My guest today on VintageVonnie is fellow Rose author, Jill James. I first met Jill at The Wild Rose Press Writers Retreat in Asheville. Like us, the airlines screwed up her travel plans with delays and cancellations. Only poor Jill suffered a greater indignity: the airline lost her luggage. Which meant once she got to the retreat she had to leave to buy clothes and toiletries. Even with all the hassels of her trip, she was kind and interesting with a camera handing around her neck, snapping pictures of nature.Jill has loved writing since she first began putting on puppet shows in her garage for a nickel a person. Her first love was poetry until she picked up her first romance novel, Lily of the Valley, after that it was all romance. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance. She's been a member of RWA since 2004 and a member of the From the Heart chapter, Black Diamond chapter, Kiss of Death chapter, and ESPAN chapter. She has been writing romance for a few years with a few poetry contest wins and a published short story, "Lunch Break." She lives in Northern California with her husband, the inspiration for all her heroes.
Jill, thanks for stopping by Vintage Vonnie today. May I ask you a few questions so my readers can get to know you better?
Sure, ask away. But first, thanks for having me.
What is your life like away from the computer? Tell us something about your household. Jazzie, my cat, wants to know if you have any kitty-pusses.
My home life is very quiet. The children are married and out of the house. Just the husband of 23 years and me. When he is at work, it is just me and my writing. Sorry, no kitties in a long time. The last one was Sylvester, a Himalayan, when I was a teenager. He slept, all 23 pounds of him, on my feet at the end of the bed. Someday he will be in a story.
Do you ever dream of writing in a different genre?
Sometimes I dream of writing a straight crime thriller like Chelsea Cain, Tess Gerritsen, and Karen Rose. I love the serial killer as the ultimate bad guy and the hero or heroine smart enough to catch him and stop him.
How do you research your storylines or locations?
I try to write what I know. I’m not too big on research so I choose places I’ve been before and things that I’ve learned along the way. After that, lots of television and movies. They may not always be totally correct, but it's what the public is used to and what they will believe in your story. If you wrote in your story that they sat around and waited for six weeks for DNA results how boring of a book would that be?
What part of the writing process brings you the most pleasure? The most angst?
I love the start of a story. Coming up with names, occupations, brainstorming situations for them to get into. I so dislike editing. Except for typos and such, I so just want to be done with the story. It was in my head, now it is on the paper, why isn’t it done yet? LOL
My husband is also an author, although his writings are more literary. When he reads my chapters, he wants to turn them into Hemingway sparseness by crossing out description. Of course I smile sweetly, think demon thoughts and then pay him no mind. Does your significant other read your writing?
My husband actually totally surprised me when he not only bought my debut book, but read it too. He had never read anything I have written before. His comment, “Wow, you write pretty good.”
That's so cute. He sounds like a keeper. Now, some goofy questions just for fun:
Coffee or Tea? Lipton tea; hot or cold.
Favorite color? Purple has been my favorite color for my entire life. If you open my closet doors you see a swath of purple shades.
Favorite TV show? Fringe, love intelligent science fiction.
Favorite actor? Hugh Jackman!!
Funny movies or tear jerkers? Definitely tear jerkers. I love a movie that has me crying during the black moment and sighing with relief at the HEA.
Sneakers, flip-flops or bare feet? Sneakers. Must have shoes on--unless the airline loses them.
Now, tell us something about your new release, Tempting Adam. Did you bring along a blurb for us?
**Smiles slyly and winks** Oh, but of course...
They both want the same thing – St. Eden Studios.
Corporate raider Yvette Giardino intends to bring St. Eden Studios to its knees. It’s a job. One her grandmother’s health depends on. That Adam St. Eden will suffer isn’t personal. Until he awakens her sympathy and stirs her body in ways she can’t explain.
Adam wants one thing and one thing only – to protect the dream his grandfather began. But when the board demands he work with stunning Yvette, a woman he’d mistakenly indulged with in a little after-hours play, his world turns upside down. Missed meetings, unhappy clients, and nights of intense pleasure – he can blame one person. Yvette.
