 I can't begin to tell you what a blessing it's been to work with the wonderful authors involved in the Fall Into Romance collection. I'm going to be chatting with one of these amazing people each week leading up to the release of Fall Into Romance. I hope you enjoy these interviews as much as I have! Chatting with Jessica L. Elliott Katie's Chance for Romance Thanks for joining us today, Jessica. I loved your story, and I know all your readers will, too. Melanie: Romance, Oregon is a beautiful place with a small-town atmosphere and big personalities. If you could visit Romance yourself, what one shop or person would you want to make sure was on your itinerary? Jessica: Just one? I'm going to have say Uncle Earl would be the top of my must-meet list. He is such a fun character and has that way of being both sage and ornery at the same time. Melanie: Animals are a big part of the stories that make up our Fall Into Romance compilation. Tell us a little about the critter(s) in your novella. Jessica: When I was first invited to take part in the Fall Into Romance boxed set, Chance was the first character who galloped into my head. He's a beautiful buckskin gelding who has some trust issues. But Katie's not going to let that stop her from loving him. I also knew I wanted dogs in the story, because I love dogs. So Katie has a dog Loverboy and then adopts the timid Roxette. And yes, those names do come from their classic rock counterparts. I didn't originally plan on Mike adopting any animals, but since he lives a little outside town, a mouser was important. Unfortunately, Pooka was not the mouser he was hoping for. He then goes back to Finding Forever and adopts Puppy the cat to be Pooka's trainer. Melanie: Which of the characters in your story do you relate to the most? Why is that? Jessica: Hmmm, I relate a lot to Katie because she shares a lot of personality traits with me. But I think I relate most to Aunt Viv. She's a spunky woman who always has a little mischief up her sleeve. But she also has a way of being tender and loving when needed. She likes to tease and is the perfect companion to Uncle Earl who would live a very boring life without her. Melanie: What’s your favorite snack food or drink to have on hand when you’re writing? Jessica: When I'm writing, I have to have chocolate. Whether in candies or hot cocoa, I love to have chocolate with me while I'm working. It works well as motivation when the words are coming slow. I have to be sure to hide it though or my children would steal it all away. Melanie: If you’ve been to Oregon, what did you like best about the state? Jessica: It's been a long time since I had a real visit (I don't suppose driving over the Snake River into Ontario just to say I've been in Oregon counts), but I remember it being beautiful. It was September when I visited and the trees were just starting to turn. I'm definitely going to have to make another trip out there at some point. Melanie: What was your favorite part about writing your novella? Jessica: Uncle Earl and Aunt Viv, hands down. They made the story so much fun between their teasing and the way they love Katie with all their hearts. I had so much fun writing snippets of their relationship and seeing into their personalities. Melanie: If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be? Jessica: Like Katie, I love horses. Someday I hope to own a couple myself. In the meantime, I'll let my characters own the beautiful horses I wish I had. Melanie: What state do you live in? What’s the weather like there in the fall? Jessica: I live in southwest Kansas and love the fall here! Fall means harvest, which can be challenging for my little ones' allergies, but it also means the prairie changes color. It's such a breathtaking sight to see the grasses turn orange and gold, especially when we've had a good, rainy year. Fall tends to still be pretty warm, but snow can start falling as early as October.  For as long as she can remember, Jessica L. Elliott has been telling stories. As soon as she could grasp a pencil she began writing those stories down. Reading fueled her imagination, as did spending time with her five younger brothers and sisters. Everything was an adventure, something to be treasured and stories were her first love. Jessica specializes in stories filled with fun, adventure, and romance. Katie's Chance for Romance  Katie Mackall broke up with high school sweetheart Mike Elders when his decision caused a deviation in their plans. Five years later, he returns to Romance and she can't seem to shake him. When Mike comes to her rescue, Katie must decide if she's going to let go of her lingering doubts and give her heart the lead. Mike never forgot Katie, and when he accepts a teaching position in Romance, he hopes to have a second chance with her. But their complicated past, and a PTA mom who won't get out of his way, doesn't make it easy. An instant connection with Katie's new dog may not be enough to win her heart, but determination and patience, with just the right touch of romance, might. Fall Into Romance - Pre-Order for Only $0.99!  Katie's Chance for Romance by Jessica L. Elliott is one of ten sweet novellas in the Fall Into Romance collection. Surround yourself in the romance of the autumn season with 10 heartwarming, sweet novellas from the USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors. Each story takes you inside the heart of a small town-its people-and features adorable animal friends in need of a forever home. Take a trip to Romance, Oregon, where falling in love has never been easier and happily-ever-after is guaranteed! 
2 Comments
8/31/2017 04:49:00 pm
Such a great interview! Fun to get to know more about Jessica and her favorite aspects of Romance. 8/31/2017 05:32:48 pm
What a wonderful interview. Aunt Viv sounds like my kind of woman! LOL Leave a Reply. |
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