An Interview with Zelly Jordan, Author of the Unbreakable Series

I’m really excited to interview Zelly Jordan on Lover’s Quarrel today. She is the author of the Unbreakable series, and a member of Lover’s Quarrel’s Read for a Better World Hall of Fame. Thanks, Zelly!

LQ: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and the Unbreakable series?

ZJ: Sure. I’m a divorced mum of a grown son. I’m Croatian born and Australian raised and very proud of both my heritages. I reckon I’m pretty lucky to live in Melbourne, the most liveable city in the world. I’m also a coffee-holic, a night owl and “slightly” opinionated. And a big softie. Just don’t bother me before I’ve had my morning caffeine and all will be well.

My book series has two installments so far and although I’d originally planned it to be a trilogy I’m finding it could end up being four books, possibly even more.

I describe the story as a sexy smexy romance with loads of mystery and suspense and a twist of paranormal. My protagonist is Kellan who, when we first meet him is a US soldier working covert operations for the army. He’s a unique being as he has mutated animal DNA mixing through his system and is therefore a hybrid human/beast – meaning that although he’s fully human, he transforms into a “beast” when his adrenalin is out of control such as when he’s angry or…..ahem, pushed beyond his carnal limits.

The human switches into the beast and vice versa. He’s not a shapeshifter as he doesn’t morph into one specific animal but rather, his form becomes monstrous and animalistic and he gains many super strengths from the different types of animal DNA running through his blood. Like impossible speed and heightened senses.  He’s cold, stoic and vicious, existing on orders and instinct. He thinks that’s the entirety of his life, of his existence, but he soon begins to discover that nothing is what it seems and the story follows him on his path to the truth.

Life threw me a mean curve-ball… I needed an outlet and writing became very cathartic for me, very necessary as a coping mechanism.

Zelly Jordan

LQ: What made you get into writing? 

ZJ: The need to stay sane. I know that sounds dramatic but that’s how it began for me. A few years ago, my life changed drastically and I went from being a self-employed, independent, single mum to coping with increasingly debilitating physical issues that forced me to stay at home, unable to work. Everything was affected – my financial and mental stability, opportunities and abilities and stress levels. And worst of all, my sense of independence. Eventually, I found myself going a “little” stir-crazy with the huge adjustment and I started writing as a way of keeping my head on straight. 

Initially, I was inspired to write because I was unhappy with how a favourite TV show was developing its storyline and I found myself constantly thinking such things as “why are they writing it this way?” And “no, that’s not how it should go!”  So I wrote it out the way I would have preferred to watch it and it led from there. I posted single chapters online for people to read and I was surprised to find myself gaining followers and that in turn led to getting my first book self published. Life threw me a mean curveball and forced me to deal with pain on a daily basis. I needed an outlet and writing became very cathartic for me, very necessary as a coping mechanism.

And as much as that whole event was difficult to traverse I’m very grateful to it now because it was a blessing in disguise. Without it, I may never have discovered that I could write. Sure, as a teenager, I’d wanted to be an author but I’d also wanted to be an air hostess and half a dozen other things. However, those dreams were pushed into the background of living a regular life, as it likely happens for many, many people. I’d like to think I would have fulfilled that long-suppressed dream of being an author even without the physical challenges but who knows? 

So I’m grateful. Very grateful that it all lead me to this.

I definitely don’t write in the mornings. Mornings are not my friend.

Zelly Jordan

LQ: What is the writing process like for you?

ZJ: There’s doesn’t seem to be a set pattern to my daily writing schedule.  I can write for ten minutes or six hours at a time…it all depends on how much the story flows in my head and how talkative my characters are. I tend to let them run rampant in my mind for as long as they want, while they want, so creating the story is very much a “go with it” feeling. However, I’m much more pedantic when it comes to editing as I do all of that myself. Particularly with the first book as I didn’t actually know that authors usually use editors and beta readers and such….I simply did it all my self because I thought that’s how everyone did it. I did it the same way with book two. 

In any case, I definitely don’t write in the mornings. Mornings are not my friend.

