Oh Hello Readers, We have a special treat for you this week. Leading up to our review of Illicit Affairs we will be tying these three lovely authors down and asking them the same questions. No two answers are the same I promise. Check back with us tomorrow to find out more about Bec Rose. For today though, pull up a chair and let’s delve a little deeper into Jo Matthews. Enjoy…
When did you decide to take this idea from its infantile stage to a full-length story?
This story came to life because of the unfailing support and encouragement of NJ Cole. I’ve been editing for her for months now, and when she suggested we put together an anthology, I knew I had to jump at the chance.
What was the basis for this story?
We had chosen a theme of “The Forbidden” for the anthology, and to me, falling for your husband’s good friend is way at the top of the list. Things sort of just snowballed from there.
Do you dream about your characters in the story? Are there any that stand out as one you would like to meet face-to-face? Are there any you would rather never meet in a dark alley?
I’m actually not one of those authors who dreams about her characters. They don’t talk to me either. I just write what I feel, and try to put myself in the mind of the character.
The first time you really thought about taking a story idea into a manuscript, were you nervous? What feelings did you have when you were considering submitting it for the first time?
I’ve never really been confident in my own writing, so this was a huge step for me. It’s not that I don’t receive unfailing support and encouragement; it’s that I feel there are so many people out there more creative than me. I was a mess when I was writing it because I knew it would be in a book with a story written by NJ Cole, and that’s nothing to take lightly…at least not to me.
Rejection is part of the gig and we all know the tune. How did you cope with negative reviews?
I realize that not everyone is going to like what I write, and I’m okay with that now. I’ve been a member of Toastmasters for years, and learned to take reviews like I take evaluations. Without the bad ones, we’ll never learn things we can improve upon.
What is your writing routine like?
Honestly, I don’t do a whole lot of writing. I wrote Unexpected Journey in between editing Landslide for NJ Cole, and Embrace Me for Rebecca Turley, as well as writing an online story with Bee Wilde. I write when I can, and write best when under pressure.
What are you most afraid of?
My biggest fear is letting down NJ Cole and Bec Rose. We all have things we want to do with our earnings from the book, and part of me is afraid that I’ll let them down somehow. I know it’s irrational, but it’s also honest.
How has your family helped to inspire you to become a better writer?
Well, I can’t really say that they’ve helped all that much, unless you’re referring to my online family. My husband gives me the time to write without complaining much, but refuses to read my work because he claims he’s not into “mommy porn.”
The people I have met online in the last year—my online family—never gave up on me, nor did they let me give up. They continued to boost my confidence and encourage me to keep writing. I love each and every one of them for it!
In the subject of family, have you seen some of your family’s quirks or behaviors in your characters?
This story was completely fictional for me, down to the characters. Other online stories I’ve written, I can see some of my family’s behaviors in the characters, but not Unexpected Journey.
Who is your favorite Author? Who’s work do you read and immediately begin writing something?
Ooh, this is a tough question because I don’t have just one favorite. I love anything by NJ Cole or B.L. Wilde. I’ve been editing for them both now for quite a while, and get just as excited today as I did when I first started. Both ladies inspire me to write for myself, and help me believe I have what it takes.
Thinking of the writing process you have gone through with your story, if you were to do it all over again, would you do anything different?
I wouldn’t do a single thing differently. Working with NJ and Bec on this book was truly amazing and an experience I’ll never forget. We hit bumps along the way, but we all found a way to get past them and keep moving.
What project are you working on now?
Right now, I’m helping B.L. Wilde with her debut novella, Roadside Service, due to be released September 27th. I’m also in the process of editing Desire, book one in her new erotica series due out at the end of the year. On top of that, I’m working with NJ to edit Midnight Eternal—the sequel to Midnight Caller. Between these and other editing jobs, my plate is quite full, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
If you could be anything in the world… anything at all, but you could never write again, what would it be?
I think I would be content to continue editing for the amazing authors I work with now. My goal is to write more in the future, but if I couldn’t do that, I’d at least want to edit what they write. It is truly an honor to be able to work with them!
What was the single most unexpected aspect of the story? What thing, place or person surprised you the most as you were writing, or once you finished and started to edit?
Mitch really surprised me. When the story was just a concept, I knew I wanted him to be a character that everyone hated, I just didn’t realize it would be so easy. His character just came to me and was so easy to write.
Tell us five things every reader should know about you?
1. I’m not perfect, nor have I ever claimed to be.
2. I may not be perfect, but I’m a perfectionist. A conundrum, I know.
4. I have trouble counting.
5. Turns out there are only 2 things.
What do you hope to get out of this experience?
As my first experience with publishing, my expectations aren’t too high. I just want people to love the book and tell their friends. If it does well, that’s an added bonus to me.
Any long-term goals in your writing career?
My ultimate goal is to write a best-seller, but it’s more of a dream at this point. I know I still have a long way to go to even attempt making that a reality, but this puts me a step in the right direction, so I’m happy!
Who is your favorite super hero? Why?
Hmmm, another interesting question. It’s no contest, really. It would have to be the Man of Steel—Superman—because what woman wouldn’t want a man made of steel? Mmm, always so incredibly hard.
It’s a shame we’re out of time Jo Matthews is a super fun time. Don’t forget to crawl under the covers with us tomorrow for my next victim.
Happy Reading,
~NotteAurora