Please welcome debut author Jenna Rutland for a little bit of Straight Talk!
When you are getting ready to start a new book, what’s the first thing you do?
Get nervous. Doubt myself. Then figure nobody will ever read it. :) Once I kind of get past all that, I write down everything I know so far – could be about the characters, the setting, or just lots of dialogue between the hero and heroine.
How do you celebrate when you finish writing a book?
Unfortunately, I’m not one of those writers who have written a ton of books. I only have a few under my belt. For me, there’s not so much of a celebration as there is a sigh that it’s done, and now I have time to get household things done!
Have you had any fun fan moments since you became a writer?
Well, I’m kind of new at this, but in the first few weeks of being published, I’ve had some amazing reviews from people I don’t know and FB/Twitter comments from readers that have made the journey all worthwhile. Fans are awesome!!
How difficult is it for you to come up with a title for your book?
I always think it’s easy to come up with a title. Whether that title works is another thing…
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Something that I seem to advise routinely is to know your strengths and weaknesses as a storyteller. Once you know your weaknesses, read up on/take classes to turn those weaknesses into strengths. It’s kind of like cooking. Maybe I know how to make great pasta dishes, but if I consistently stink at baking a cake, take a class on cake baking to improve your skill.
Are you a panster or a plotter?
I think I’m actually a little bit of both. Before I begin writing a story, I pretty much know who my characters are, what will happen in their love life, and what their HEA ending will be. But as I’m writing, I’m still surprised about their journey.
Where does the magic happen? Where do you write?
The magic happen? Oh! You mean writing related. Well, a little bit of background first. I work at home as a medical transcriptionist. I have a beautiful office in our basement where I work. When I first started writing, it was at that same desk. But I always felt like I was at work. So I moved to our dining room, which only gets used a few times/year. Then I had a light bulb moment when I realized we had a spare bedroom upstairs that would make a great office. So now I have a desk that looks out onto our backyard, I’ve got all my writing things nearby and a cozy kitty bed for my 16 year old cat.
Aside from writing, what do you do in your free time?
Sorry, I’m not familiar with that term… :) My number one thing is spending time with my family. I’ve got a fabulous husband, a wonderful son, a loving daughter, sweet son-in-law, and adorable granddaughter, not to mention my mother, siblings, and in-laws. We’re a family of great cooks who all have an incredible sense of humor, and when we get together life doesn’t get much better.
What’s in the works for you?
Two of my secondary characters from Just for the Summer, Jack and Rachel, each have the love of their lives right around the corner. I think it’s time they get their happily ever after, don’t you?
About Jenna Rutland
Jenna Rutland lives in a small Michigan community with her husband, son and senior cat. Her daughter and son-in-law have recently given Jenna the awesome title of grandmother!
While her days are spent working as a medical transcriptionist, her nights are filled writing contemporary romance—stories of love, laughter and happily ever after. Guess which occupation is more fun?
She is a member of RWA and is active in her local chapter. After several years on the MVRWA board, she now chairs the group’s annual fall brainstorming weekend as well as acts as food coordinator for several other events.
Jenna takes pleasure in spending time with her family. She also enjoys reading, gardening and loves the challenge of a new recipe.
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About Just for the Summer by Jenna Rutland
Dani Sullivan has come to Lake Bliss to write her latest cookbook and take a breather. After the year she’s had, she deserves a summer retreat to reevaluate priorities and make peace with past decisions. But from the moment single dad and sheriff Matt Reagan shows up, she has a hard time convincing herself that a life away from Lake Bliss could beat the life she might have here.
Recently divorced Matt is ready for a new relationship, but he doesn’t want short-term—his son needs permanence, and so does Matt’s heart. Unfortunately, it’s the smart-mouthed and sinfully sexy Ms. Sullivan who catches his eye. But when Matt learns Dani’s secrets, will he still want her to stay? Or will her chance for love last just for the summer?
About Author
Jenna, I think we all have spaces in our houses that are underused. Great idea to convert the bedroom to an office! It was fun reading about your process. :)
Jill,
There’s also a loveseat and a TV. I spend so much time there, my husband now refers to it as “the apartment.” Guess I need to get a mini-fridge :)
Thanks for stopping!