by fierce

Tenth Grade English, Sex with Firemen, and Jessica Jayne

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing? How so?

My tenth grade English teacher was probably my biggest influence on my fiction writing. When I was in tenth grade, Mrs. B was also teaching a senior level creative writing class.  She asked me to be in it, even though I was only a sophomore. That class allowed me to expand not only my creative mind, but my writing talent. I’ve stayed in touch with Mrs. B over the years and she has repeatedly encouraged me to submit my writing to a publisher. As a writer, submitting your work is intimidating. Once it’s out there, you are vulnerable to other people’s thoughts about your writing, about your story. And most of us pour our hearts and souls into a piece of writing. But she never laid off me. So last year, I submitted a novella to several publishers and it was accepted and published. That story was entitled More Than Friends and was published by Cobblestone Press in November 2012.  Since that point, I’ve been a little more brazen about submitting my work, but I owe a lot to Mrs. B and her influence over the years.

If you were to have sex with one of your characters, which would you choose, and why?

Right now, I have four books published, so that means four hot heroes! Not to mention, the gazillion heroes lurking in my head and WIPs. Answering this question honestly (and of course, presuming I’m not married in this scenario, which in real life, I am married to a wonderful man that allows me to live my dream), I’d answer Matt Riley from my book, In Flames.  First, he’s a fireman. Not sure I need to say anything else, and well, I, too, have a thing for firefighters. Second, firefighter aside, he’s HOT! He has to be. He’s the hero in a romance novel. Third, he’s a man with a conscious but also a heart. He’s not afraid to show his emotions. In fact, they often come out during sex. He’s just an all-around amazing guy, who knows exactly how to please a woman!

Pitch yourself to new readers in thirty words or less:

I create emotional and sensual stories for my readers. Characters that are real. Emotion that’s raw. Sex that leaves you burning for more.

Tell me about your groupies–what have been your favorite fan moments?

I can’t wait to have groupies! 😉   On a serious note, this whole experience has certainly been surreal at times. I’ve had readers email me with enthusiastic messages about how much they loved a story or a character or how they could relate to the storyline. I had one reader send me the link to her Favorites on Goodreads and my book, In Flames¸ was listed as one of her favorite books – “to be read again and again.”  That’s a pretty fan-flipping-tastic feeling.

Every author has pitfalls in their writing process. Describe one of yours, and what you do to dig out of it.

I have a problem when I attempt to overplan a scene. I know some writers outline and plan every aspect of their stories. I used to be like that. But I struggled when I came to a point in my outline and nothing was clicking while I was writing because I had planned it to the nth degree and I guess the characters were just not about my plan. It is frustrating when you have an idea of where you think things are going and yet, you can’t seem to get there.

I deal with this situation one of two ways. One – I walk away from that story for a bit and see if I can come back to the scene in a few days with a new perspective. Two – I let it unfold the way the characters are dictating in my head and go from there. A lot of it depends on how invested I am in the scene. Lately, option two has been most prevalent and I think the characters are becoming spoiled because they throw a tantrum in my head if I even attempt for option one! 😉

What was the inspiration for your latest release?

I recently worked with an attorney from a rather large law firm, who was about twenty years my senior. After spending considerable time with this gentleman, I found myself oddly (for me because I tend to have a thing for younger guys) attracted to him. He sparked something in me that took me by surprise. I was drawn to him. His dark brown hair and goatee peppered with greys. His blue eyes filled with knowledge. His educated conversation. His grace when he moved. His politeness and respect that he demonstrated for everyone around him. The softness he used in addressing me, like I was a lady.

I will admit… he charmed me! So much so, I created Greg Snow from Board Approved!

My mother always joked about her special place in Hell—just punishments for guilty pleasures.  What guilty pleasures will send you to your special place in Hell?

Flirting! I’m a ridiculous flirt! I married a man that knows exactly how to handle me and doesn’t mind that I flirt because he knows he owns my heart.

Chocolate. I’ve been known to have the ability to eat a lot of chocolate! A lot! I can put away a Dove chocolate bar… easily!

List 5 keywords for your genre and current title.

Emotion. Sensual. Acceptance. Approval. Love.

Want to check her out? Well, you know what I mean. She’s offering a tour-wide giveaway for a $20 gift certificate to BN/Amazon – winner’s choice! Also, an ebook of Board Stiff & Board Approved – the first two books of the Taking Advantage series, though a Rafflecopter giveaway!!


Board Approved

Taking Advantage Series
Book Two
Jessica Jayne

Genre:  Contemporary Erotic Romance

Publisher:  Evernight Publishing

Date of Publication: August 27, 2013

ISBN: 9781771305389
ASIN: B00ESSFD5C

Number of pages: 52
Word Count: 17,270

Cover Artist:  Sour Cherry Designs

Evernight  Amazon  ARe  Bookstrand

About Board Approved

After his divorce, Greg Snow dedicated his life to his work as a corporate attorney in a large law firm and as a member of the board of directors of Advantage Insurance Company. He liked it that way… at least that’s what he thought until Tessa Mills entered his life.

Growing up with an alcoholic mother and never knowing her father, Tessa Mills has not had an easy life. And her relationship decisions have been less than stellar. But she’s finally making a life for herself and running her own business – a yoga studio. It’s her saving grace and that’s all she needs… until Greg Snow turns her world upside down.

Tessa and Greg have a strong attraction, but is it enough to overcome all their differences?


About Jessica

I am a born and raised small town Ohio girl, who moved to the Sunshine State after graduating from college. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English because I could not imagine doing anything else but reading and writing. It is such a pleasure to be able to share all the stories in my head!

In the journey of life, I also became a wife and a mother of three children. So, life is always an adventure. But the love of writing has never died.

My favorites:  I love to read and write… obviously! But I also enjoy all sports, especially college football and the Ohio State Buckeyes!  Go Steelers!  Go Rays! I LOVE to travel… LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to travel. And I love sharing my love to travel with my children. I love to drink Teavana teas! I love a good glass of wine, especially if it comes from a bottle made by the FOOLS wine club… yep, I’m a member of that!    I love hanging out with my family and my friends!  Big fan of music, but love nothing better than putting on my jean shorts, tank top, cowboy boots and hat and watching Tim McGraw belt it out!  I’m a sucker for a cowboy hat!

Favorite quote:  “If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.”

One thought on “Tenth Grade English, Sex with Firemen, and Jessica Jayne”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.