Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written 35 books to date: sports romance, romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and blends of all three, set in New Zealand, Australia, various spots in the western US, and New York City. Basically, everyplace I’ve lived and/or know anything about. I’m probably best known for my New Zealand series, though, especially the rugby romance. I love writing romance and how much real life you can include in there, how big a tent the romance genre covers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new release (September 1) is JUST ONE LOOK, Escape to New Zealand Book 14. Yes, it’s a standalone! I’ve written retired athletes, coaches, and, of course, athletes who are playing, but I’d never written the gut-wrenching feeling of a top professional sportsman whose time in the game is running out. So there was that, and also that I thought a brain surgeon and a rugby player would be a funny combination. Which, it turns out, they are.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The most unusual thing about my writing is that unlike every other author I know, I don’t have ideas. I’ve had 35 book ideas, and I’ve written all 35. I finish one book, then wait for the new book to start its tentative arrival. On the other hand, I’ve also finished every book I’ve ever started.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I always think that romance can be either of the Charlotte Bronte, Heathcliff running despairingly over the moors variety, or Jane Austen, with Elizabeth being witty in the drawing room. I’m a Jane Austen gal all the way. I like humor and realism and wit and emotion that feels genuine. I also love Georgette Heyer and, among contemporary romance writers, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I was probably most inspired as a writer, though, by reading Beverly Cleary’s autobiographies (which are awesome). That’s the kind of writer I try to be, too: funny, but real. Dear Mr. Henshaw—what a good book.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new story in the New Zealand Ever After series—I think. The idea is just starting to percolate.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I actually haven’t ever promoted much, other than putting a Book 1 up for free for a few days every month. I was lucky enough not to need to do much for a long time, but the market is definitely more competitive now. I’ve recently started working with Aurora Publicity, though. I guess my method is, “Find somebody else to do it for you.”
Do you have any advice for new authors?
To go ahead and write. What’s the worst that could happen if you give it a shot? And to try not to compare. We all have our unique gifts, and as Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Something my son wrote in half an hour in fifth grade for a competition. It’s called, “I Can Succeed in Sixth Grade.” Part of it goes like this: “Most people succeed because they try. If you don’t try, you will never get anywhere in life. It’s not only trying, it’s seeing if you are capable of the things you must do. You must believe in yourself and have courage. Most people succeed not because they are destined to, it’s because they are determined to. They are devoted to their work.” I still have that on my office wall
What are you reading now?
I read a lot of nonfiction and some thrillers. I just finished reading a book about newborn photography! Research for the new book. It was fascinating.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I honestly don’t know. I write all kinds of settings and all kinds of tones and moods, from real-deal romantic suspense to romantic comedy to more of a romance/popular fiction mashup. I have to go with the idea that shows up, whatever series that’s in! I lead a very unplanned writing life.
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?
Nancy Mitford, The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate. Jane Austen, Persuasion or Pride and Prejudice, can’t decide. Eva Ibbotson, A Countess Below Stairs.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rosalind James Website
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You’re my absolute favorite author in this genre and no other author can compare to you in my opinion! You just have a way to describe characters, places, things that makes me feel like I’d really see or experience them myself in this moment. I’d also like to thank you for your very detailed and varying newsletters, in fact some of the only ones I really read through. I’m very much looking forward to your next book!
Good interview. I’ve read all of Ms. James’s books, by the way, and they’re terrific. One thing: I’m not saying you CAN’T read them on the crosstown bus. You can. But be aware: Some of her scenes are pretty, oh, let’s say “stimulating.” Oh, and with other scenes, you might have to explain to concerned fellow passengers that it is VERY dusty in here.
Can’t recommend these books highly enough. I devour reach new release! Rosalind James’ books are reliably really well written charming romances; funny, full of ‘pre get together’ angst and resolved to a wonderful HEA. The delightful characters speak to you as they battle real issues, and make you laugh all the way through. You can’t help but be drawn in.
I love this author! I received one of her books free online and have been hooked ever since. Great character development, no one is ‘perfect’.
Rosalind’s books are just amazing. Such great characters and stories and I love the detail and feeling you get for the locations.
I have read all of Rosalind’s books.
They are well-written, frequently funny, and I actually like the protagonists!
I may be, as I say it, absolutely tone-deaf to sports, but I will continue to read her books because I so enjoy her writing and characters.
Rosalind’s books have had me from my first one: Welcome to Paradise. I absolutely love her writing. Her stories are often laugh out loud funny and always cry your heart out tender. I have always found something to relate to as well as someone to root for in her books. While I enjoy and follow several authors, Rosalind James is the ONLY one I always buy from. I find myself continually rereading her books and would be devastated if there comes a day when there will be no more. 💖
I just LOVE all of Rosalind’s books. They rock.
Loved the interview, Rosalind.
I absolutely love author Rosalind James. Her books are amazing, have good story line and are hard to put down. I see she’s releasing a book, I’m quick to pre-order.
I love everything Rosalind James writes, but especially her NZ rugby books.
Rosalind James books are amazing. I didn’t know anything about New Zealand or the All Blacks but due to her books I’ve researched to learn more.
I have every single book Rosalind James has written. The first book I read of hers was Asking for Trouble. After finishing it, I voraciously read the rest of her books. I can honestly say she’s one of my favorite authors. Her books are real, funny, emotional, and romantic!
