When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
Usually, I come up with a situation. Then I determine what characters I want to see in that situation. Once I start to develop the characters, the plot flows from there. It’s more a case of the elements getting woven together.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
When I wrote screenplays, I was a serious plotter. I didn’t begin to write the script until I finished a 10-20 page single spaced treatment. Then, the script almost wrote itself. When I began writing romance, I didn’t think that would work. Romance is character-driven, so the characters must tell the story. Writing my first romance novel as a “panster” was one of the most difficult, challenging and frightening journeys I’ve taken as a writer. It took eleven months to finish the first draft! Now, I’m comfortable with being a panster.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
My characters. They tell the story. I write erotic romance, and in one of my stories, the characters decided they weren’t going to have sex. That presented a major problem for my brand and I couldn’t force it. So, I had to do a re-write, developing new characters who (fortunately) decided to have sex.
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
They are among the most difficult scenes to write. I don’t believe a writer can afford the luxury to wait until one is “in the mood.” The scenes need to be written, so I write them. My brand is interracial erotic romance, and the sex scenes are pivotal to the character’s growth and development.
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
Making the time. Not finding the time, because the time is there. It’s important to make that time. I work a full-time job and I am drained at the end of the day. I write in the mornings with a pot of coffee by my side. I get up early to write because that is when my head is clear and I can get something one. I don’t put the pressure of a daily word count on myself, because frankly, I can’t live up to it. As long as I write something every day, little by little, it will get done. In the past year, I’ve written two full-length novels and three novellas, so I’m doing something right.
What do you like about writing series books?
I enjoy secondary characters that pop up here and there, or locations that characters in more than one book visit. I also enjoy exploring other ways to make connections between books. My naughty teachers series is all about teachers doing something they shouldn’t. They’re fun to write.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of epublishing?
I am new at it, so I don’t have a lot of experience. In general, the pros are the control the writer has to choose a cover, choose an editor, decide on pricing and release dates. The major con is that it is a lot of work and can be very expensive. I’ve read interviews with writers who say they just “threw up some books” one day, but that is not realistic. My procedure is to hire a developmental editor, hire a copywriter (yes, I actually pay someone to write my back-cover blurbs), and hire a cover designer, a proofreader/copyeditor and a formatter. Plus, fees for ISBN numbers and copyrights. It all ads up. I wouldn’t skip any of those steps, unless a writer is particularly talented in Photoshop, and/or has developed the skill of writing blurbs.
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Title: Lesson Plans (The Naughty Teachers Series 1)
Author: Jamie Jones
Blurb:
A woman seeking a new future…
In spite of her success as a fashion designer, Jasmine Landers wants a future with more meaning. When she takes a job as an elementary school substitute teacher, she expects a challenge. What she doesn’t expect is the attraction to her sexy new boss.
A man who can’t forget the past…
Smoldering, smart, and definitely alpha, Principal Monte Davis is a man still mourning the death of his wife. Nothing has prepared him for the sparks that ignite with his new substitute teacher. He may be her boss, but Jasmine’s allure is overpowering.
Write a new lesson plan together…
As Jasmine contends with cryptic warnings to stay away from Monte, his ambitions and her need to define a new life for herself threaten to shatter the relationship. But the schoolchildren have a lesson of their own to teach about the power of love.
Excerpt:
He’s a solid as a brick.
Jasmine felt light-headed, overwhelmed by her passion being unleashed so suddenly and unexpectedly. She feared she would lose her breath and pass out. She squirmed, but he only held her stronger. A low, groaning sound came from deep within her throat. She pulled away from his mouth, looking up at his dark brown eyes, gasping for air. Her purse had dropped from her shoulder. Davis picked it up for her, and Jasmine quickly fumbled for her key. She turned away from him and jammed the key into the door.
“Enjoy your weekend,” he said through deep breaths.
She opened the door and rushed inside. She looked back at him, but didn’t say anything. She turned the key in the ignition.
