When did you first realize you wanted to become a Writer/author?
I’ve loved reading ever since I was a kid. While my entire family huddled around the television set, my nose was perpetually stuck in a book. I guess you can say that, on some level, I always knew I would do something literary with my life, but the “writing bug” didn’t really bite me until middle school.
Where do you get your ideas for your books?
I pull inspiration from all over. Sometimes I find it in people I spend time with or places I go. However, music and dreams are probably the biggest contributors to the ideas knocking around inside my head. I’ve been known to create entire stories around one song I hear on the radio. Likewise, KADE (my second published novel) was the product of a dream I had.
What kind of things do you enjoy when not writing?
As cliché as it is, I love to read. On the rare occasions that my husband and I have time alone together, we watch TV. I’m obsessed with The Walking Dead and all things macabre. I’m also a skilled crocheter, a beer connoisseur, and a huge music fan.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I’ve written four full length novels, three of which have been published - Secrets and Promises, KADE: A Second Chance Rockstar Romance, and Chasing Casey. Resurrecting Hope is due for release on May 1.
While I feel as though KADE is probably a better written book, Secrets and Promises is still my favorite. It was the second book I’d ever written and I put so much of my heart and soul into it. I toiled over every single word and just ate, slept, and breathed those characters until they seemed so real that I was sad to see them go.
Do you have any suggestions to help others who have a passion for writing?
Don’t give up! Even if you think your writing is terrible, just keep at it. I always remind myself that I can always go back and make corrections, but I can’t edit a blank page. Ass in seat, fingers on keyboard, and GO!
Find your tribe. Writing is a personal journey, but it’s not one you have to travel alone. Make friends. Share ideas. Create bonds. I never would have succeeded without the author friends I’ve met along the way. They boost me up, cheer me on, and give me courage to continue just by simply being there and knowing what I’m going through.
What do you think makes a great story?
Anything that inspires a feeling. Passion, pain, angst, happiness, sadness – if it makes me feel, then it’s a great story.
Which Writer/Authors inspire you?
Oh, this question is so hard because there are so many, and they all inspire me in different ways! In order to keep this answer from becoming a novel in its own right, I’ll give you my top two.
My favorite author of all time is CM Stunich. Her words are filled with such descriptive beauty that I sometimes need to stop and reread them just to experience them a second time. Her writing is so interesting and her characters are so cool!
Vivian Lux is another one. Her books are sassy, funny, sexy, and sweet. I’ve had the great pleasure of getting to know her personally, and she’s every bit as awesome as her books are.
What are you working on at the moment?(optional)
My upcoming release is about an abused woman on the run from her maniacal mobster husband. She ends up in Alabama, where she meets contractor Hank Lawless. It’s a contemporary romance with some very dark elements. Find it on GoodReads to read more: http://bit.ly/2lSKWDe
I have several secret projects in the works, as well. If you’re part of my Facebook reader’s group, you’re on the inside track. https://www.facebook.com/groups/JanesRomanceAddiction/
(Yes, that was a shameless plug. And no, I’m not embarrassed by it in the least! LOL)
What genre are your books?
I mainly write contemporary/erotic romance.
What drew you to the genre you write?
The passion. As mentioned earlier, I love a book that makes me feel. Something that tears me up, twists my heart to pieces, and puts it back together again. Human emotions are extremely complex and being able to channel them is something special.
Which Actor/Actress would you like to see portraying the lead character from your most recent book?(any book you like)
Ooh, this question is so exciting! My upcoming release is a Contemporary Romance with some very dark elements. My main characters are Hank and Hope.
Jonny James was my muse for Hank and, while he’s not technically an actor, I’d LOVE to see him bring Hank to life. And if he could manage an Alabama drawl, that would be even more spectacular! ;)
I haven’t given much thought about who would make a good Hope. Someone cute with dark chestnut hair. Katharine McPhee, maybe?
Maybe after y’all read it, you can let me know who you envision ;)
Do you write full-time or part-time?
I write part time. Being able to write full time would be my dream but, sadly, it’s not in the cards.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
The crushing self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. I also have a tendency to fixate. I reread my own work over and over, making subtle changes until I want to jam a hot poker in my eye. A very good friend of mine always tells me I have a love/hate relationship with my own words. She and my editor have talked me off several ledges.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded Writer’s block?
That blinking curser is the devil! *shakes her fist* A while back, I was complaining to an author friend about being blocked. She said to me, “You’re empty. You need to fill up your word bank.” It sounds so silly, but it’s true. When the story just won’t come to me, I dive into a book. Sometimes all it takes is someone else’s words to get my creative juices flowing.
Do you read much, and if so who are your favorite Authors or genres?
Yes, I read a ton. I mostly stick to romance of some kind. My Top 3 are CM Stunich, Vivian Lux, & Caisey Quinn. If I had to choose a non-romance author, it would definitely be Jodi Picoult.
Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
I think you covered the basics
How can Readers discover more about you and your work?(please provide proper links)
It just so happens that I’m a social media junkie! Readers can pretty much find me anywhere:
https://twitter.com/JAnthonyAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJaneAnthony/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/JanesRomanceAddiction/
https://www.instagram.com/janeanthonyauthor/
https://amazon.com/author/janeanthony
https://www.pinterest.com/janeanthonyauth/
http://tinyletter.com/janeanthonyauthor
https://www.goodreads.com/JaneAnthonyAuthor
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview 😊
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