Author Spotlight: Jewel E. Ann
What inspired you to write the Jack & Jill Trilogy?
I wanted to write a kick-ass heroine with a side of crazy, and I wanted her to live in my parents’ Midwest townhouse development. That was the original idea and it grew from there. I also knew I wanted to take a lot of risks with this book to challenge myself as a writer.
So say, one day, someone decides to make this into a movie. They tell you, “Jewel, you are responsible for picking the actors, of the main characters. It’s all up to you!” Who would it be?
This is the hardest question because I’m so out of touch with Hollywood. I average less than 4 hrs. of TV a month. I’d want new talent, an opportunity for breakout roles, so I’d have to do some major casting calls. Sorry … I know a lot of authors dodge this question because reality usually falls short of our imagination.
Which character do you think is the most fun to write?
Jessica/Jillian without question. She is the heart of the series, the glue that holds everything together. I love her extremes. She’s lethal yet compassionate and funny as hell.
The first book I read of yours was, Idle Bloom. I absolutely fell in love with it. Just like your Jack and Jill Trilogy, the characters feel so raw and real. How do you do it?
Wow, thank you! Life experience has given me the ability to write my characters. I turned 40 this year. :) It’s a risk writing some of the characters in my books. It seems that most readers want not only relatable characters but strong and dare I say “perfect” characters—especially the heroines. Romance readers can be so hard on the heroines if they’re not strong, confident women who never make a bad decision.
The typical alpha males seem to get far more slack with their “bad decisions.” We all make bad decisions and hurt people around us. I don’t know, but I’m not perfect and neither are my characters. The imperfections—jealousy, irrational anger, insecurities—are the most relatable qualities for me and I believe it’s what gives my characters the “raw and real” feel. I like to give them room to grow throughout the book and show they are redeemable. I think forgiveness is the most beautiful happily ever after.
What was on your playlist, while writing this Trilogy? These are the most played on the list
Andrew Belle - Pieces / In My Veins
Andrew McMahon - Cecilia and the Satellite
Def Leppard - Love Bites ( no joke)
Ed Sheeran - Kiss Me / Give Me Love / Photograph / This
Eminem - Lose Yourself
Evanescence - Lost in Paradise / Swimming Home / Secret Door / Bring Me to Life / My Immortal Gabrielle Aplin - Salvation
Hozier - Work Song
Ingrid Michaelson - Can’t Help Falling in Love
James Bay - Let it Go / Move Together
Jason Walker - Down
Katy Perry - Unconditionally / Dark Horse
Lady Gaga - You and I
Little Big Town - Girl Crush
Matt Nathanson - Run
Prince - Purple Rain
Red - Pieces
Sam Hunt - Take Your Time
Sam Smith - Leave Your Lover
Sia - Breathe Me
Sofia Karlberg - Crazy in Love
Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams / This Love
The Civil Wars - Dust to Dust / Disarm
What do you want your readers to take away from your stories?
I guess I could say the power of forgiveness and the understanding that the road to Happily Every After is messy, exhausting, and oftentimes heartbreaking. However, I’m not trying to change the world with my writing. It’s entertainment. Period. So if readers can sit back and let me take them on a journey, then all I can hope for is a smile, a few tears, and the satisfaction that I gave someone a break from reality. Out of all the books you’ve written, what is your favorite quote?
Good question. Hard answer. It depends on the day and what I need to feel inspired. “Lost is a state of mind. You’ll find yourself when you acknowledge you’re exactly where you need to be in this moment.”
Jack & Jill Trilogy
End of Day (Jack & Jill #1)
Amazon | B&N | Kobo
Middle of Knight (Jack & Jill #2) Amazon | Kobo
Giveaway!! Signed Paperback copy of Middle of Knight
**Click Here**
Check out her titles!
Idle Bloom
Only Trick
Undeniably You
Holding You (Holding You #1)
Releasing Me (Holding You #2)
Author Bio
Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.
With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.
After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.
When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.
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