Jessica Nelson's Debut Novel: Interview & Giveaway

I am so excited to have Jessica Nelson here at The Writer's Alley! Jessica writes historical romance and she is well qualified to write it. In keeping with her romantic inclinations, she married two days after she graduated high school. She believes romance happens every day, and thinks the greatest, most intense romance comes from a God who woos people to himself with passionate tenderness. When Jessica is not chasing her three beautiful, wild little boys around the living room, she can be found staring into space as she plots her next story. Or she might be daydreaming about a raspberry mocha from Starbucks. Or thinking about what kind of chocolate she should have for dinner that night. She could be thinking of any number of things, really. One thing is for certain, she is blessed with a wonderful family and a lovely life.

Did you see yourself becoming a writer as a child? If not, what did you dream of being? 

Oh, I had bunches of dreams. Journalist, Spy, Undercover detective…Hmmm. Now that I think of it, it looks like my dream careers turned up in my story. Now that’s a little freaky! LOL

How long did you write before you sold your first book? 

I think I hit the five year mark? So I’m pretty sure I fit in with the average.

How many manuscripts have you written and which is your favorite? 

I have written four and I love them each in different ways. No favorites here.

I've never heard you talk about an agent. Do you have one? If not, why? If so, how long did you write before you sought representation? 

I do have an agent. Les Stobbe. I started looking for an agent for this book after I’d typed The End. Teehee. No waiting for me. However, Les became my agent based on a different book I submitted, not this one.

How long does it take you to write a book? 

That’s a question I honestly don’t know the answer to. I believe it will take me six to eight months but I’m not positive on that.

What do you like to do when you are not writing? Are you ever NOT writing? 

Oh, I’m a great procrastinator. I love to write once I’ve started, but it’s opening the document that gets me every time. Besides writing, I love to read and eat brownie mix. *unashamed grin*

Many of the people who follow our blog are aspiring writers themselves. Can you share your favorite writing tip with them?

Ooh, there are so many good ones! I personally like “go with your gut” the best. Writing is incredibly subjective. There are certain craft things that are a must but there are other things that are very stylistic. A great writer, imo, learns what works and what doesn’t. My other favorite tip comes from the movie You’ve Got Mail. “It’s not personal, it’s business.” Rejections aren’t personal, neither are critiques. I think it’s important for writers to be stubborn and persistent and to have a very thick skin. J That’s a lot of favorites, isn’t it?

Love on the Range releases in April. Tell us a little about the book. 

The story is about a perky young woman who aspires to be a journalist and also to be independent of her family. To do this, she’s determined to get an interview with an elusive secret agent (who she also happens to have strong feelings for based on what she’s heard about him.) Trouble is, this secret agent is doing everything he can to stay out of light and undercover.

If you could only share one line from Love on the Range, which one would you choose and why? 

I shared this on another blog, but I really love the one where my heroine convinces herself that “A man should know when a woman falls madly in love with him.” :)

Tell us what new projects you’re working on. 

Right now I’m working on a story for the secondary characters in Love On The Range.

Now for a little fun…tell us 3 FUN facts about yourself that you don't think anyone knows. It doesn't have to be writing related, but a funny writing quirk would be FABULOUS!  

Oh, dear. Some people might already know this stuff. I’m not a funny or quirky person. I have extra bones in my feet? I sometimes laugh out loud when I’m reading. Okay…sometimes I snort when I laugh. Does that work? :)

Oh yes, that definitely works! (and I have been known to snort too!) Jessica, thank you so much for letting us get to know you better. You are delightful!

You can purchase Love on the Range HERE.

Jessica's Website: http://www.jessicanelson.net/

Jessica's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessicaNelson

We are giving away a copy of Jessica's debut novel, Love on the Range. Please leave a comment and your email address to be entered into the drawing. The winner will be picked via a random generator and will be announced on the weekend edition. No purchase necessary. Only U.S. residents may enter. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries. 

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This post is brought to you by

 Sherrinda Ketchersid

Sherrinda is wife to "Pastor John" and mother to three giant sons and one gorgeous daughter. A born and bred Texan, she writes historical romance filled with fun, faith, and forever love.