With his corporation crumbling around him, can Adam rise above the fallout and see his sexy temptress for what she really is – a victim of manipulation and a woman who desperately needs his love?
Jill, how can we reach you and keep you on our radar screens?
My Links ~
Website: http://www.jilljameswrites.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jill_james
27 comments:
Interesting interview, and it's so neat how different people are. Shoes? You wear shoes?
Liz, you've made me laugh out loud this morning. I hate wearing shoes. I mean I love looking at them and buying them, but I'm a barefoot gal around the house much to my husband's chagrin. And, yes, we're all different. Thank God. Can you imagine a world full of people like me??? Yikes, I shudder to think...
Good interview,Vonnie! I LIVE in my sneakers, year round...whether its 90 degrees or -10 degrees!
thanks for another fun interview, Vonnie. And Jill, your problems at the retreat revealed your true character - you sound very nice!
I totally relate you wanting to be done with a book once it is on paper. Unfortunately, that's when the real work begins, right?
Loved the blurb! Best wishes for super sales.
Liz, hahaha Years ago I belonged to this awesome group, Flylady. Finally Loving Yourself. She was amazing. The first thing you learned was to dress to your shoes every day. That way you were ready for whatever the day brought.
Vonnie, thank you for sharing your blog with me today and for the wonderful interview. It was great meeting you at the retreat.
bearaboo, I do trade my sneakers for some awesome boots from time to time in the winter. They are so cute I can't resist.
Lynne, thank you so much for the nice compliment. It turned out to be an adventure to remember. Thanks.
Hi Jill,
Sounds like you have the perfect life for a writer - no kids at home and an understanding hubbie who works.
The story "Tempting Adam" sounds great - will check it out!
Mimi Barbour
Great interview, ladies. (Jill, I hope they eventually found your luggage.) I'm definitely intrigued by the blurb!
Mimi, thanks. It wasn't always this calm. For four years I had my daughter and grandson living with us. That is why I so appreciate the calm I have now.
Emma, yes I got my luggage at the airport on the day I flew back home. It had finally reached the airport. LOL
Great interview. I too adore Hugh Jackman. But picking a favorite anything is hard! Congrats on the release Jill and glad your trip to Ashville turned out so well. (I read about your escapades on YOUR blog. lol!)
Great interview, Jill. Your book sounds terrific. I too am an empty nester, but hubbie's home all day too. I'd love the quiet of being all alone to write.
I'm a sandals person, but don't let my foot doctor hear that. He thinks everyone should wear athletic shoes all the time. I like my toes painted turquoise in the summer so sandals are a must. Good luck with your books.
I can personally attest to Jill's likeability. She's also one of the hardest working and gracious authors I know!
I can't wait to read TEMPTING ADAM!
Karin* Tabke aka Harlow!
Wonderful interview, Jill! I loved Tempting Adam and it was fun reading more about you. How wonderful that Patrick read your published book! Now he truly knows how talented you are!! :)
Lilly, thanks. Yes, I did a whole blog week about my Asheville adventure.
Cara, thanks. I got a pedi this week. So toes are pink with a white flower. Wearing sandals all this week. :)
Karin, such a sweet compliment. Thanks.
Virna, thanks for the wonderful review you left. Yes, Patrick is a keeper.
Great interview. I laughed at the shoe comment, too. I consider taking flip flops with me everywhere even if I might not wear them My sil always calls me hick because I rarely wear them at home, even outside.
Hi, Jill!
I'm another one who waited until the kids were out of the house. I'm not a good one for multi-tasking! Looking forward to reading your book.
Hi Jill, I love the blurb and the sexy bookcover. Tempting Adam is on my TBR list, next vacation or trip. My hubby read all my books. He prefered the suspense novels and he absolutely loved Osiris' Missing Part and laughed out loud.
Calisarhose, thanks for the comment.
Ilona, thanks for the stop by. Yes, much calmer sans kids.
Mona, hope you enjoy Adam and Yvette! Can't wait to read about that missing part too. LOL
Vonnie, thank you for a lovely time at your lovely blog.
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