Jessica Huntley is an ex-British soldier and Personal Trainer turned author of addictive psychological thriller books. She has spent almost three years writing and is now the author of thirteen books, including two trilogies, three standalone thrillers, two anthologies, a co-written horror project, and a novella. She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
Jessica writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn’t writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog, or looking after her young son.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I wrote my first full-length book at the age of ten, but I can’t remember ever being influenced by any other writer in particular. Not then, anyway. I just knew I wanted to be an author. The stories were always so clear in my mind and I had to get them down on paper.
After the age of eighteen, I put writing aside and started my career in the Army, and I didn’t write again until 2020 when lockdown hit. My first novel was heavily influenced by my enjoyment of horror movies and thrillers by the likes of Stephen King and Gillian Flynn.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I think most of my readers know this, but I’ve been a British soldier and a personal trainer, as well as an HR Analyst. I like to weave some of my experiences and careers into my stories, such as in Jinx and my new book out in November, Horrible Husbands.
I feel I’m very open about myself, especially on social media, so I’m not sure there’s anything my followers may not know about me! But for new readers, I have an identical twin sister, several severe phobias, and have suffered with my mental health in the past. I’m a mum of a five-year-old, have a disabled black Labrador, and enjoy keeping fit, doing exercise between three and four times per week. I’ve also just recently got back into karate after an eighteen-year break. I’m a 1st Kyu grade, so my next belt would be a black belt!
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
Don’t Tell a Soul – funnily enough, it’s the first title I came up with for the book. I usually come up with a working title and it may or may not change as the book progresses, but this one didn’t change and my publisher, Inkubator Books, was happy with it, so it’s never been anything else!
I wanted the reader to read it and think “that’s a psychological thriller” without even reading the blurb. I think it hints at secrecy and makes the reader want to find out what the secret is.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
This was the first cover that I didn’t design myself. My self-published books have all been my idea and I’ve helped the designer create it. However, since Don’t Tell a Soul is my first traditionally published book, it was down to the publishers to create and design it, although I gave them a couple of ideas. But the colour and overall design was all them.
I loved it straight away. Again, it’s important for the cover to show exactly what genre the book is and I think it’s spot on.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I hope that it makes them want to continue reading my books! I think my perfect reader is someone who enjoys reading dark psychological thrillers that make you think and not be afraid of a little gore. If you’re reading my book for romance, then you’re not in the right place!
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
Since Don’t Tell a Soul is my first traditionally published book, it’s a very important book in my author career. I’ve been self-publishing for three years, so to have a publisher on board now is a new process for me, but super exciting. I’m hugely thankful to Inkubator Books for contacting me and publishing me. It means they have faith in my writing and career!
What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?
Oooh, I have a lot going on. My second traditionally published thriller with Inkubator Books is due out very soon. I’m also signed with a second publisher, Joffe Books, and my first book with them is out in November 2024. I’m also planning on self-publishing a book in January 2025, so my readers will be spoilt for choice! I’m excited to bring new books to my readers and find new ones too.
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