Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi,
I’m romance author Honey Jans. I guess you could say that I’m a natural born romantic. In my life I’ve worn many hats, from wife to mother, and caregiver to sales. They’ve all combined to make me who I am; a writer who weaves together tales of love, from the sweet to the decidedly erotic.
I live in scenic central Wisconsin with my husband, but love to travel to exotic locales. I belong to RWA, WisRWA, Desert Rose, and PAN, and EPIC, and write for various publishers as well as for my own personal satisfaction.
You can find me hanging out online at www.honeyjans.net, http://honeyjanserotica.blogspot.com. I love hearing from my readers. You can email me at honeyjans@outlook.com.
I’ve written 23 books and 3 novellas for various publishers and independently. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the so so…and I’ve got to tell you Loose Id is one of the best.
Thank you,
Honey Jans
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
When I first wrote The Commander’s Club it was a straight out battle of the sexes, sub/Dom story. But after working with Loose Id editor Christy Lockhart this story grew into as a much more layered, emotional story. At the same time it retained it’s humor and heat. If you think you know what it’s all about, you only know half the story. I encourage you to give it a read and let me know what you think.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
This is going to sound weird, but here goes. I had a psychic reading a few years ago. We were in Sedona AZ home of all the Woo Woo stuff and I couldn’t resist. I can imagine you all rolling your eyes out there at this point, and I understand your skepticism. However, he said a few things which turned out to be true. One of them that getting out in nature, especially near water, would open up my creativity. When I’m feeling blocked, I take my laptop out into nature. I’m surrounded by water here in central Wisconsin, so that part’s a cinch. Going out into the wild seems to free up my creativity.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Okay, I started out reading mystery, I think I read every Agatha Christy in my local library 3 times over. She was such a great story teller. Then I got into romance when my sister gifted me with a grocery bag full of her favorites. After devouring them I was all in. Some of my favorite authors are Jayne Ann Krentz, Elizabeth Lowell, Karen Robards, Bertrice Small, Katie MacAllister. Then I read my first erotic romance and I was a total convert. My favorite new authors are Lauren Smith and Beth Kery.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the sequel to The Commander’s Club. Tentatively titled The Commander’s Revenge it takes the series out into the wilds of the bayou. Do you sense a theme here, out near the water. 🙂 Also in the pipeline are Men In Kilts a spicy, paranormal, highland novella, and, The Pledge, a western erotic romance that answers the queston, when is a kidnapping not a kidnapping.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It would have to be my blog, http://honeyjanserotica.blogspot.com/ although I have to admit I’m not a natural blogger.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Join RWA and get into a critique group. It’s how I got started. Also if you can enlist a beta reader or a mentor to work with you it will help.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stop rewriting that first 3 chapters. It’s what I keep doing for over a year on my first book. When I fought the instinct to keep trying to perfect the opening and finished the first draft of the book it was a break through. First drafts by their very nature are supposed to be messy but they’re the bridge you build to get to that happy ending.
What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading Karen Robards Last Kiss Goodbye. I guess I’m a sucker for a story with an emotional punch and this one delivers. If you haven’t red the 2 book series you should.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on developing more suspense nd mystery elements into my new work. It’s an exciting time for me and at the same time it kind of feels like I’m starting over again. It’s scary, but in a good way.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Beth Kerry’s Glimmer
Katie MacAllister’s, Holy Smokes
Karen Robard’s, Walking After Midnight
Bertrice Small’s, Skye O’Malley
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