Thursday 30 March 2017

My Interview with Author JJ Harper


When did you first realize you wanted to become a Writer/author?

It was more something that just happened, I’d had to finish work due to ill health and knew I wouldn’t be going back. My husband suggested writing something after seeing how much money I was spending on Amazon (lol). I had the beginnings of a story going around in my head and just started writing freehand until it kept growing and I needed to take it more seriously. It took me about eight months and I had no plans to publish. But again, my husband intervened and mentioned Amazon KDP and we gave it a go. I can’t believe it took me so long to find something I love so much.

Where do you get your ideas for your book?

This is tricky, my Finding Me series grew as each one is about a different friend, so the characters were all ready there, but the stories just grow. I’m not a planner or plotter I just wing it and write what ever comes into my head. Some of it all gets trashed or saved for different story lines.
Music plays a big part and a lyric or song title can set a whole new story off in my head, which is annoying in the middle of the night when the song won’t go away and the story grows.

What kind of things do you enjoy when not writing?

I still love reading and spend evenings and night times catching up on my ever growing list of new books, I like meeting with friends for lunches and/or drinks. I’ve a granddaughter that likes to keep me on my toes too. I’m not one for the TV, but love Formula One and will watch that. Oh, and wine, I’m a great lover of wine!

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve got nine published and on Amazon at the moment and another with my editor. I’m halfway through writing another and a third of the way through another. Oh my God! I can’t choose a favourite. Okay, I think from the Finding Me series it’s book 2 My Turn even though the main character annoys me sometimes she’s got a lot of balls and I like that in a woman. But Troy has to be my favourite man. He appeared as a cameo in the Reunion trilogy and he had to have his story told. It’s a heartbreaker but so good in the end.

Do you have any suggestions to help others who have a passion for writing?

Just do it, write whatever comes into your head. As love as you love your characters and have faith in them then someone else will too. Keep talking to other authors in your genre and ask questions. Writing isn’t a competition, it’s a journey that will bring so many rewards, so don’t give up.

What do you think makes a great story?

For me, it the likability of the characters, I have to feel for them. Even the bad guys deserve to have a reaction, so to me if they don’t grab me from the start I lose interest quickly. I love passion and fire, not just sex but determination and fight. I want to cheer them on when they are winning and cry when they hurt. I want to miss them when I finish the book. That’s what makes a good story for me.

Which Writer/Authors inspire you?

I have so many authors I admire rather than be inspired by, I love reading Aimee Nicole Walker, Sloane Kennedy and Riley Hart. I adore N.r Walker’s books and Kora Knight, she rights with an intensity I can only dream of having. But I have taken some of, her advice lately so who knows maybe it rub off on me! So, I think maybe she inspires me! God, don’t tell her that she’ll laugh her head off!

What are you working on at the moment?(optional)

I’m writing a M/M/M book now, it’s about a man who finds himself going to his hometown after living away for twelve years, he goes home to mend his broken heart after his long term boyfriend declares he’s getting married. Here he finds more than he could ever dream of but in the shape of two men rather than one. 

What genre are your books?

I originally started with M/F contemporary romance but now write M/M romance, my stories have a lot of hot sex so can be borderline erotica, but my heart is always on a love story and a happy ever after. I just choose not to make it an easy ride for them to get there.

What drew you to the genre you write?

I discovered M/M  and found it so much more, I love that you can have two alpha men, but still have the heat and love too. Exploring the minds of men is so much more fun!

Which Actor/Actress would you like to see portraying the lead character from your most recent book?(any book you like)

God, this is difficult, um. I’d better go and research some hot actors! Right! I’ve had a look through Google and I’m going for both Troy books so for Book 1 Into the light I’m going with Douglas Booth as Troy but he needs to go very blond, but so cute and Theo James for Franco and for Book 2 Troy Out of the Dark I’ll have Alex Pettyfer for the older Troy and Jack Raynor for Raff but with scruffy red hair dragged back in a leather tie. Oh the images in my head now!!!

Do you write full-time or part-time?

I write full time in as much as I write everyday, and no longer go out to work but I also spend time (probably too much) on social media. Facebook is such an amazing place for indie authors, I’m addicted to Pinterest too. Plus Twitter and Instagram when I remember.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

Letting go of the characters, which is why I think all of my books are intertwined, many of the Finding Me characters appear in the M/M series as additional characters. Handing it over to the editor and beta readers is tough, it’s like handing over your baby.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded Writer’s block?

I leave it alone, just walk away and let it all settle, it why I have so many other books in different stages. I start writing a new one when I can’t think past the road block in my head. It always clears and I’m like Duh! Why didn’t I think of that before. So, stop thinking about it and wait for it to come back again.

Do you read much, and if so who are your favorite Authors or genres?

I read as much as I can, I don’t sleep much so find the hours between 2 and 5am good times to catch up. I read mainly M/M but still have my go-to fav authors, Tillie Cole always gets a one click from me. Lane Hayes has become a favourite lately as has Devon McCormack and Felice Stevens. I like to try new authors too, and this is where Fb comes in to play again so successfully.

Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

I can’t think of any now, but as soon I send it back I probably will. My brain is always dragging behind.

How can Readers discovery more about you and your work?(please provide proper links)

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Website: www.jjharper-author.com
Author page:  http://www.facebook.com/findingme.series
Author page: http://www.facebook.com/jjhoney.writes
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1581214565505453/
Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/jessjhoney
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13597701.J_J_Harper
Tumblr:  https://www.tumblr.com/blog/superjjhoney
Pinterest:  https://uk.pinterest.com/jjhoneywrites/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessjhoney

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Troy – Into the Light
www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSS2CG3
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MSS2CG3
Troy – out of the Dark
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N81151K
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N81151K/
Reunion.
http://www.amazon.com/Reunion/dp/B01AKXRKO0
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Reunion/dp/B01AKXRKO0
Also available on Kindle Unlimited
Reunited.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D3C6IAW
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01D3C6IAW
Available on Kindle Unlimited
Elysium
https://www.amazon.com/Elysium/dp/B01H3X4JOO
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Elysium/dp/B01H3X4JOO
Available on Kindle Unlimited
Rising Up 
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00W4D1SJ8/
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W4D1SJ8 
My Turn
 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B010ED9BT8
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B010ED9BT8
Missing Pieces
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017MZWLCK
http:// http:www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B017MZWLCKa
Set to Fall
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M24G7XA/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M24G7XA/

Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview 
You are very welcome, thank you for asking me 

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