Can it be read as a standalone? How do the other books in the series tie in with this one?

While “Psychic Echoes,” can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, it is enriched by the context provided by the previous books in the Mary Jameson Supernatural Thriller Series. Each instalment builds upon the overarching storyline and character development, offering readers a richer understanding of Mary’s journey and her perception of the world she inhabits.

What did you have the most fun with when writing this book?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of writing “Psychic Echoes,” was delving deeper into Mary’s psyche and exploring the complexities of her relationships with other characters. From her internal struggles to her interactions with allies and adversaries alike, every moment offered an opportunity to explore the human condition and craft a multi-dimensional protagonist. Like some of us, when put under pressure, Mary is not always “nice,” but as we learn more about her past, and her hopes for the future, we can understand why she acts the way she does, and her rationale for the choices she makes. Also, I got a thrill from creating some of the scarier scenes for my readers.

Reviews praise the addictive mix of thrills and supernatural drama in "Psychic Echoes." How do you maintain reader engagement throughout the book, and what do you hope readers take away from Mary's story?

Maintaining reader engagement throughout the “Psychic Echoes” involved a combination of plot twists, well-developed characters, and immersive storytelling. I tried to keep the pace brisk and the stakes high, aiming to keep readers involved and on the edge of their seats, while also inviting them to empathise with Mary’s journey and reflect on the deeper themes explored in the novel.

When working on a new book, what is the first thing you do?

When embarking on a new book, the first thing I do is brainstorm, then research. Whether it’s exploring new concepts, delving into historical context (as I did in “Psychic Voices”,) or fleshing out characters, laying a solid foundation is essential for crafting a compelling and believable narrative, I think.

Do you have any interesting writing habits? What is an average writing day like for you?

Interesting writing habits? Well, I have a penchant for writing in unconventional places, like coffee shops, or at the seaside. I find that changing up my environment can stimulate creativity and keep the ideas flowing. As I have two-day jobs, an average writing day involves starting early, before work, and I’ll often set myself a time-limit rather than a word count goal, maintaining a disciplined routine to ensure steady progress.

What are you working on right now?

Currently, I’m working on the next instalment of the Mary Jameson Supernatural Thriller Series, delving even deeper into Mary’s world and exploring new challenges and mysteries for her to unravel.

Where can our readers discover more of your work or interact with you?

Readers can find me at: 
My Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/J.P.-Alters/author/B0BP2985M2?ref=ap_rd…
Instagram profile: Jp_altersauthor. https://www.instagram.com/jp_altersauthor/
FB: J.P. Alters Author.  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089322279905
Tik Tok. https://www.tiktok.com/@jpaltersauthor
BookSirens Author Page: https://booksirens.com/author/H9IEGQ5/QOZ087X
Author website: https://www.jpaltersauthor.com
Author email: [email protected]
Goodreads author profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/23154359.J_P_Alters