An Interview with Jamie Lynn House
Jamie Lynn House grew up in Pennsylvania before heading west to study film and fashion in California, where she later earned her degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Now living in North Carolina with her husband and two children, Jamie brings a passionate voice to fiction, writing stories that center strong, complex women navigating personal and social upheaval.
Her work delves into the tensions of mother-daughter relationships, small-town living, identity, and women overcoming adversity. Her debut novel, Last Seen in Chilltown, is a gripping domestic suspense and time-bending mystery that weaves together crime, courage, and the unexpected connections between women across generations.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
My love for thrift shopping and curiosity about the people who wore the items before me…
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
I had a few different titles at first but kept finding other books with the same name. It was really important to me to have an original title.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
That’s hard! There are so many settings that would have drastically different songs.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
My B.A. is in Communications and I worked in advertising and event planning. I’ve always been a writer but didn’t get to do enough of it professionally due to the career paths I chose.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
My husband is also a writer and is my best cheerleader and critic. If he says it’s good I know it is. He wouldn’t lie!
Where is your favorite place to write?
My home office. I have a sweet little rescue dog, Leo, who sits in my office with me. We jokingly call him my writing assistant.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Don’t overthink it. If it’s not flowing, take time. Good writing isn’t forced.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
I hope they appreciate every female character and have sympathy for the struggles we all face. No one’s life is perfect, regardless of what you see on the surface. I hope my readers are inspired to chase the life they’ve dreamed of if they’re not happy with where they’re at. We all deserve a second chance.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.Â
