Interview with Emma Jameson, Author of Cross Fire (The Eisarium Files Book 1)

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

I say it's The X-Files meets the X-Men, which it is (paranormal powers, cryptids, portals, secret histories), but it\'s also a found-family reunion between six people who died tragically in 1870 and are reincarnated in the present day. I love writing stories about the transformative power of friendship. In CROSS FIRE, Hayden starts out as an island--she\'s literally living alone on a private island--and gradually learns about trust. Trusting others is a challenge for her, but the biggest challenge is trusting herself. I can relate to that, which added fuel to the fire as I wrote the book.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be? (Meant to be fun. Skip if you need to!)

Hayden's theme song in this book would absolutely be "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" by Taylor Swift. The lyrics even reference levitation!

Kirk: "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark" by Fall Out Boy.

Zanna: "Past Lives" by BØRNS. Dev: "Heavy" by Linkin Park.

Sasha: "Confident" by Demi Lovato.

And for a bonus track that sums up the group: "Centuries" by Fall Out Boy.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I'm an eclectic reader. I love urban fantasy, high fantasy, sci-fi, mysteries, and also nineteenth-century literature like Anthony Trollope, John Galsworthy, and Jane Austen. I don't really have a *favorite* book, but when pressed, I usually say JONATHAN STRANGE AND MR. NORRELL because it's such an amazing alternate history.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I just finished PURGATORY by Cyn Mackley. It's an Appalachian gothic mystery. I also have PLATFORM DECAY by Martha Wells (a Murderbot book) and CEMETERY BOYS by Aiden Thomas.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There's a giant fight in the snow between Hayden, her friends, and a seemingly endless stream of dogmen. I enjoyed that quite a bit. But the final showdown was a pleasure, too.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Actually, I do. I get these highly scented candles from a company called Votivo. I don't have stock in them, though I probably should look into it. Years ago, long before I was published, I bought one on impulse, lit it, and wrote the best stuff of my life. (Best at the time, mind you.) Now Votivo candles are always in my office next to my laptop.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Leap and the net will appear.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

If a dogman shows up at your door, run.