Jamie Beck
Jamie Beck: My childhood writing dreams featured a Hollywood career in the television or film industries. I’d finish watching a dramatic family saga or love story and think, “I want to write something like this!” But a creative writing career seemed like a pipedream, so I went to Tulane University assuming I’d figure out what to do with the rest of my life by graduation day. I fell in love with psychology coursework, but psychiatrists go to medical school, and subjects such as biology and chemistry weren’t my forte. Alas, another career eliminated.
Ultimately, I earned a joint law/M.B.A. degree and practiced commercial real estate and lending law for a decade in my hometown of Pittsburgh (Go Steelers!). I learned so much during that decade, but was never passionate about the work. When my husband’s career took us to Connecticut, I opted to stay at home to raise our two young children. That decision presented a second chance to revisit the idea of writing.
These days I dream up stories about love, family, self-discovery, and redemption.
Twitter: @WriterJamieBeck
Instagram: @WriterJamieBeck
Are there particular films that have influenced your writing?
One of my favorite films, Out of Africa, has influenced my approach to storytelling. Because it is based on a true story, it’s extremely character-driven story, seamlessly and organically weaving in events and secondary characters with external and internal conflict that creates a crucible for Karin. And while most of us will never move to a new country and start a coffee farm or school or do other things that far outside our comfort zones, we can still relate to her main goal—to be loved completely—and root for her courage in the face of so many disappointments and obstacles. The bittersweet ending is painful but fully in keeping with reality. I strive to do these things in my own work (although all my endings are more optimistic!).
Have you ever experienced Imposter Syndrome?
All. The. Time. In fact, most authors I know (including those with amazing accolades) battle this from time to time. I blame the subjectivity of storytelling. There isn’t a single book that is universally beloved (even beloved classics get one-star reviews). Accordingly, no matter what we write, there will always be those who could take-it-or-leave-it, which foments great doubt. Also, there are always ways to improve one’s craft, so I can’t cross a line that says “You’ve made it.”
Not all books are for all readers… when you start a book and you just don’t like it, how long do you read until you bail?
Not long at all. I don’t have time to waste on a book that doesn’t excite me, and there are so many books out there, I know I can find one that does if I put down one that does not. I sample most books before I purchase them, so if the author hasn’t grabbed me by the end of the sample section on my ereader, I don’t buy it. Conversely, there are very few books I don’t finish once I make that purchase.
Vacation druthers… City or Rural destination? Why?
Annual ski trips are a must. But to be honest, it depends on my mood. Some vacations are great for learning (like touring around Rome or New York City), some for stress-relief (active trips, like ski trips or hiking trips), and some for relaxing (the beach). There are many vacation itineraries on my bucket list. Once the pandemic ends, I will be eager to make travel plans.
What brings you great joy?
There are the obvious answers (my children and their accomplishments), but also music, food, flowers, hugs, and fan mail! If I were talented enough, I would love to be a songwriter. I also love to cook, and love to eat even more—particularly at upscale restaurants. Fresh-cut flowers are a favorite, and a weekly purchase. Few things make me feel more settled and secure than a hug. And fan mail is the highlight of any day. Nothing beats when a reader fully connects with one of my stories or characters and takes the time to write to me. I treasure those letters more than they will ever know.
