Jayme H. Mansfield - Author, Artist, Educator

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
        The first time I found myself in “the zone” was when I knew I had found my passion to write. Hours and hours went unnoticed and turned into full days in front of the computer.
        Ironically, for being an extrovert, I discovered a wonderful place—to be by myself, creating new stories.

What inspired your novel Chasing the Butterfly?

        The initial seeds for the story grew out of writing assignments for the Christian Writers Guild and my personal passions for painting and traveling to France numerous times. But after that, I was inspired to persevere and complete the novel as a personal journey and challenge.
        At some (often many) junctures of our lives, we have to contend with forgiveness. Writing the book was my way of navigating pain, communing with the Lord, and ultimately realizing the freedom and joy that come with forgiving.
       I promised God I would finish the story, and when I did, I wasn’t sure if it would remain for His eyes and mine only. But His ways are surprising—that’s when the doors began to fly open.

Where do your story and character ideas come from?
        My characters come from bits and pieces of family members, friends, and myself. I don’t recall ever concocting all of the characters—instead, they seem to invite themselves into the story because they have something important to say or do.
        As for the story idea, I am fascinated by strong women who eventually figure out how to survive life’s difficulties, and ultimately find hope in the blessings. I have always been intrigued with history so weaving that with an artistic element motivates me to create story.

Tell us how you came up with the lovely cover of your book.
        My long-time friend, Kelly Berger, is an accomplished professional artist in Colorado. When I received word from the publisher that they would consider an original piece of art for the cover, I went straight to Kelly. She read the manuscript and fell in love with the story.
        I had pulled at least thirty different images and photographs of Provence, laid them out randomly in my art studio, and asked her to take a look. From those and our shared travels to Provence, we envisioned the low vantage point—poppy field with the butterfly in the distance and the sunset backdrop.
        Off to work she went…when the final painting was unveiled, I was stunned. Truly, it was exactly how I had imagined the cover!
        Our friendship has been blessed by the opportunity to share in the creation of the novel.

You are one of the busiest writers I have met. How do you manage to balance writing time with teaching school and being mom to three active boys?
        I suppose I’m one of those people who have never understood the meaning of boredom. I find that I am driven by my passions to create in many forms. Sometimes, I wish I could lay aside a thing or two, but then I feel something’s incomplete.
        It’s probably a good thing I have three boys and a husband who are active and have so many personal interests. But I admit, there have been many days that I jump on and hold on tight!

How did you research your setting in France? Do you have any anecdotes or interesting experiences arising from your research which you would like to share with our readers? Have any of these found their way into your book?
        I’ve been to France, particularly Paris and Provence, several times. On each visit, hundreds of photographs captured the beauty and history—those images became ingrained in my mind and served as the visual memory when I wrote many of the scenes.
        I find World War II fascinating to read about, both in other novels and in non-fiction. Eventually, I needed to pull myself away from researching and get on with the story.
        On a fun side-note, whenever I mentioned paint colors I had to make sure the specific names of the paints existed at that time. I had a wonderful time delving into the history of art materials—it’s amazing where those unique names originated—but, that’s another story.

How do you see the importance of Christian fiction?
        The presence of Christian fiction is imperative—it’s a venue for biblical truth to be woven into story in an appealing, inspirational, and fresh manner. I can’t tell you how many readers have appreciated enjoying a story without the offenses that are prevalent in much of today’s writing. Whether a reader has been a Christian or not, the discussions that have ensued from the story always contain elements of faith, hope, love, and God.

What are three things that have had the most influence on your writing process?
        Belief -- I have a story to create that is intended to touch the lives of others.
        Gratitude and Humility – this writing journey is not merely about me, and I couldn’t do it by myself.
        Challenge – writing is difficult in every way imaginable—but the process, nuances, and craft is exhilarating (even when I’m exhausted!).

Do you plot your stories ahead of time, or do you write from the seat of your pants?
        Give me a horse to ride, and I’m on it! That’s my way of saying, “I love to write seat of the pants!” I get a rush from letting the story take off and run.

What events in your personal life have most impacted your writing, and how?
        I write from plenty of emotion. I have discovered that I write scenes and dialogue based largely on what is currently on my mind and what themes are coursing through my heart and soul at the time.

More About Jayme:

       

Jayme H. Mansfield is an author, artist, and educator. She provides vivid imagery as she melds her inspiring writing and artistic talents.
        Her passion for weaving stories about women who find their strength in the Lord continues in her upcoming novel, Rush, a historically compelling tale of the Oklahoma Land Rush in the late 1800’s.
        Jayme owns, paints, and shares the joy of creating visual art with children and adults at the Piggy Toes Art Studio in Lakewood, Colorado, for the past twenty years.
        After a career in both the business and creative sides of advertising, Jayme received her teaching and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and Creative Arts.
        For many years in elementary education, she has shared a passion for literacy and the writing process with her students. She teaches at Aspen Academy in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

About Chasing the Butterfly:

From a vineyard in the south of France to the sophisticated city of Paris, Ella Moreau searches for the hope and love she lost as a young girl when her mother abandoned the family. Ella's journey is portrayed through a heartbroken child, a young woman's struggles during the tumultuous times surrounding World War II, and as a reflective adult. Through a series of secret paintings, her art becomes the substitute for lost love--the visual metaphor of her life. But when her paintings are discovered, the intentions of those she loves are revealed.

Digit ISBN: 978-1-941-103-37-1

Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: October 14, 2014

2015 Historical Fiction Book of the Year, Christian Small Publisher Association

2015 Inspirational Readers Choice Award Finalist – Women’s Fiction

Jayme on social media:
Website: www.jaymemansfield.com
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jayme-H-Mansfield/669237533103946
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jaymemansfield/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8432600.Jayme_H_Mansfield
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jaymemansfield
Other: Instagram : http://instagram.com/jaymemansfield
 Art Studio website: www.piggytoes.com