Hi, Jillian! Thanks for being a guest on LaNora LaNotes.
You are, without a doubt, about ready to burst into the publishing world, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
That’s very kind of you to say, LaNora. Let me also add, I have no doubt, I would have stepped back from this writing path had you not guided me along. Thanks for having a fledgling, like myself, as a guest.
What does one say about one’s self? This question never has an easy answer. The initial response is, I live in Indianapolis. I’ve been married for 15 years to a smart and handy chemist, and I have a pre-teen son. My writing story, however, starts in high school study hall heading to the library to check-out another romance. My younger sister can attest to how crazy I was about reading. I used to give her main character quizzes from my books—a strange sort of sisterly torture. My mother was and is a big reader, as was her mother, so this love of holding a book in our hands must be generational.
So many of us can relate to that! Can you tell us what lead you to writing?
For years I had this romantic suspense idea playing out in my head. I finally sat down last year and wrote the story. After learning all the writing “rules”, I realized the story’s content fit the title, Broken. Even with the help of great writing mentors such as you, Lanora, I’ve discovered tapping out a romance is not as easy as it seems. This writing career is a continual learning process. I’ve been writing for a year now, and I believe I’m grasping the general concepts. So, I was “lead” into this thinking, “Oh sure, I can write a romance,” but I have only stayed the course due to guidance and friendship with you and other members of Romance Writers of America. I initially joined the local chapter after researching author websites for their advice on how to get started as a romance author. I’ve loved the experiences I’ve had as Program Chair for the local chapter. Loved ‘em!
I’ve witnessed your drive and desire for writing first hand and know that you would have succeeded at this regardless of the hurdles. Where do you get your ideas and inspirations from for your stories?
I actually start out the first section in my paranormal, Elementals Series answering that very question. The heroine relies on only water for sustenance and the continuation of her life. I’ve read so many vampire stories, and, while I enjoy them all, I wondered why doesn’t anyone consider that blood is made up of water to a certain extent. (Wikipedia says:In vertebrates, blood is composed of blood cells suspended in blood plasma. Plasma, which constitutes 55% of blood fluid, is mostly water (92% by volume),and contains dissipated proteins, glucose, mineral ions, hormones, carbon dioxide, and blood cells themselves.) Plus I’m a bit of a worrier about our natural resources, which includes the state of our fresh water on earth. So why not devote a story to a girl who lives by water and uses her paranormal gifts to help the earth and it’s people.
I’m also working on a Contemporary Series about a pro-football team’s Offensive line called, The Other Guys. I’ve never thought it fair that the other players on the team don’t get as much exposure as the quarterback.
In the end, I imagine I’ll be inspired by what I like to read: Romantic suspense, Contemporary, and Paranormal.
What genre do you like to write most?
Since I touched on that a little in the last question, I’ll say this, I want to write something that will make you laugh and make you cry. I want you to feel a connection to the story and the characters. I hope you’ll tell your friends about this great book you read because I want the story to pull you away from life’s messy realities and allow you to escape into an exciting world. My dream is that when you reach the last page of my book, you’ll be glad you took the time to get there.
Do you have any unique hobbies or interests? Something I enjoy doing that I don’t get around too much anymore is cross-stitching. I enjoy going to tearooms with my Mom and older sister. We’ve become self-appointed Tearoom aficionados. Not a big fan of the scone.
Do you have any advice to anyone who wants to enter into the writing and publishing industry?
First -Write. Release those stories. I guarantee there is someone waiting to read them.
Second- Get a good critique partner, one who is supportive and responsive. (Patient and honest are important, too.)
Third-Don’t give up. I think to myself sometimes, “Do I love writing? Do I need this to breath?” And then, a story will pop into my head, and I’ll scurry to write down the idea.
Fifth- Don’t get bogged down in the rules- An area I’m still mired in
Sixth- Use every opportunity to market yourself. Every person you meet, whether it’s the barista who serves your coffee, or the new member of your writing group, let them know who you are and what you write.
Seventh- Be kind to other authors. Buy your friends books even if it’s not your genre.
Do you have an excerpt from your current WIP you are willing to share with us today?
Yes, this is from, my Paranormal Series, Water’s Threshold. My hero, Terran and heroine, Maya have met up at the local library where she volunteers.
