Interview with Jan Scarbrough

What is one of your favorite things about writing?

Writing is like putting a giant puzzle together except you are the creator of that puzzle and the pieces must all come from you.

When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?

A writer must start with character, because what happens to character creates plot.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am a pantser when I write, but I have a general direction in mind. I also learn as much as I can about my hero and heroine before I start writing. I don’t have formal outlines. That drives me crazy.

When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?

I had a psychic medium tell me once that my spirit guides channel with me as I write. I don’t know. All I know is that I don’t know where it comes from some times, so maybe the characters are in control—or the spirit guides.

What do you like about writing series books?

My Bluegrass Reunion Series for Resplendence Publishing is not a typical series. They are standalone books with the theme of “second chances.” I recently blogged about what I love about writing the series. I’m part of the Ladies of Legend Series for Turquoise Morning Press. That’s fun because three other authors write it with me. We collaborate with each other and we’ve created a fictitious small town in East Tennessee where everyone wants to live.

What is one of your favorite ways to learn about your characters?

I fill out character grids with all the puzzle pieces like goals, motivation, black moment—stuff writers learn as they study the concepts needed to write a good novel.

What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of epublishing?

When you self-publish, you are responsible for everything—writing, editing, cover art, formatting, uploading—plus the normal promotion to get your books out to the public. You then have control and can reap the rewards yourself—or see your lack of sales anytime you open your dashboard. When you write for small presses or traditional publishers, you must wait months to receive the royalty statement.

Would you tell us about your latest release?

My most recent release is Kentucky Blue Bloods. I really loved researching the novel. In fact, I got to meet and pet the great 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos. You can see pictures on my blog.

Blurb for Kentucky Blue Bloods

No one crosses Parker Stuart, caretaker to his family’s thoroughbred racing empire. Parker retaliates against anyone who dares slight him or his blue-blooded British family, especially Regina Ward and her poker-playing father. The previous spring, Reggie had had the nerve to walk out on him after a torrid, three-week affair. Now, when Parker arrives in Kentucky to collect his family’s winnings, he’s determined to settle the score with the lovely Ms. Ward.

Regina Ward doesn’t consider herself a damsel in distress. After all, this is America, and she’s accustomed to depending upon herself. However, when her father loses four of the yearlings from their central Kentucky horse farm in a poker game, Reggie knows it’s up to her to save what’s left of her family’s homestead and her proud Kentucky heritage. Can she do it when Parker Stuart, the most arrogant and infuriating Brit she’s ever met, shows up in the Bluegrass?

What are you working on now?

Author Maddie James and I have a contemporary romance series going called The Montana McKennas about four siblings. I’ve written Brody and am scheduled to write Mercer next.

Would you give us a sneak peek at one of your upcoming releases?

I am also rewriting, reediting, and self-publishing two standalone books that I have my rights for—My Lord Raven and Tangled Memories. I love these stories and look forward to revising these older books with my more experienced writing voice.

Do you have a favorite character or characters you feel especially close to?

I have recently blogged about Judd Romeo, my professional bull rider in Kentucky Cowboy.

If you could step into one of your books, which one would it be?

Kentucky Blue Bloods, for sure

Would you share a favorite quote from your latest hero, heroine or villain?

Miss Regina Ward had no clue he was about to even the score—and enjoy himself wholeheartedly while doing it. – Kentucky Blue Bloods

Would you tell us about yourself?

I’m a technical writer for my day job and write romance at night. A member of Novelist, Inc., I’ve published with Kensington, Five Star, ImaJinn Books, Resplendence Publishing, and Turquoise Morning Press. I live in Louisville, Kentucky, with three rescued dogs, two rescued cats, and a husband I rescued fifteen years ago.

Where can we visit you online?

http://www.janscarbrough.com/

Follow me on Twitter @romancerider

Sign up for my monthly newsletter.

http://www.janscarbrough.com/contact/

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

I need a weekly horse fix, and take riding lessons at Premier Stables.

How long have you been writing?

When I was 38 years old, I almost died. After recovering, I figured it was time to go for my dream of writing romance—and I did!

Where would you go on your dream vacation?

Pony trekking in Wales and Ireland, trail riding in Montana

Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.

Jamie Fraser and Claire in Outlander. OMG! Did you see the wedding night in the Starz series?

Rhett Butler, of course

What book are you currently reading?

On my iPad, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

On my iPhone at lunch, Amazing Grace by Eric Metaxas

What is the last movie you watched?

Unbroken

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