Behind the Books – Interview with author Jamie Rae + a signed book giveaway!

I met Jamie at RT 2015!!! There she was with her very cool-sounding book (Call Sign Karma)… and all sorts of Air Force goodies decorating her table. Even an Air Force suit!! And guess what? It was HERS!!! She was an active duty airman!!

I was so fascinated, ’cause now, not only was this a military romance book (men in uniform… AND a woman in uniform), but it was written by someone that had first hand experience with military life. I had to know more!

So, first… what’s the book about?

“Distraught over the loss of her brother in a fighter jet accident, Tinklee Pinkerton decides to follow in his footsteps–and prove the tragedy wasn’t his fault. But when she’s chosen as the first woman to fly the Air Force’s F-35, her plan for a life that revolves around work is thrown off course by a handsome, mysterious stranger…

Thanks to Locke’s seductive British accent, sweet nature, and one too many beers, Tink is soon inspired to throw caution to the wind–and herself into his arms. She thinks maybe love can heal after all–until she discovers Locke is her superior officer. Tink has no problem risking her life in the air, but with everything on the line, is she brave enough to risk her heart on the ground?”

And here is Jamie… giving us a look into her bad-ass military life and her book!

Hi Jamie!! Welcome to our crew! Tell us a little bit about yourself, what inspired you to write this book and how is it a book only you could write?

Jamie: They say to write what you know and as an Air Force veteran and military spouse, I know the military. After graduating from dental school, I joined the Air Force and volunteered for an assignment to Osan Air Base in South Korea. It was there where I met my husband, who is a fighter pilot. When our first son was born and during 911 we made the decision that it was best if I separated from active duty. My husband remains active duty today, and it was awesome to able to consult with him while writing CSK to make sure the flying parts of the story were authentic.

I chose to write this story about a female fighter pilot because I admire and respect strong woman, especially women in the military and in jobs that are primarily male dominated. I’ve spent a lot of my life in career fields and situations that were male dominated so I felt very at home writing this story. Tink has a lot of my own voice––my inside voice, her outside voice. ☺

I cherish my time and life in the Air Force both as an active duty airman and as a spouse. The military offers a lot of camaraderie that I hope is well depicted in the story. Some of my closest friends, I made while serving. Also the story will take you inside the cockpit of the jet and give you an inside glimpse to the history and antics ☺ of an actual name ceremony in which the pilot receives their Call Sign. The reader will cross the pond and experience a deployment and going to war with the characters. For anyone who has served or has known anyone who has served, the emotions and experiences are very real.

Wow. I love that we get a first hand look, from someone that knows not just the about the duty, but the connections made and emotions felt. What’s your favorite thing about writing?

It’s an escape for me. I love playing around with new stories and new characters and seeing where they will take me.

And where they take us!! YAY! Okay… and what’s your least favorite thing?

When the voices stop talking ☺

Gah!! Yes I hear that a lot. A writer’s struggle for sure. Tell me… What do you love most about this book?

I love the strength and vulnerability of my main character. I think she is very real. She’s a total badass chick who is willing to take chances and stand up for what she believes in. She’s also just a girl, who has unexpectedly fallen in love while dealing with the heartache of losing her brother. This story also deals with the sensitive subject of PTSD and I have received many emails telling me how the story has helped them or how well the subject matter was handled.

Okay, now tell us a little more about you. (sidenote… to give us some insight about herself, Jamie tells us… “yes, I stole these questions from In the Actor’s Studio with James Lipton.”) LOL!!! 😛

What is your favorite word? Determination.

What is your least favorite word? No.

What turns you on? People who are honorable and courageous and willing to stand up for what they believe in.

What turns you off? Negativity and dishonesty.

What sound or noise do you love?  My children’s giggles.

What sound or noise do you hate? Ambulance sirens.

What profession, other than your own, would you most like to attempt? I am in a really good place career wise at the moment. I love what I am doing. As a mother, wife, orthodontist, author, and volunteer for pet rescues, my life revolves around making people smile. The only thing I’d possibly like to add in to the mix would be to own a quaint little coffee/book shop. Maybe…someday.

Wow Jamie!!! You seem so amazingly well-rounded. You have had so many life experiences and have been (or are still) a part of so many wonderful ventures. I am so happy for you!!

Final question…What’s next for Jamie Rae?

My family is in the middle of major cross-country PCS (military move) and due to military commitments the kiddos and I are doing most of it solo. However stories are still swirling inside of my head and I definitely need a fun escape, so I’ve been working on Ash’s story and a few other side projects. Who is Ash?? Ash is a secondary character in CSK that readers have fallen in love with. He has a boyish charm, quick-wit and he’s an all-around stand-up guy. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s super hot and Special Forces.

YAY!!! Thank you so much Jamie. It was wonderful meeting you, and finally getting to know you better!! *hug*

Find Jamie Rae on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamieRaeAuthor
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamieraewrites
• Website: https://www.jamieraewrites.com
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8295257.Jamie_Rae

Now for the giveaway:

Jamie is giving away a a signed copy of CALL SIGN KARMA and a swag pack!!

How to enter for a chance to win? Just leave a comment below, and by 10pm EST, Wednesday July 15th 2015, I will randomly select ONE winner for the prize above.

The winner will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond with a mailing address, so if you are picked, do not delay or you will lose your chance. This book will be sent to the winner directly by the author.

Giveaway open to US addresses only, although all are welcome to comment!