Interview with Jennifer Probst
Interview with Jennifer Probst
Affaire de Coeur's June Calendar Girl
Spotlight On Jennifer Probst
Jennifer Probst is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a “romance phenom” by Kirkus Reviews. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.
When did you start writing?
I started writing when I was very young, and knew I’d be a writer the moment I learned to read. I wrote my very first young adult romance at twelve years old in longhand, then brought it to school and had everyone read it!
What have you learned about writing since you started?
Writing has changed over the years as a career. Not only do you need to write the stories, you need to be able to be your own CEO – and learn to do social media, marketing, networking, and many other duties. I’ve learned when there’s too much busyness and chatter, shut down the distractions and concentrate on the writing. Writing always comes first.
Tell us about your new book or series.
I actually have two new books coming out back to back! The first is The Marriage Arrangement, which is a brand new installment in my bestselling series, the Marriage to a Billionaire. I’m thrilled to be able to offer readers a peek at their favorite characters from the series, and introduce brand new ones. It comes out May 1st!
The second book is the beginning of a brand new series called The Start of Something Good. It comes out June 5th and is full of emotion, humor, enemies to lovers romance, family drama, and of course, rescue dogs, plus a rescue chicken lol!
What is your idea of a perfect writing day?
Honestly, a perfect writing day is when the words are flowing and have nothing to do with weather, setting, or atmosphere. I’ve learned to write anywhere. Of course, if I get to have perfect, I’ve got a view of a gorgeous beach, it’s sunny, and I’m writing up a storm while I’m sipping a cocktail!
How/where do you get your plot ideas?
They come from everywhere. The Start of Something Good happened because I began to do horse back riding on Thursdays. I go to a local farm which rescues horses, and fell in love with the animals and owner. I told them I was going to write a book one day revolving around an upstate bed and breakfast and horse rescue farm. So, two years later, I did! You need to pay attention and let your imagination have fun. Stories are everwhere.
What is the most difficult thing about creating and developing characters?
Making sure you dig deep enough to get to the raw emotion and not just the surface stuff. It takes some time. I’m usually halfway through the book before I realize who these characters truly are, and then I need to go back and layer them more richly. Be open to growth as you write, and keep digging within yourself and your story to rip away all those barriers. Don’t write safe. Get messy – it’s hard but it’s the good stuff.
What is your favorite thing about being an author?
Working from home. It’s hard but I adore it, especially after so many years with demanding day jobs and a two hour commute daily. I love being able to concentrate on the stories now instead of grabbing time here and there – but a writer writes no matter how little time she has. I honestly think my day job was essential to learning how to write in small segments. And of course – the readers. When they let me know they loved my story – it’s the most wonderful high in the world!
How many books do you currently have out on the market and what genres do they fall into?
I have about 37 books out. Most are contemporary sexy and erotic romance. But I have one children’s book I coauthored with my niece, and a short story about a rescue dog called A Life Worth Living that I donate the royalties toward my local pet shelter. I’ve also written a nonfiction book called, Write Naked, and a paranormal one called Dante’s Fire. I love writing in all genres and hopefully will continue to do so.
Will you be attending any book signings or conventions?
Yes, I’ll be attending RARE in Rome in June, and Book Bonanza in Denver on July 20th and 21st. I’ll also be at Readers on the River in Kentucky with JR Ward in September 29th and Books by the Bridge signing in NYC on September 15th. Wow – I’m travelling a lot this year lol!
Pass on some words of wisdom, please, to aspiring authors.
Believe in yourself and your story. Keep writing even when you want to give up. Your story is important, and has a right to be heard. You are unique and special, and you will need to work very hard, and be open to change, but I truly believe you will get what you need and be published if you keep moving forward and keep writing and learning. Always study craft – it’s the backbone of your career.
Purchase The Marriage Arrangement by Jennifer Probst
Contact information:
Personal web page http://www.jenniferprobst.com
Twitter @jenniferprobst
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jenniferprobst.authorpage/
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