Science Fantasy Adventure Writer
J.S Burke
Georgia, US
Good morning, J.S., and welcome to Vision and Verse, the Place for Art and Authors. What have you written?
My published books are “Crystal Geometry”, “Crystal Colors”, “The Dragon Dreamer”, “Dragon Lightning”, and “Fantasy Snowflakes Coloring Book”.
I have your Fantasy Snowflakes Coloring Book. You are an amazing artist as well as an author. What is your favorite genre to write?
Science Fantasy Adventure.
Favorite food.
Chocolate!
Tea or coffee?
Peppermint tea, please.
I love peppermint tea! Also ginger. Pizza or ice cream?
Chocolate ice cream. And, you’re making me hungry! ☺
Wine or beer?
Pina colada. ☺ If not that, then wine.
Where would you like to visit?
I’d love to dive on the Great Barrier Reef.
Favorite musical artist. Do you listen to music when you write?
Pachelbel’s Canon as played on the harp holds many memories for me.
I write best in silence.
Me. too. There's enough going on in my head without music. What makes you laugh?
I love the zany humor of Far Side comics.
Favorite work of art or sculpture.
I love the illustrations in “The Velveteen Rabbit”! I also love the marble sculptures in the High Museum of Art.
How old were you when you started writing?
I began writing simple poems as soon as I could read. My novels have poetic descriptions.
Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
I write until I know enough to make an outline and plan. Sometimes a new character enters my mind and I need to learn what he or she is up to. There’s a new ice dragon baby who’s growing into an interesting character, caught between worlds.
Describe your perfect evening.
Relaxing beneath the stars on a sandy beach, listening to the waves, drinking a pina colada. If the waves are glowing with bioluminescent critters, that’s even better!
Where do you get your inspiration?
Everything I read or see can inspire ideas. My ceramic bowl with a rock inspired the start of the Dragon Dreamer series. Snowflakes inspired the Winter Festival.
What do you do when you get a writer's block?
Work on something else. I might design, draw, or clean my fantasy snowflakes, read another author’s book, make jewelry for the upcoming artist shows, or get something else done that needs doing.
Who is your favorite author?
I love too many to choose just one.
Best book you ever read.
Books are like fruit: apple, orange, cherry, tangerine, watermelon, grapes . . . all different, all delicious. I love “Witch of Blackbird Pond”, any decent SciFi, and good history books. “Dune” and “Left Hand of Darkness” are excellent!!!
Last book you read.
“Pip and Flinx” by Alan Dean Foster. He does great world-building!
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
I’m a scientist, tutor, and artist. Some day I may make a living as an author. ☺
Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
Family and friends are very important, but thousands of people have influenced me, even characters in books. I’m grateful to everyone who’s been supportive of me and everyone I’ve had the privilege of helping.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be?
My parents.
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
Just start writing.
Get feedback but believe in your own instincts. Polish your work ‘til it shines. Thank you so much for having me on your beautiful site!
Thank you! It's always a pleasure to introduce quality writers and artists to my wonderful Vision and Verse audience.
Reviews:
The Dragon Dreamer: "Unique Book Combines Ocean Life with Highly Imagined Dragon World"
"This is an extremely unique book that combines action and adventure with a deep understanding of real ocean life and a highly imagined dragon world. For anyone who has ever been curious about the mysteries of the depths or enchanted with dragons, this book will engage you. If you are drawn to both, the Dragon Dreamer will become your favorite book ever." ~ Amazon Reviewer
The Dragon Dreamer: "This Book is a Real Page Turner."
"First, this book is a real page turner. Yes, it is written for a younger audience but this reader feels it is best read by all ages. This author has touched the heart of all things real: friendship, honor, caring, and kindness. As for the writing in this book, I was amazed...crafted so well you feel as if you are in this world...I will personally recommend this book to all readers." ~ Amazon Reviewer
Dragon Lightning: “A unique and beautiful world”
“The second book in this series is another fun foray into the world of octopi and dragons. This time, we get to meet the legendary ice dragons. Burke again presents a unique and vivid world that is both magical and scientific at the same time. It’s an adventurous tale with an emphasis on community and unlikely friendships that can be enjoyed by all ages.” ~ Amazon Review
Fantasy Snowflakes Coloring Book: "Fancy Unique Fun Filled Snowflake Coloring"
"Gorgeous designs and very creative images unlike any others you will find in other coloring books. J.S. Burke brings fantasy and real life animals to her snowflakes perfectly fitting them into the patterns and creating each unique flake."
~ Amazon Reviewer
Fantasy Snowflakes Coloring Book: "Blissful Hours of Coloring"
"You can spend blissful hours coloring these kaleidoscopic designs that include sea creatures, fantasy creatures, and more. I spent a whole afternoon completely lost in the process."
~ Amazon Reviewer
Book Links:
THE DRAGON DREAMER by J.S. BURKE
Paperback:
DRAGON LIGHTNING by J.S. BURKE
FANTASY SNOWFLAKES COLORING BOOK by J.S. BURKE
Dark Return is the sequel to Belterra, Time After Time, and takes place about ten years afterwards. 
