Writer Wednesday: Jinni James & a Giveaway

Hi! Thanks so much for coming today. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Thanks for having me! I am a 30 year old wife and mother living in Huntsville, Alabama. I am also an administrative assistant which can make it kind of hard to get much writing done since I work all day then come home and I have chores and kids.  But writing is a passion of mine and I hope to turn it into a career.

I have been writing since I was a teenager.  I used to write all kinds of short stories and poems when I was in high school then after I got married I developed writer's block for years.  Finally all the doors and windows in my mind opened and suddenly my head is filled with stories and I cannot wait to share them all.

Tell us a bit about your book.

The Wolfs Maine is my first attempt at a novel.  It is a story very near and dear to my heart because it is extremely personal.  These characters developed themselves in my head one night and once I started writing I could not stop.  I took a risk with these characters but like I said it is a very personal story.  I just got to thinking what if a girl was just normal one day and then suddenly everything she has ever known is wrong?  She sets out for a mini adventure and it ends up changing her entire life. 

Is this part of a series?

Honestly, I have not gotten this far yet.  When I first started writing this book it was only going to be this one story but I have been asked by many people if I am going to write a sequel with maybe another character.  So I think I will write another story connected to this one based on another character from The Wolfs Maine.  I am not sure if this will develop into a series or just a few books.

What was your favorite part?

My favorite part is losing myself in my characters.  The characters become your friends or your family and you want to do them justice by giving them one excellent story.  I love taking these stories I have locked in my brain and putting them down on paper.  My life can be kind of monotonous so it is nice to live vi-curiously through my characters.

Why did you choose to write romance?

Why not write romance?  In romance you have all the best things drama, romance, sex, action, and sometimes comedy.  I am such a romantic at heart, especially after finding and meeting my own soul mate so romance is such a wonderful thing to write about.  Plus, who doesn't like a good romance book every now and then or in my case ALWAYS.

Do you ever have any conversations in your head with your characters? If so, can you give us a hint of what you might talk about?

I remember first writing this story and developing Avalon's story line and I was just thinking, "Ava what are you thinking? Are you crazy?"  She only answered me back by going ahead and doing what was in her heart.  There is just no "coming to reason" with a love struck woman.

Rate your story in terms of steaminess.

Well, after I wrote The Wolfs Maine I thought it wasn't as steamy as it could have been.  However, a bunch of people that have read it seem to think it is very steamy and will get you blushing after the first few chapters.  So on a scale from 1-10, 1 being absolutely prude and 10 being you have to go jump your husband right now I would say it is a 8.

What are you reading right now?

Right now I am reading Under the Vampire Moon by Lynsay Sands.  After beginning her Argeneau Vampire Series I have been obsessed ever since and I read every single book she comes out with.

I know this is like asking who is your favorite child, who is your favorite romance author (s)?

Oh that is a hard one!  I don't really have just one favorite.  Lynsay Sands of course is one of them along with J. R. Ward and Tina Folsom.

What is your favorite romance book or series?

It is a tie between Lynsay Sands Argeneau Vampire Series and J. R. Wards Black Dagger Brother Hood series.  I am just now branching out into other series's now.

Who is your favorite romance character? If you could go on a date with that person, what would you do? Details please! *wink*

My favorite romance character? Hummm, that's a hard one!  I am going to have to go with Tiny in the Argeneau series.  Who wouldn't love a strong, sensitive, man who can cook?  I mean it's a no brainer.

Boxers or Briefs?

Boxers all the way.  Especially silk ones!

Chocolate or Vanilla?

This one is easy.  BOTH!

Do you have a special piece of clothing you wear when you write?

Usually I write in my pajamas.  I try to write when I get home from work and the minute I walk through the door I change my clothes, fix dinner, get my girls settled, and then hop on the computer for an hour so I'm usually in my pj's.  It definitely makes it comfy.

What is next for you?

Right now I am writing a different romance novel, called Business and Pleasure. This one is modern so there are no shape shifters or vampires in it, I know (frown) but it is a very sexy story and I am finding myself growing as a writer.  It is about a strong, very successful business woman named Elizabeth who just happens to meet a man that wants to take over her company named Alexander and the sparks begin to fly.  I am also beginning a novel for teenagers and like I mentioned before a sequel for The Wolfs Maine may just be in the works.

What were your first impressions of each other?

Avalon--I thought John was the most handsome and sexy man I had ever laid eyes on.  I knew there was no way he could be real.  Something was off and I knew I was about to find out what that was. 

John--My first impression of Avalon came much earlier than hers did.  I always knew she was a beautiful and intelligent woman however, from the moment we met face to face I knew she had me, body and soul.

What are your favorite parts about each other?

Avalon--My favorite parts about John are his compassion and his undying devotion.  He looks pretty dang good as a human or anything else for that matter. 

John--My favorite parts about Avalon are her strengths and her love not just for me but for her friends as well.  Plus, she is gorgeous.  Enough said.

What’s next for you?

Avalon--A vacation!

John--Lots of rest, sex, love, and maybe a wedding in the future? *winks*

Avalon felt like her life was set on repeat.  Every new day was just like the one before until Avalon's friends talk her into venturing out and leaving her dead end marriage behind. Little did she know that she would meet her soul mate face to face and that he would ignite a desire in her that she never knew existed.  John had been watching over Avalon ever since her parents died when she was three but she had no clue. She had only been talking to him online for two years.  She slowly learns that there is a whole world and a whole story she had not known about involving every one she knows and cares for.  Her husband Nicholas is not the man she thought him to be, if he is a man at all and John seems to be more than he lets on as well.  Avalon soon discovers the hidden truths but can she handle it? With Nicholas seeking vengeance can John and her friends help her?

Excerpt: 

 My breath stops as he gets closer to me.  Then I see him.  He is even more gorgeous than his picture.  He has such beautiful features, dark as night hair, beautiful green eyes that I could lose myself in, six feet of total perfection standing in front of me in jeans and a black sweater.  “Ava dear. Breathe.”  I let out a long breath that I hadn’t realized I was still holding but yet I still can’t talk.  I am just frozen which wouldn’t be a surprise standing out here but I am not even cold, just a complete statue.  This man in front of me can’t be interested in me, there is just no way.  He could have any beautiful, tall, blonde chick he wanted.  That is the only type of woman that would look right standing next to him.  “Ava. Are you ok?”  I just stare at him but I did manage a “I..uh..I..yes.”  He giggles as he walks up to me and wraps his arms around me for a hug.  “I have been waiting for this moment for so long.  I am so happy you decided to come over.  I hope you do not feel uncomfortable at my home.”  No, I just feel uncomfortable with how beautiful he is.  “Thank you for having me.”  “Ah, she talks!” He lets out a laugh again and I can feel myself manage a smile.

Links:  http://www.amazon.com/The-Wolfs-Maine-ebook/dp/B008E6ISO2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344784401&sr=8-2&keywords=The+Wolfs+Maine

http://www.facebook.com/jinnijames 

http://authorjinnijames.blogspot.com/ 

Jinni is giving away a free copy of her book, The Wolf's Maine to a lucky person who comments with their email address!