*Over the next several months, I’ll be introducing you to a variety of writers. I am once again opening my blog up to guest bloggers in the form of author Q&A’s, author spotlight features and guest posts. I hope you enjoy!
Today I am pleased to introduce you to romance author Genevieve Jourdin, she writes humorously spicy romantic chick lit ( Gen swears it’s a category, booksellers just haven’t caught on–yet). Learn more about Genevieve and her latest projects in the Q&A session below.
1. Can you give me a synopsis of your newest release?
Baby, It’s Cold Outside is the story of Carter and what he feels when his girlfriend, Justine, hits her head and gets amnesia. When she wakes up she doesn’t remember that they’re a couple (he is her best friend’s younger brother) or that she is the star of her own web-based cooking show. Carter tries to get her to remember their past so that he can focus on their future. This is the mirror story to Just Add Heat, which is told from Justine’s point of view.
2. If you weren’t a writer what do you think you would be doing instead?
I’m a chef by trade, so if I had to go back to a “real” job outside of working with my husband, I would be working in a kitchen. I love cooking, but not as much as I love writing, so I’m lucky I have the time to spend in front of the keyboard.
3. When it comes to planning out your stories, are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m a pantser from way back. I only know how the story begins and how it ends. Everything in between is a mystery until I write it.
4. What’s the hardest part about being a writer? What’s the best part?
The hardest part is letting my story go for its first read through by someone else. I wait on tenterhooks for feedback, and then cringe when it comes, because even when somebody likes a story, there are always things that can be better.
The best part is getting a good review or even an email from a reader who really liked a story. That can make my whole day.
5. Do you have a mentor or another writer you look up to?
There are so many writers that I love, but I have been in awe of Nora Roberts and her incredible output of good stories for years.
6. What advice do you have for someone who wants a career in writing?
Write, write, write. Everyone needs to hone their craft, there’s no getting around that.
7. It’s been said that to be a good writer, one needs to be a voracious reader, what’s your favorite genre and what are you currently reading?
My favorite genre is romance, contemporary and paranormal, but I also read a lot of nonfiction. Currently, I’m reading Just Jackie: Her Private Years by Edward Klein and I just finished Beauty and the Feast by Julia Barrett.
8. What other interests or hobbies do you have outside of writing?
I love old cookbooks. I mean true love. I am on a constant hunt for vintage cookbooks from thrift stores and garage sales. I also like doing crafty things, but I’m not much of a detail person as far as art goes, so most of that stuff gets relegated to the shed.
9. What’s your next writing project?
I’m working on a story featuring a smokin’ hot leprechaun (he’s 6 ft+ and designs sexy shoes). He’s been unlucky in love, so I’m trying to get him laid. He’s proving to be a challenge in that department.
10. How can people reach you online?
Well, I love getting email: genjourdin@gmail, but I’ve got a blog genjourdin.blogspot.com, and I’m on Twitter @genjourdin. I recently started a Facebook page, but I’m not very active there yet (I keep forgetting about it).
Thanks for having me, Amanda!
