Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Whenever I go into a bookstore my mouth waters. Does this happen to anyone else or am I just weird? : )
Anyone who knows me is aware that books are my life. I love writing and I’m constantly reading. I can’t imagine a life without books! I’ve written fourteen stories so far, volumes 1 – 13 in the BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES series and volume 1 in the NAUGHTY AND NICE series. Volume 13 in the Bad Boy series is brand new – The Billionaire Next Door, which just launched on November 3. I hope my readers enjoy it.
I’m so grateful to my fans who supported my books such as ‘Her Indecent Proposal’ which hit #23 in the overall store in April. Right now I can call myself a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, thanks to the love and support of my readers. Thank you all so much!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘The Billionaire Next Door’ which was inspired by the life of Steve Jobs of Apple Computer. I read his biography and was impressed by the way he lived, not letting the trappings of wealth dictate how he raised his family. I was tickled when I read how his son was so impressed with a yacht owned by one of Steve’s friends, not realizing that his own dad was way richer than that man was. It made me think, what if my heroine falls in love with a billionaire who decides to just live like a regular guy, right next door to her? That was the start of ‘The Billionaire Next Door’.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unlike most writers who type their stories directly onto a computer, I write long-hand in a notebook, record it in segments on my iPhone then e-mail it to a friend who types it for me. This may not seem like the most efficient process but my thoughts flow better with a pen in my hand. Call me old-fashioned : )
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Kathleen Woodiwiss (the late historical romance writer) as well as Jane Austen and Emily Bronte ( I did say I was old-fashioned, didn’t I?). I love the brooding, alpha male hero. I also love a touch of humor, which I try to insert in my stories.
What are you working on now?
I’m just finishing up a novella to submit to a group of authors with whom I’m doing a holiday collection. My story in the collection is called ‘Rome for the Holidays’ and our holiday box set is called ‘Hot, Sexy and Bad’ – featuring 8 best-selling authors, including Melody Anne, Ruth Cardello, Shadonna Richards and many more. Readers can visit my Facebook page for details on our release party (November 17). After the novella I’ll be publishing ‘Billionaire’s Blackmail Wife’ and ‘Rome for Always’ (sequel to ‘Rome for the Holidays’) – all before Christmas!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find that Facebook is my best tool as it helps me connect with my readers. I’m trying to organise a ‘new book notification’ system as well but, I have to admit, I’m a bit slow where technology and social media are concerned. In the meanwhile, if there are readers who would like to be notified when my next book is in stores, I ask that they simply drop me an e-mail at judyangelotreasure@gmail.com with the subject title ‘Yes’. That’s all I need. I’ll shoot them an e-mail when my next book it out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The e-book market changes so rapidly that my advice tends to keep changing as well. Right now, my suggestion to new authors is to find a genre they absolutely enjoy, read voraciously in that genre to get a feel for what will connect with readers, and write the best story they can (one that they would enjoy reading – if you’re bored with your story, the reader will be, too). Write in a series, if possible, so that those who enjoy book one will have something to look forward to. Try to put out a new book regularly, at least one every few months, if not every month. Connect with readers through social media. Facebook is good, and so are writer-friendly websites like this one, which keeps readers posted on the world of e-books, what’s new and what’s fresh. And last, be disciplined. Take your writing seriously and don’t give in to distractions. Just write!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write, write, write!
And check out the advice in these books that helped me a lot:
Techniques of the Selling Writer – Dwight Swaiin
Writing the Breakout Novel – Donald Maas
Goal, Motivation and Conflict – Debra Dixon
What are you reading now?
‘Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success’
(I read a lot of self-help books, too, not just romance novels)
What’s next for you as a writer?
In 2014, in addition to contemporary romance, I plan to try my hand at historical romance. I love historicals.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss
Author Websites and Profiles
Judy Angelo Website
Judy Angelo’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile