Jesse Palmer
Author Interview - Jesse Palmer
Author of The Echo of Revenge
"A dark, twisted tale where a single night reshapes two promising young lives, trapping them in an endless cycle of revenge."
When Samantha and Ben meet in an LSAT over the summer, an easy friendship forms between them. Both have big dreams to attend a prestigious law school, become attorneys, and make their marks on the world. But one fateful evening will irreversibly change the course of both of their lives, condemning them to a decade-long legal battle and entwining their destinies in a twisted cycle of revenge.
Author Interview - Jesse Palmer
Author I draw inspiration from:
Lucy Foley, Shari Lapena, Riley Sager, Lisa Jewell, Gillian McAllister, Jodi Picoult - These authors are masters at the craft of writing multiple point of view narratives and slow-burn reveals.
Author Interview - Jesse Palmer | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
My favorite place to read is outside on our back, screened in porch. Added bonus, it also keeps the bugs out (mostly)! We live on a golf course, so the view is an open expanse and very calming. There’s a quiet stillness that makes it easy to get lost in a book. A few bright red cardinals often stop by, and their presence just adds to the peacefulness. It’s the kind of setting that makes everything, from thrillers to historical novels, feel more vivid and immersive.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
Hermione Granger from Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling. With her book smarts and quick wand work, Hermione would have us out of that elevator in no time! Even if Hermione wasn't able to pull off an instant "Alohomora" spell to pry open the elevator doors, we'd have a great conversation about books and I'm positive I'd leave that elevator with many, many wonderful recommendations to add to my reading list.
Author Interview - Jesse Palmer | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
I don’t know if there was ever a single, clear “aha” moment when I realized I wanted to be an author. Writing has always been a quiet companion in my life, an escape, a way to relax and make sense of the world around me. Since I was a little kid, putting words on the page felt natural, like breathing. It wasn’t about a grand revelation but about the comfort I found in storytelling and the freedom it gave me to step outside reality and into a world of my own making.
Over time, I recognized that writing wasn’t just a pastime, but was something I returned to again and again, especially during significant crossroads in my life, times that demanded reflection, growth, and a way to make sense of change. It became the way I processed my thoughts, explored emotions, and created worlds where I could control the narrative. That steady, ongoing relationship with writing has quietly shaped who I am and, over time, showed me that it’s something meaningful in my life, something I want to keep nurturing growing, and developing.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
I've been an avid ebook reader since high school, when you read hundreds of books, storage space quickly becomes a problem, especially when I was younger and moving apartments rather frequently. I do love a beautiful hardback or paperback book on a bookshelf.
The last book I read:
House on Fire by Bonnie Kistler. Loved it - this book raised such complex moral and legal questions about tests the limits of loyalty, truth, and justice within families. I’m partial to legal thrillers and enjoyed the many ethical dilemmas the characters faced as they navigated the legal system. I’m particularly drawn to stories that blend suspense with questions of right and wrong, which keeps me thinking long after I’ve finished the last page.
Author Interview - Jesse Palmer | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
I’ve always written on a computer rather than by hand, mostly because my thoughts tend to move faster than I can keep up with on prep & paper. Typing allows me to capture the flow of words and ideas as they come to me, without losing momentum. That said, I do rely heavily on the Notes app on my phone. If I’m about to fall asleep and a scene, line of dialogue, or character insight comes to me, I’ll quickly jot it down before it slips away. Those little Notes often become key points in the story.
When I’m in the process of writing, I write the entire first draft straight through without stopping to edit or review. I like to get the full arc of the story down in one place first, it helps me see the shape of it all before I start fine-tuning refining. Once the draft is complete, that’s when I go back, re-read, and start the real work of editing, reviewing, and proofreading to ensure the story makes sense and all of the plot lines flow logically.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. I think Sam would make a great best friend because he's fiercely loyal, has a heart as big as the sky, and always has your back. You know Sam would never betray your trust or throw you under the bus, and he would move heaven and earth to help you in any way he could.
Sam also loves to cook and I love to eat delicious food, so we’d be a perfect pair. I imagine us sharing warm, comforting meals by the fire and having wonderful, engaging conversation, which honestly sounds like the best kind of friendship to me.
Author Interview - Jesse Palmer | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
If I weren't an author, I think I'd like to be a fashion designer - one who specializes in bold, playful colors that bring joy and personality into everyday life. While I'm not overly artistically inclined, I love using creativity to bring thoughts and ideas to life.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
This is a tricky one because each decade and era brings its own distinct character and style, which makes it difficult to choose just one. I think I'd have to pick the 1960s because of the shift towards bolder, more expressive clothing and fashion as a means to express one's own individual style.
Place I’d most like to travel:
Japan - because of its rich and ancient cultural history as well as a chance to enjoy some truly authentic Sushi!
My signature drink:
I’ve been drinking hot tea every day since I was three, no matter the season. Earl Grey has always been my go-to.
Favorite artist:
Figure skater Sasha Cohen - I was a competitive figure skater for 12 years. What drew me to the sport was the unique blend of athleticism and artistry, there was something captivating about how it demanded both strength and expression. Being able to perform elements and make them look effortless takes a huge amount of athletic ability. On the artistic side, skating is about painting a picture on ice, expressing yourself through music, movement and fluidity. While the technical elements are important, it’s the individuality, the way someone interprets the music, conveys emotion, and moves through each performance, that makes the sport special. No two performances are ever exactly the same, and that personal expression is what elevates figure skating beyond mere sport and turns it into a true art form.
I always admired Sasha Cohen for her exceptional artistry and performance quality. Her attention to detail is what set her apart from her competitors. She was truly a ballerina on ice, seamlessly blending attitude, style, and strength into every performance.
Number one on my bucket list:
Something at the top of my bucket list is dining at the underwater restaurant in the Maldives. It’s the perfect blend of dinner and a show. I can only imagine enjoying a beautifully crafted meal while vibrant marine life glides past my table, like I'm eating inside a living aquarium.
Find more from the author:
Instagram @jessepalmerauthor
Facebook @jessepalmer
Author website jessepalmerauthor.com
About Jesse Palmer:
Author Interview with Jesse Palmer
Jesse Palmer was raised in a quiet northeastern Connecticut town after being adopted from China as an infant. Her personal journey, from feeling like an outsider in her hometown to forging a new life through college, law school, and beyond, shapes the perspective and emotional nuance in her writing. An attorney by day, Jesse lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and enjoys reading a good book and a cup of tea.
