Known for her eclectic writing style,
Em J Bakker's projects span from
light-hearted comedic romances to gripping tales of the underworld. Her writing
reflects a blend of creativity nurtured by the serene landscapes and outdoor
adventures she enjoys, including days on the lake, exploring snowfields, and
off-road journeys through picturesque terrain alongside her loved ones.
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GUEST POST
What inspired you to write this book?
After my medical separation from the military, I needed a project to take my mind off my real-life situation. Writing this book provided me everything I needed to continue to enjoy the smaller parts of life while a section of it was turned completely Upside down. I had begun reading once more, and honestly probably read some books that were not all that inspiring for me as the MCs were lacking and I really wanted to write a strong FMC. So, I guess I wanted to prove the FMCs could hold their own in my own writing.
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
I am a big big fan of Gods/Goddesses/beings who are lesser known within myths and legends or ancient history.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
The book took me away completely from life. It gave me a beautiful little escape which allowed my creativity to flow and I would become so immersed in my own world that I was building that it would almost feel, for the time I was writing, as though I had slipped through a veil and could practically watch the words I was writing playing out in my mind. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to be completely captivated and enthralled by another world.
How did you come up with the title of your first novel?
I actually went through a couple of titles before settling on Blindsided. The initial concept for the novel was called Queen Amongst Alphas but I ended up wanting a shorter more to the point title that people could see and maybe pick the book up because of an intriguing premise, who was Blindsided and by what?
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
I learned an unmeasurable amount of literally everything during the writing of Blindsided. Some - what not to dos, some - what to dos and some things that I wrote and then instantly backspaced because the flavour didn’t sit right with me for my book.
What is your favorite part of this book and why?
I think when the FMC naivety shines through at the end when she doesn’t realise quite what she has agreed to until it’s too late. I hope the reader can understand and relate to how at 18 many of us made interesting choices
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
Most come from my imagination, but there are a couple in Blindsided that closely resemble a couple of people in my life. All of which are aware and are flattered, not angered 😄😂
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
My characters definitely hijack my writing, particularly my side characters. Come the end of the trilogy, once it is fully released, I am positive readers will be able to tell where one of my characters went completely rogue and made the story that much better.
Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.
I believe Blindsided is a must-read because it really digs into how life can throw surprises our way—sometimes knocking us all off balance. The story is about resilience, hope, willpower and the inner strength, even when things feel overwhelming or confusing. I think readers will connect with the characters’ struggles and triumphs. I definitely believe those who take the time to read Blindsided will be interested in following the story to see where it ends for all the characters involved – the good and the downright bad.
Have you written any other books that are not published?
I currently have books 2 and 3 of The Queen Series being prepared and going through hell to meet their completion. I also have two works in progresses that are also making their mark on me as a writer.
If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?
I would need multiple candles, I think, for all the scents that are described in the novel, but Lavender and Lillies would be a must have as well as Salty Caramel.
What did you edit out of this book?
I edited out an entire character because every time I wrote about them I became annoyed at the writing and it was simply in my mind that they were not the right fit for the storyline. Perhaps they will resurface in later works.
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