Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I hail from the pacific northwest. Married for 19 years this year and we have two boys and 2 very spoiled dogs. I started reading romance…gosh, I don’t even remember. Somewhere around high school. Which means I’ve been reading them forever. lol Started writing them some 15 odd years ago.
I currently have 5 contemporary romances published, but just signed a contract for a 4-book erotic romance series, to be released next year.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Her Soldier’s Touch is the name of my latest release. It started as a sequel to a previously published book then took on a life of its own. It was a hard book to write, though. As the characters developed, I realized we had a lot in common (difficult childhoods). So, I used a lot of my own personal experiences to give the emotion needed to the story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if this is considered a habit, but I like to talk to my characters. To me, these are real people, so when I get stuck in a story, often I’ll open up a blank document and have a chat.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I started out reading Harlequin romances. In fact, for the longest time, I was blind to the romance genre and just how many other authors were out there. So my writing is heavily influenced by category romance. I adore taking popular tropes and putting my own twist on them. But there really isn’t any one author who influenced me. More like every single author I’ve read has influenced my writing.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing a 3-book erotic romance series. 3 girlfriends sign up for a matchmaking service that pairs them with military veterans. So, all three heroes are former marines.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I’m a try everything kind of person. I haven’t found any one thing that works. I have a small street team, a group of ladies who I adore, who help me promote. I’m also fond of Facebook. I’m far too wordy for Twitter. lol
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never forget why you’re doing this. This business can be a beast. It will push you beyond your boundaries. There have been times when I’ve reached the breaking point, when nothing I do seems to work, but there’s an underlying pressure that’s always there. We’re in a highly competitive market right now. But remembering why I do this keeps me going. Hold tight to that.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Forget trends and write from the heart. I just contracted a 4-book erotic romance series with Forever Yours (which will release next year) that started out as something just for me. Just for fun. I had a blast writing it and in the process I kind of found myself. Turned out 2 big 5 publishers offered for it. I also know of another author who did the same thing and that series is one of her best sellers. There has to be something to that, writing from the heart, writing what you love. I think it shows on the page. Plus, it just makes your job a whole lot easier. 😉
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m muddling my way through Grey. Just finished Tempt the Night by Dixie Lee Brown (awesome romantic suspense).
What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish the series I’m working on. I also have 4 books releasing next year, which I’ll eventually have to promote. The agent and I are trying to find a home for a 2 book small town romance series. After that…I’ll probably start thinking about the next series I’d like to write (which will no doubt be erotic).
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?
Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, and Voyager, all by Diana Gabaldon. Hands down. The rest of the series doesn’t do much for me, but I’ve read these first three books dozens of times and never get tired of it.
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JM Stewart Website
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