Interview With Author Jillian Shiflett
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a fourth-generation Atlanta native, and a new grandmother, and have been professionally writing since 2018. I first wrote as part of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and discovered that I could write an entire romance novel in less than thirty days. I was exhausted but hooked. Since that first crappy copy, I've written four books. Two are my WIPs and the first two in my Southern Series are published. I've also written for an anthology to raise money for refugees in Ukraine. I write under the pen name Maribelle McCrea.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, Tallulah Gets Hitched, is the second in the Southern Series inspired by my relationship with my feisty daughter, and our crazy Southern family. In book two, Tallulah deals with planning her wedding amidst cousins who want to sabotage the whole affair, a groom who doesn't want to decide any of the details, and warring pets that are about to push her over the edge. Most everything is based on a true story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a full-fledged pantser. Outlines are a distraction for me since my characters never behave and stay on whatever track I plan anyway! I write at odd times – also rarely planned. I listen to Ludovico Einaudi exclusively when I write and it helps me focus and tune out the multiple distractions in my busy household. I need snacks and sparkling mineral water to write for more than about ten minutes. Most times, I write for word count rather than for time. I average about 25k words a sitting.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am in awe of Diana Gabaldon. She's the writer that got me back into reading after my babies were born and I came up for air. I am inspired by authors that write romance but with a reality of circumstance and character. Other mentors and examples are Jane Austin with Sense and Sensibility a top favorite, as well as Alexandra Ripley with From Fields of Gold. I like flawed, real characters and strive to show that in my writing.
What are you working on now?
I have two WIPs so my brain is very busy keeping up with all the loose threads. I am writing For the Love of Rhett, the third in the Southern Series. Readers will get all the details about the side characters, Rhett and Kailey, from books one and two in the series. I am also working on a project with another author called, As Luck Would Have It. I am writing from Joire's POV in a small Alabama town and Maris Parker, my co-author is writing from Gunner's POV from a ranch in Wyoming. I'm having a blast!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Marketing and promotion are my least favorite parts of the author business, but I am an Instagram poster, and Facebook stalker – I post some but not often, and I am diving into ads on Amazon and Facebook with the release of For the Love of Rhett in January of 2023. I found Awesome Gang through Dave Chesson and I am so excited to include the site in my toolbox of strategy.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! Don't try to do it all. Take your time writing a great book. Refine it, let it rest, and then refine it some more. Then write at least two more books in the same fashion before you publish the first book. Trust me, you will be glad you did. It's much more difficult to learn how these steps are done and get a series written and released at the same time. Once you think your first book is ready, find an editor. Trust that $0.08 per word is a good rate and let someone who specializes in developmental editing read your work. Best investment I ever made. Finally, don't give up. Made a mistake? It's okay, you can change it. Don't like your cover? Switch it out for what is selling better. Just don't quit. Readers deserve your best and you will be all the better for the journey.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
"If you are never scared, or embarrassed, or hurt, it means you never take any chances." Julia Sorel ~ author of Rocky
What are you reading now?
Writing Killer Cover Copy (Indie Inspiration for Self-Publishers Book 2) by Elana Johnson and for fun, No Ordinary Hate by Whitney Dineen. Listening to Confessions of a Crappy Christian on Audible too. What can I say, I love books!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Other than writing my face off for the rest of 2022? I plan on writing another series of six books in 2023, dipping my toe into the Kindle Vella world with two short stories series, and one more co-author adventure with Maris Parker in 2023 as well.
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?
Diana Gabaldon's Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber; Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind, and the Bible.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jillian Shiflett Amazon Profile
Jillian Shiflett’s Social Media Links
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.