This is the first Author Q & A by this blogger. I’m excited to be doing this. My hope is some of the authors I pick will be new to you, and you will find a new read or two. My first author is the lovely Gillian Jones. I thought long and hard about how I first found Gillian. It was in River Savage’s FB Group. Gillian was looking for victims… I mean readers, for her story Tainted by Love. Well, I was a newbie blogger, only two months in, and JUMPED at the chance! Little did I know she would move me like the moon moves the tides. That story was my top read for 2017. I cannot say enough about it.
She is back with a new release, Fighting Weight. Be sure to check back for my post with my review and feelings on this. Hint – it’s powerful, and a 5 star.
A little about Gillian, she’s a wife, mother, and a crazy Canadian, living in Ontario with the loves of her life-her amazing hubby and sweetest little boy.
She’s Admittedly addicted to… my friends, red wine, and laughter. A lover of alpha males, hot sex, all coupled with the perfect side of angst topped off with the epic happily ever after.
Now on to the good stuff. I picked some random questions to ask her, I hope you enjoy this little Q&A session.
What made you want to be an author?
In all honesty, I’m not sure. I stumbled into reading romance novels during the whole 50 Shades craze, fell deeply in love and never looked back. Eventually, I was lucky enough to start blogging with the most amazing girls then suddenly one day decided to give it a try after this guy named Ryker kept popping into my head.
This blogger has never read 50 shades… LOL. Just had to comment that.
Who inspires you?
My family and friends. People who are kind and selfless.
What was your favorite book growing up?
She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb
What is your latest 5 star read?
My last 5 star read was Reckless by Lex Martin
What is your favorite genre to read?
Romance
When do you know a thought will make a great story?
When I keep thinking if it over and Iberia again. Or sometimes when the idea of it scares me.
Does the plot write the story for you, or the story write the plot?
The story totally writes the plot.
Do you outline or fly by the seat of your pants?
Biggest pantser ever! Although I do jot notes here and there as ideas come to me.
Do you have any pets? If so what are their names?
No pets.
Do you find it hard to switch from a serious book you’re writing to one of your romantic comedies? How do you switch gears in your brain?
Not really. I just change my mindset from serious to fun. I listen to more upbeat music as I write. I find that helps. I’m so emotionally connected to music while I write I really have to set that tone for myself. If that makes sense lol.
What has made you take on heavy topics to write as romance stories?
Lord knows. I’m clearly in love with heavy research and tears? No, to be honest, I’m not really sure. On the Rocks and the love after a suicide was inspired by a close friends situation. Tainted was just Trinny and her voice in my ear. Then with Fighting Weight, it was knowing there is a struggle that is so very real out there. I guess I just want people to realize this shits real and not just going to go away.
I HAVE to ask, will you ever visit any of the characters from Tainted by Love again?
Bhahaha, you and this question. Truthfully when I write TBL the only thought I had was Hendrix and Trin. I’m not sure as a writer I can get comfortable in that works again after their story. But I won’t say never, I’ll just say I’m not sure. Lol
I had to ask LOL. I know Hendrix and Trinny’s story is done but the world was so beautifully written, that I’d love to go back with new people. Besides when it’s a life-altering read like that, how can you not want more? 🙂
Your newest release, Fighting Weight, is about Alina and her eating disorder. It covers her struggles with the demon from within. What made you discover you had a story to write about Alina? How did this character come about?
I met a wonderfully brave woman through our love of reading. She so completely inspired this story with her openness about her personal battle that I decided I had to write this story for all the Donna’s out there. To let them know how brave they are and to maybe shed some light on a very sad and cruel disease that people she knows and love are battling against every single day.
Do you think we will get to read more stories from other characters we met in Fighting Weight?
It’s possible.
What is Alina’s favorite food now?
Lol, that’s a good question. I’d say Bavarian Kreme doughnuts
Also my personal favorite, good choice Alina.
What is your favorite food?
Mint chocolate
To find out more on Gillian, follow her below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillianjoneswrites/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/gillianj_author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillianjonesauthor/
Join Gilly’s Gems: facebook.com/groups/617265411707215/
Thanks for joining this blogger in my first Q&A session. I hope to do one a month. 💖
– peace out girl scouts