Her special skills weren’t needed to glean the kicked-up beat of his blood. A wave of sexual energy bubbled through her as a red-hot vision broadcasted from his mind. Her legs were wrapped around his body and her back jostled the shelves as he kissed her. Hard. Appreciating the direction of his vision, she dusted off her flirting skills.
When he placed the book he’d been holding on the shelf next to her, she asked, “Are you sure that’s where it belongs? If not, poor workers like me get in trouble.” She reached over the cart and ran a hand down his arm.
He raised a brow, aware enough to pick up the not-so-subtle acceptance of him as a potential mate. Her body went from slow burn to raging fire, as his mental picture switched to him bending her over the library cart. Oh my!
Terran kept his gaze locked on hers as he admitted, “I’m not sure where this book belongs. Perhaps you should come closer and make sure I put it in the right slot.”
Well, well, double-entendre much? She’d enjoy putting his thoughts into action, but not in the middle of Curious George and Clifford the Big Red Dog. “The right slot? Sorry, my cart seems to be in the way. What is the title on that book you so carelessly placed on the shelf?”
Terran tapped a finger against the binding. “The Call the Cthulhu by HP Lovecraft. I got it in the Sci-Fi section.”
Ironic. “I’m familiar with the story. An octopus like being with tentacles and tiny wings awaiting its awakening at the bottom of the sea. Interesting reading material. You should watch out for sea-creatures. You never know which ones will bite.”
“Very true.” He smiled and shook his head. “Where did you take off to the other night?”
What? He couldn’t possibly remember seeing her the night of the gas station robbery. She’d wiped his memory clean. “What night? What do you mean?”
“The other night at the gas station when it was robbed. You were outside talking to this lady in the van. Stupid move by the way, since she was with the crazy guy waving around the gun. Where did you go? I didn’t see you once the police came. Do you know what happened?”
Tenacious Terran. Nice of him to care what happened, though. “We already discussed this.” She crouched and pulled some books from the cart’s lower shelf, gathering her calm before answering.
“No, not in depth.” He took one of her books and flipped through the pages.
She sighed. Obviously, he wouldn’t let it go until she answered him. “I heard a child cry in the van, so I asked the lady if everything was all right. Then I went home. You’re saying the place got robbed? I’m glad I left.” She hated lying, but she had to tread carefully. Admitting she had transformed into a menacing fog would send him searching for her straitjacket.
“Yes, it was robbed. One minute I was buying an apple, and then I woke up on the floor soaking wet.”
Coughing to cover a laugh, Maya asked, “You don’t remember anything other than that?”
“We spoke, don’t you remember? You weren’t very friendly.”
“It was late and some strange man approached me. I’m not apologizing if that’s what you’re after.”
Terran moved around her cart, placed his hands against the shelves, pinning her between his arms. “No, that’s not what I’m after.”
Hazy heat shot through her body. “Not shy at all, are you?” If only he knew how easily she could push him away.
“I’m very clear about what I want.” His dominant position was much too commanding, but at the same time, Maya found it intriguing.
His lips hovered above hers and the scent of cinnamon enticed her senses. Their elemental connection vibrated throughout her body—strong, sensual, and primal. Why him? Why had she never felt this for Nodin or Flint? Was it because water flowed toward the shore? Was he the grounding force beneath her feet?
If she stretched, her lips would meet his. The flames from their kiss would burn down the building.
Fahrenheit 451 had nothing on them.
However, book burning in the children’s section of the library would most likely get her fired as a volunteer. Tonight was soon enough to find out just how good cinnamon-flavored Terran tasted.
“I’ll drop by later.” She pushed a book against his chest and waited until he took it before stepping from under his cage. “You should read that book. It’s very informative.”
His brows drew together as he read the title aloud, “The Little Mermaid?”
Thanks so much for hosting me today, LaNora. Best of luck with your new release, Love over Troubled Waters.
Awesome job, Jillian. Thanks for joining us today and allowing me to be one of the first to introduce you to the world. Good luck in all that you do.
For more information, be sure to check her out her at:
Website – www.jillianjacobs.com
Twitter –jillianjacobs@greenmooseprod