(See above about the night owl).

What fascinated me initially with (Kellan) was how he dealt with the duality of his being…the human and the animal within him.

Zelly Jordan

LQ: Who is your favorite character in the Unbreakable series?  

ZJ: Without a doubt, it’s Kellan, my protagonist. He’s who I write the story through. He’s who I hear in my head. The books are written entirely from his point of view. 

What fascinated me initially with the character was how he dealt with the duality of his being…the human and the animal within him and the struggle he faced daily; I wondered how on earth he would sort out and deal with the mystery of his existence, how he would cope with the unsolved questions and lack of memory and it was from that POV that he “spoke” to me, loudly and clearly. He’s such a fascinating mix of human nature and base instinct and the psychology of that really appealed to me. 

I do love all my characters but Kellan is my main man. However, I’m very very partial to Finn for many reasons and I can’t wait for readers to love him like I do.

LQ: What’s your favorite book (if you have one)? 

ZJ: No, I don’t actually. I have always been a ferocious reader and like to read different genres including non-fiction so choosing ONE favourite book is almost impossible. Like asking a parent to chose a favourite child or a chocoholic which chocolate is the best, dark or milk? I mean, come on, it’s chocolate. 

I can say, however, that Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell probably had the biggest impact as it was the first really long novel I can remember reading. I was around 13 or 14 years of age and it felt so epic and grand and I can remember getting so lost in the story and the other world feel to it. It was a million miles away from my reality, this American Civil War-era saga that was so alien to little immigrant me in mid-’70s Australia. 

That’s when I fell in love with getting lost in a book. And I’ve stayed there ever since.

LQ: Are you currently reading any books right now? 

ZJ:Not right now as I’m in the middle of moving house and if you’ve ever done that you know how much “fun” it is.  But even without that chaos, I find I have to schedule reading-time into my day because, ironically, ever since I became a writer and author, I have less time for it. I’m sure lots of authors experience this too as we become so consumed with our own stories and research and marketing etc etc, all of which are quite time-consuming. 

However, I did just recently read some fellow romance authors’ work which is always great fun as it’s so interesting to read other people’s stories – not just as a reader but now as a contemporary, a peer.  It gives me a whole new perspective that I didn’t have before.

LQ: What projects are you currently working on? 

ZJ: I’ve  begun work on book 3 of the Unbreakable series. And I’m working on having my first book, Fractured, translated into other languages and publishing those, which has proven to be a difficult process, unfortunately. I have a few interviews to do and some blogging but honestly, for the next 6-8 weeks, I’ll be immersed in cardboard boxes and packing tape, plus decluttering with ruthless abandon. (Our local charity store is scoring big time ) 

I might dislike the moving house process with a passion but I must admit, I can’t wait to set up my new writing space in the new home….that’s gonna be the best fun and worth every sore muscle. 

LQ: Is there anything else you want to say or talk about?

ZJ: Yes. Come follow me, read my books, share them, order them from your local bookstore and library and recommend and review them.  Do that for me and do that for every author whose work you enjoy.  

Honestly, one of the biggest things I’ve learnt since I entered the publishing business is how much time and effort authors put into what they do and how important reviews and exposure is to them.  I look back on all times I read a book in the past and didn’t think to leave a review. I really didn’t appreciate or understand how vital those things are to writers. Whether I loved or hated the book or was indifferent, I was haphazard in reviewing them and I regret that now. 

And marketing those books….? Good Lord, I had no idea how much I didn’t know. 

But I do now so I review and share everything I read – loved, hated or indifferent. The feedback is good for the writer, the review numbers and recommendations are great for exposure and exposure is EVERYTHING. 

Because what’s the point of writing and publishing a book if no one knows about it?

So please support all your authors, including me….. it honestly doesn’t take much time. I’ll post all my links here as well as a couple of useful pics. 

Thank you so much for having me, Kara and I look forward to hearing from any of your readers.  Thank you also for the great work you do for the environment, a truly worthy cause.

Thank you so much, Zelly! Read my book review of Fractured by Zelly Jordan and visit her on her website.