“See you Monday,” Dr. Davis said quietly. Jasmine rolled her car back out of its parking space.
Title: Guided Practice (The Naughty Teachers Series 2)
Author: Jamie Jones
Blurb:
When an icy woman….
Recently promoted, Lara Rumson is determined to make her mark as the new middle school vice-principal. Although she appears aloof and frosty, her buttoned-down suits hide a long-simmering pain. Her heart may be frozen, but her body can’t help melting when she meets her handsome new subordinate.
Meets a hot man…
Former football player Kelvin Young comes from a privileged background, but his real calling is teaching. He needs to play it cool, but his sexy new boss is setting off sparks in his brawny body.
Things get steamy…
A relationship between them might be forbidden, but steamy Louisiana nights are made for extracurricular activity. Kelvin’s irresistible allure ignites a new heat in Lara. But when Kelvin becomes the target of racist parents, and with her boss working against her, Lara must decide if she’ll defend her man or let her dark past destroy any hope for a bright future.
Excerpt:
Lara glared at him. “I’d rather not discuss it.” She had to look away. The magnitude of what she’d gotten herself into began to sink in.
“Did I say something wrong?”
Lara had her back to him now. His hand squeezed her shoulder. It was a strong, comforting hand. A wave of warmth slid through her body.
“I didn’t mean embarrass you. My classroom doesn’t look any better.”
His hand feels so good.
Lara was relaxed, but she wasn’t certain if Kelvin even knew he was comforting her. She didn’t want him to move his hand. It felt so good pressing against her shoulder. Of course, she couldn’t stand there all day. They’d be missed. Lara turned to face Kelvin. She looked into his eyes and saw a longing. She placed her hand on his chest, against one of his massive pectorals. She felt it flex beneath her hand and that made her shudder. She let out a slight gasp and her lips parted.
Title: Explicit Instruction (The Naughty Teachers Series 3)
Author: Jamie Jones
Blurb:
New girl in school…
College senior Nikki Dayton never had it easy, but she’s determined to overcome her embarrassing origins and succeed as a teacher. She’s on the brink of achieving her dream with her first student teaching assignment. But she never expected a handsome guy from her college campus to turn up as a student in her high school class.
Hot student body…
High school senior Isaach Madison has been pretty lucky in life. Although held back a few grades when young, and older than his classmates, he comes from a well-to-do family and now takes advanced classes, including one class a week at Arcadia College. He never dreamed the stunning redhead he meets on campus would be his new teacher.
Teacher’s pet…
The attraction between Nikki and Isaach is undeniable. Though they try to be discreet, the chemistry is potent and unfortunately obvious to some of the nosier staff members. Then one passionate indiscretion threatens to jeopardize all their dreams.
Excerpt:
“Don’t you need to get back home?” Nikki asked.
“No.”
“I thought you said you lived with your parents?”
“I’m nineteen.”
His lips were only an inch or two from hers as they spoke. He kissed her again, and they sat in the car for a long time doing nothing but exploring each other’s mouths. Nikki pulled away for a moment. She never knew a man could be this good. She felt hot and it wasn’t just the weather. Her whole person filled with heat from his touch. Isaach pulled her close to him with his strong arms and rested her head against his chest.
What about tomorrow?
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Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00L9MDYO2
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Jamie Jones writes interracial erotic romance. Jamie spent six years working as a public school teacher, and that provides the backdrop of Jamie’s debut series. LESSON PLANS, GUIDED PRACTICE, and EXPLICIT INSTRUCTION all take place within the framework of the public education system. Enjoy! Jamie lives in Austin, Texas….where people are nice.
Contact Jamie at jamiejones_romance@yahoo.com
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Muaahahahaha – welcome to the dark side, Jamie. Pantsing is the only way to write.
You have such good advice. I have a demanding day job, too. I think it’s more important to make goals you can stick to than to focus to heavily on word-count. If I write every day, I know the words will eventually add up to where I need to be.
Can’t wait to check out your books!