1) When and why did you decide you wanted to be a published author?
In the 5th grade I had a wonderful teacher, Mrs. Whitaker. She had us write short stories every week. I had already been a voracious reader from the age of 2 ½ when I learned to read, but when I found out anyone could be a writer as well, I was hooked. I was going to grow up and see my name on a book cover.
2) What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given as a writer?
The best advice any writer can receive is ‘butt in chair, hands on keyboard’. Writing is an art and you have to practice your art every day.
3) What is the best thing you have learned from an editor/agent?
Even imperfect writing can be fixed. The story is everything.
4) And the worst?
The writing is fabulous, but I can’t sell this.
Share your blurb or short excerpt from your latest release with us
Yvette pulled herself together with a jolt.
It’s a job. It’s a job.
She repeated the mantra in her head in an endless loop, gazing into deep, blue eyes. This close, she noticed the subtle lines near his eyes from his outdoor living. If he had grown up in Hollywood, he would have had a facelift or two by now, instead of the natural look he pulled off quite well.
Adam helped her rise, his warm hand cupping her elbow. A tingle shot from her arm, to her chest, and to regions much farther south. A sexual moan almost escaped her lips. Yvette shook her head to clear the mental images of her and him and the hotel room. It didn’t help.
Memories of that night had the power to stir her senses. They hit Yvette in a place she didn’t think existed—her emotions.
1) Who would you cast to play your hero & heroine in a movie?
Unfortunately, I don’t see my h/h as present day actors. When I was writing the story I pictured them as a young Vivian Leigh in her Gone With The Wind prime and Robert Redford in The Way We Were in that blinding white sailor uniform.
2) Did you plan this book? Or write it as it came?
I’m very much a plotter. I have a large white poster board on an easel covered in post-it notes when I’m working on a story. This story was an experiment to see how hot I could write. I’m very pleased with the results and hope readers will be too.
3) What surprised you the most when you became a published?
Being called an author for the first time. The whole process has been so surreal. To see your book look like a book. To see your cover with your h/h real. To see a book trailer made and feel your characters living, breathing people.
4) Do you have a dedicated writing space? What does it look like?
I have a wonderful office with a big desk, bookcases, everything I need. And I do most of my writing at Starbuck’s. LOL
5) What’s next for you?
I’m working on a paranormal romance, titled Dangerous Shift right now along with a sequel to Tempting Adam.
You can find Jill at www.jilljameswrites.com On my author Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jill-James-author/172814579396783 On Twitter at www.twitter.com/jill_james
Or email to jill@jilljameswrites.com
I loved the excerpt, Jill and NEVER apologize for your h/h imagery not being contemporary, especially when you are thinking of Vivien Leigh and Robert Redford in those roles - Wow, that sounds a fantastic looking movie!
Jill would love to answer your questions and comments! Over to you fans and friends...
Rachel, thrilled to be at your lovely blog. The interview was fun. Looking forward to talking with your followers.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jill!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the excerpt! Very hot!
Here's wishing you all of the success you have dreamed of with your book.
Melissa Murphy
Melissa, thanks for the warm wishes. My dreams of being published are coming true.
ReplyDeleteHi Jill! Congratulations on your new release. It looks fantasic. I'm glad to hear someone else admit she's a plotter. I'm a plotter, too, although possibly not as well-organized as you.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel and Jill!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your debut release! Enjoy the thrills and excitement. I hope you have many more to come.
Fabulous excerpt. Great cover, too!
Alison, thank you. I need to plot or I'm lost.
ReplyDeleteDebra, thank you. Rae Monet did that gorgeous cover for me.
Hi Jill,
ReplyDeleteNice interview and congratulations on the new release. Rae Monet has done some of my covers too, also my website. She is brilliant
Regards
Margaret.
Hi, Jill--enjoyed your personal "writing" notes/habits. They sound a lot like mine!
ReplyDeleteHey what fun! I love author interviews; always sets the scene for a book.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fulltime newspaper columnist and magazine feature writer in Malaysia and I've just entered the romance market (blackmail Bride at www.ink-slinger.com) so I'm seeing what's out there. I review books on Thursdays.
Great having you here, Jill - what fabulous comments and responses!
ReplyDeleteR x