Q. Who is Jessica Lauryn?
I was born and raised in New Jersey, where I live to this day. My family and I make our home in a rural part of the state where we enjoy hiking and exploring our local gorges, waterfalls, reservoirs and arboretums. A born-again antique collector, I love hitting up the local (and sometimes not so local!) antique stores in search of pretty, Victorian treasures. I’ve worked in a variety of jobs, where I’ve met a number of interesting people, several of whom have found their way into my stories. I’m obsessed with upbeat 80’s music but try to stick with classical while I’m reading and writing. I like to listen to ‘Butterfly Comb’ from the movie Titanic, particularly when I’m writing a love scene. It’s a beautiful song and I find it incredibly inspiring!
Q. When did you know you wanted to be a Writer?
I always loved books as a child and when I was six, watching soap operas with my mother, I fell in love with romance. I kept the idea of one day writing for the soaps in the back of my mind for years. But along the way I discovered romance novels and realized that writing a full-length novel was something I had to try for myself.
When I graduated from college and was looking for my first job, I spent a lot of time asking myself what I’d do with my life if I could do anything at all. Writing kept coming into my mind and I perused several non-fiction books regarding how to get started with a career in writing. I remember reading in one of the books that writers spend their entire lives in basements doing nothing but writing. I believe the comment was intended to discourage people but I remember thinking that being left alone to simply use your imagination and write for hours on end sounded like more fun than anything I could imagine!
Q. What prompted you to take the leap to become an Independent Author?
When I was first looking for a home for my work, a major publisher took an interest in one of my titles. But the changes I was asked to make would have changed the course of my story and ultimately, my series. So, I published my first 7 titles with a small press, later coming to the conclusion that as an author, I prefer having full control over every aspect of the publishing process. I requested the rights to my titles back, set out on a new course of becoming my own publisher and I am having the time of my life writing what I love while wearing many hats (often literally!)
Q. Of the Books you’ve written so far, which one is your Favorite?
For years, Dangerous Proposal was my favorite story, for a variety of reasons not the least of which is that I fashioned the hero, Alec, to be like the sort of man I dreamed of meeting myself.
Years later, having found my own real-life hero, a man who reminds me of Alec in so many ways, I decided to expand my horizons. An Amorous Dance took me by surprise. In this second-chance enemies-to-lovers romance, theater owner Hannah Rabourn battles for control of the world she loves against her greatest rival and former lover, Evan Masters. Evan wishes to have revenge for an injustice done to him long ago and he plots to take control of Rabourn Theater by way of persuasion…and seduction. I worked with a slightly older heroine and hero than I typically have and I was amazed by the way these two characters and their story took off as they battled in the boardroom…and the bedroom! Their feistiness and determination blows my mind and as I was reading An Amorous Dance for the hundredth time during the final edit, I found myself still laughing out loud at the nervy things Evan says to Hannah throughout the course of the story.
That said, my upcoming release, Ruthless, is smokin’ hot and threatens to jump into first place!
Q. Which of your titles have achieved BestSeller status?
A Passionate Play [The Rabourn Theater Series #1], and all of my Pinnacles of Power Series titles achieved BestSeller status when they were originally published by Siren BookStrand.
Dangerous Proposal, Dangerous Proposition and Dangerous Ally are # 1 BestSellers.
Dangerous Secret is also an Amazon BestSeller.
Q. What Advice do you have for Aspiring Authors with regards to Writing?
Write what you know and what you love! I would also take that statement a bit further and say that with regards to writing romance, you need to fall in love with your hero. (And it’s so much more fun if you do!) Write, write, and write some more! Be yourself, own your voice, let your imagination take you where it will!
Q. Why do you Write Suspenseful Romance?
I write romance because I want my readers to always envision the possibility of having romance in their lives, to insist upon having it, to hold onto it, and to never settle for anything less!
I refer to my genre as suspenseful romance because I aim to deliver just that. I like a bit of suspense in a romance – the threat of danger provides an exciting opportunity for feelings to come raging to the surface. I don’t like to overdo the violence. Like the historic romance authors I admire, I strive to tell a rich, colorful, emotionally-satisfying tale. I set my stories in the present day because I want my readers to see that romance is every bit as alive today as it was in 1810. If we follow our hearts, the world around us can be even more romantic!
Q. Why do you Reform Former Villains?
When I began reading romance novels for the first time, I often found myself falling for the bad guy. I thought something must be seriously wrong with me but then I discovered many of my fellow readers also dream of kissing the villain, and even meeting him between the sheets! To satisfy these wild desires, I started writing series, and reforming the villains from my previous stories to give my bad-boys a chance to take center stage. It’s exciting! There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a lost soul get a second chance at love!
Q. Are your Series Titles also Stand Alone Titles?
YES! All of my titles are stand alone titles! Feel free to jump right into the middle or the end of a series! I’ll always fill my readers in on anything relevant that happened in the past. I’ll never end the major storyline on a cliffhanger, always with a gratifying happily ever after.
Q. Tell us about what you’re working on now!
Ruthless [The Shores of Avalon Series] releases August 13, 2024, and I’m hard at work on the other stories! In this series, recent college graduates Mia, Sky, Aly, Natalie, and happening mom Veronica, attempt to begin new lives, stumble upon a network of criminal activity, and find love under the most unlikely of circumstances.
Set in a fictious beach town, the Shores of Avalon will be written with a similar feel to my Pinnacles of Power Series, minus the paranormal elements. Estranged lovers will reconnect, emotions will run wild and series villain Jason Davenport (hero in Ruthless), will blow your freakin’ mind!
I have several other stories, and series, drafted, waiting for my time and attention.
Recently, I decided to write my first erotic romance novel. I’m currently writing two of these.
Q. What prompted you to write an erotic romance?
Ruthless, my upcoming release, takes an erotic turn. I enjoyed writing the book a lot and lately my creative brain has been drifting in a racier direction. I’ve officially decided to try my luck at this, and I’m completely swept up in it!
Q. Where can Readers learn more about You?
I love to hear from readers! Hop on over to the Contact page to get in touch with me and sign up for my Newsletter for updates on my newest releases and giveaways! I’m also on Facebook and Twitter!
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Enjoy Janette at Wayne Public Library’s chat with Jessica!
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