Posted on December 1, 2020 at 8:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Today we're interviewing urban- and epic-fantasy author Jamie Davis.

Davis is a nurse, retired paramedic, author, and nationally recognized medical educator.

He enjoys everything fantasy and sci-fi, especially the places where stories intersect with his love of medicine or gaming.

He loves hearing from readers and going to cons and events where he meets up with others who love fun fantasy reads. Reach out and say "hi.” 

SADYE: How did you come to see yourself as a writer, and what inspired you to seek publication?

JAMIE: A nursing colleague challenged me to take on the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) contest in 2014 because I was well known for telling fun stories about my time as a paramedic on the ambulance and nurse in the ER.

I was surprised how well the stories flowed from me. I conquered the contest writing a draft of a complete novel in just 30 days.

That draft (with a lot of work) eventually became my first book, Extreme Medical Services (the first in a long series by the same name).

SADYE: Which of your characters would you most and least like to trade places with?

JAMIE: I think I’d like to change places with supernatural paramedic Dean Flynn from the Extreme Medical Services series.

His mythical patients make his time on the ambulance very interesting, and there’s never a dull moment (plus lots of fun).

I’d least like to change places with Cass Armstrong from my dystopian YA Sapiens Run series.

Her world is not a nice one, and though she conquers it in her own way, I’m not sure I’d be as successful.

SADYE: What have been the most surprising, rewarding, and challenging parts of your writing career?

JAMIE: The most surprising part of my writing career has to be the response from other paramedics and nurses who read my books and enjoy fantastical look at medical care and the patients we all see every day.

I like to represent the best of the health care professionals I’ve worked alongside.

As for the most rewarding thing, that has to be partnering with my eldest (my 26-year-old son, C.J. Davis) on the Accidental Traveler and Accidental Champion series.

These are epic fantasy stories based on characters who get caught up inside their favorite video games and have to find a way back home.

I was able to combine my love of writing and both our passions for video and role playing games into a great ongoing project.

The most challenging thing is working hard to deliver the next book to my devoted readers.

I spend a lot of time communicating with them in our Facebook group and by email. I love how excited (and patient) they are as they await the next book.

It’s that excitement that keeps me going telling all the stories I have bouncing around in my head.

SADYE: What has been the most touching or memorable piece of reader feedback you’ve received?

JAMIE: A paramedic educator contacted me to tell me he recommended my Extreme Medical Services series to his students as an example of the type of paramedics they should strive to be.

That makes me proud to have created role models, even in a fantasy world, that can inspire people to be better healers and recognize that everyone deserves good healthcare.

SADYE: What message or theme would you like readers to take away from your work?

JAMIE: I like to call my books fun fantasy reads.

It represents an overall drive to show how everyday people can absolutely become heroes of legend if they stand up for what they truly believe.

As a paramedic and nurse, I worked side by side with ordinary folks from all walks of life, background, ethnic, religious groups. Every single one of them was a hero in my eyes.

They worked selflessly for long hours, sometimes at risk of injury or death, to help people they’d never met before.

All it takes is a willingness to help each other and be true to seeing the best in all of us.

I hope my books might inspire others to be heroes to someone in their lives.

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Learn more about Jamie Davis on his website, where his books can also be purchased; like him on Facebook; and follow him on Twitter and Instagram

Know an author you'd like to see featured? Email us with a recommendation!

Categories: Author Interview

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