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MEET JAMIE MARTINEZ WOOD
by Bonnie O'Brian

When you went to college, were you already pursuing a writing career?(or a career in illustrating? or just art in general?)

Jamie Martinez Wood

I went to college to be an executive business writer for public relations and marketing. My dream was to have a fancy office with fancy furniture, a "knock 'em dead" wardrobe, couture shoes with matching briefcase and a jeep. The jeep was the only clue to my free spirited me - that and when I landed that big executive job, I didn't head to Nordstrom, I was at the vintage shops and boutiques. I found it increasingly difficult to write about products and services I wasn't passionate about, so I switched gears and became a massage therapist. While trying to build my clientele I found work as an assistant to a literary agent. She got me my first book contract. over the last ten years, I became the accidental author of eight books and I'm loving this career choice.

If you didn’t write as a child, then when did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

I've been writing stories since I was seven. I made cartoon reels of my stories with a shoebox, tape, pencils, paper and scissors. I began my first diary when I was 11. I went to Institute for Children's Literature after graduating college. My first story was published soon after I was married and my first book was completed a few weeks before my second son was born and published when he was 1 1/2 years old. I always wanted to inspire and encourage others through stories with archetypical themes.

Do you focus on fiction or nonfiction? Which do you prefer? Do you find one easier than the other?

I began writing fictions stories targeted for kid and teen magazines. My goal was to be published in Highlights Magazine. I wanted to distract those poor kids waiting their turn for their braces to be tightened in the orthodontist office. Most of my rejections said the same thing - "you're too didactic." I had one fantasy article published before I listened to the editors' advice and wrote a "faction" article, a fiction story based on my experiences of watching helplessly as a friend went through bulimia. That article was published in a much more prestigious magazine and gave me confidence. My agent suggested me for a seasonal cookbook to an editor. That book did so well, I was subsequently offered a number of non-fiction books. I finally returned to fiction and had ROGELIA'S HOUSE OF MAGIC, a young adult novel published.  I find fiction to be challenging but it really lets my imagination fly. With non-fiction I benefit from my organization and research skills.

When is your next book going to be in book stores?

ROGELIA'S HOUSE OFMAGIC will be out in paperback July 2009. THE FAERIE'S GUIDE TO HERBALISM and GREEN MAGICK will be released Spring 2010. The 10th Anniversary Edition of THE WICCA COOKBOOK will be out Fall 2010.

Have any of your fiction stories been about real people or events?

I tend to base my characters on aspects of me and a spattering of people I know, and then I elaborate with my wild imagination. I do the same thing with family gatherings. One Mother's Day, I took notes. The gossip was good, the food perfect. It was a quintessential Martinez Clan moment and I juiced it for all it was worth.

 What do you most want the students to get out of your school visits?

I want the students to be entertained, empowered, and encouraged. I want them to relate to some part of my story. I want them to begin to understand that everyone has a special gift or talent to give and that sometimes it's surprising to note that what makes them unique or special comes easy for them. But with hard work and dedication it can become an even greater thing that shines through them. 

What books influenced you most when you were growing up?

I read a lot of CS Lewis. I loved the allegorical style in which he wrote. I also loved reading Judy Blume. It felt like she was a friend who understood me.

When you were a child did you ever have moments when you decided that you were going to be a writer when you grew up.

I always knew I would be a writer, because my diaries have been so instrumental for me. They are like a best friend who can keep a secret, a safe place to vent all my feelings or desires I might never say aloud and place to dream. I was surprised and delighted to discover that I could be a creative writer as a living.

What kinds of things inspire you to write?

I write the books I want to read. I write about the things I want to research or feelings I want to explore from an omniscient perspective. I like to write about things that inspire me to reach for more in my life.