Knight tales

MAT-SU — Jackie Ivie may live in Palmer, but her heart’s in 12th century Scotland.

After 22 years of writing and rejection, Ivie is enjoying success as a writer of historical romance novels. Set in Medieval Scotland, Ivie and her readers escape into worlds of passion and adventure in her “Knight” series. With six books published and working on her eighth, Ivie’s writing has enjoyed national recognition, including being considered for a national reader’s choice award.

With an estimated 250,000 copies sold in four languages, Ivie’s novels — published by Zebra Books — can be found on the shelves of major booksellers and online. Ivie returned from her Scottish fantasy to answer a few questions about her works and profession.

Frontiersman: What is a historical romance?

Ivie: Anything set prior to World War II. They can go all the way back to ancient times. I am part of the sub-genre of Scottish Highlands.

F: When did you first realize you had a talent for writing?

I: I don’t know if I ever realized it. I used to read about 10 romance novels a week, and I read one that was so horrific I couldn’t finish it. … So, I decided to write myself.

F: How much of your writing is a job and how much putting down your own fantasies?

I: I’s all fantasy. You get to write all about the first flush of love. I get to make new people and do it all over again. I get to invent these (characters).

F: How do you react to criticism that romance novels are “trash?”

I: Romance novels, I’ve never considered them trash, and 56 percent of the paperbacks sold are romance novels. It’s a $2.1 billion industry. Also, you learn so much about history in here too in historical romances. I do an immense amount of research.

F: What is the most common misconception people have about professional writers?

I: That it’s easy and that it pays well. The typical writer makes $36,000 a year, and that’s if you’re lucky. Getting a contract is just as difficult as keeping a contract.

F: Do you do other writing besides historical romances?

I: I haven’t yet. I’m working on a paranormal series — but not vampire.

F: Are you married? Does your husband ever feel pressure to live up to the love interests in your novels?

I: Oh yeah. And no, he never has. He actually knows something of what the heroes are like before he reads them. In the novels, they are not my husband. These guys don’t exist.

F: What was your reaction when you first saw your own book on a store shelf?

I: Wow, my first book! I picked it up and ruffled the pages. The guy at Fireside Books called and said, “Your book’s in!” I thought, “It smells like a real book!”

F: What do you hope people reading your novels get out of them?

I: You can got back to a time when things meant so much more. When I’m writing (books), I’m living them, and I want the reader to experience that as well.

F: What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

I: You have to get the book written. You can’t have a partial book. That, and don’t ever give up, no matter how many people tell you you can’t write. Work on your query letter too. It’s the first thing a publisher sees.

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.

ON THE BOOKSHELF

Historical romance novels by Jackie Ivie include:

• Lady of the Knight

• Tender is the Knight

• The Knight Before Christmas

• Heat of the Knight

• A Knight Well Spent

• Once Upon a Knight