Rosalind James is one of my must buy authors. I have everyone of her books on audio and I love them. I particularly enjoy her books set in New Zealand! The accents are delicious! And many of them feature Americans visiting and/or living in New Zealand, which make it so much easier to place myself into the story.
Escape to New Zealand is in my top five of favorite book series. Thank you, and please keep them coming!
I have been a super fan since I found her first NZ book. I pre-order all of her books. Looking forward to the new book ‘Just one look’.
Rosalind, I’ve been reading your books for years, and I’ve enjoyed them so much. Through your books I’ve learned so much about New Zealand and rugby, and I hope to visit some day.
I’m looking forward to reading your newest book!
Love Rosalind’s books and always find the info she shares about her processes and idea generating so interesting!
I started reading Rosalind James’ books about 6 months ago when I was at the end of the series I was reading and that author had recommended one of her books, Carry me Home. I was hooked. In the past 6 months I’ve downloaded every one of her books on audible and I’ve listened to them all multiple times. I’m addicted now to anything and everything Rosalind James! Do yourself a favour and read any of her books, or all of them. You won’t be disappointed!
Rosalind James writes wonderfully heartfelt and funny romance. Her characters are complex, honest and totally compelling. She is by far my favorite contemporary romance author!
Rosalind James is one of my favorite contemporary authors. Regardless of the setting, she draws the reader in with well-developed characters. Her research creates solid story lines and I invariably learn something from each book. I also appreciate the humor she weaves into each book.
I love the Escape to New Zealand books. They are fun, steamy and a bit adventurous.
I can hardly wait for Just One Look. I love the Escape to New Zealand books. I was just googling NZ south island. So pretty . I love the characters. I’ve read 19 of your books! I need to have my 20th!
One month to go !! I also love the Paradise Idaho series
I absolutely love reading Rosalind James’ novels!! I have bought all of her works and am impatiently waiting for 9/1 and her newest release. Her worlds are intriguing and I always learn new things in each book! She is definitely one of my most favorite authors!! I highly recommend her stories, as I guarantee the reader will laugh and cry!!
I absolutely love all of Rosalind James’ books . I don’t remember how I first discovered them but now if she announces a new book I automatically preorder . All of her books have real relatable people and situations that make you cry and laugh .
You will become addicted to her books & read them over & over! Her books are smart, deep, exciting, funny & you’ll learn much about human nature along the way!
I’ve read every one of Rosalind’s books and I’ve loved them ALL. I love the New Zealand books and the Portland books, too. Her characters are so real and her stories are so well told.
I have all of Rosalind James books and love them. The New Zealand-themed books are my absolute favorite. Ms. James writes great romance books that become old friends you revisit over and over again.
Rosalind James is the BEST romance writer I have read. I have yet to read a book of hers I did not like!
Rosalind James is my favorite author!! I have read all 35 books she’s written multiple times and love them the second, third and fourth time etc. just as much as the first time. Love her characters and the humor, wisdom, emotional depth, and romance in the story.
Rosalind James speaks to me. I have read all 35 books and own all available on the audiobook platform.
These are well edited manuscripts. Great dialogue, and intriguing characters encourage me to reread each of these books.
The audio versions are beautifully performed.
This author delivers !
Rosalind James is one of my favorite authors.
Her books are at different times engaging, entertaining, thought provoking, enlightening, emotional, educational and always rewarding.
She doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects; but rather, embraces them and handles them with love and care.
One of the things I appreciate the most is the way she shares her vision. At the end of each book are links to pictures, songs, places and more that inspired her, or she found them because they fit the picture in her head.
Rosalind James is definitely one of my favorite authors! When nothing looks good to me to read I just re-read one of hers. I love the Escape to New Zealand series and I suspect that New Zealand has received a few visitors due to her books.
I have fallen in love with New Zealand, and it is all because ofRosalind James’ wonderful books in her series Escape to New Zealand. I’ve really enjoyed seeing some of the NZ athletes at the Olympics performing the Haka. Thanks to Ms. James, I understand what the Haka is. Bottom line, Rosalind James is one of my all time favorite authors.
There aren’t that many books that I read over and over again, but I frequently re-read Rosalind James’ books. Her writing pulls me right in to the lives and personalities of the characters. They become so real to me, I frequently forget that they only exist in her and our imaginations. And her descriptions of place and culture are so evocative, whether it is NZ, Montana, Portland, NY, or somewhere else on the planet. Her research of details and nuance is deep and impeccable. I own all of the books she has published. I became a fan with her first and now her books are an auto-buy for me. And I recently discovered a new pleasure—the audio books!! I want Rosalind to keep writing her awesome books for a long long time and I actually envy people that are just discovering her writing and have so many books to which they can look forward!
Rosalind James’ books are my happy place! I devour her stories and have read each and every book. She writes with just the right cadence and language and I FEEEEL the depth of her characters, locations and of course the delish loves scenes 🙂 Keep ’em coming!!
Reading my first Rosalind James novel was the beginning of a beautiful literary journey. I’m always waiting, impatiently, for the next publication date. She’s a generous author who shares chapters of whatever “ work in progress” she is creating. Love her work!
Rosalind James writes characters that you want to know .. and some you’d like to be. These are books that beg to be read and re-read. And if you are an audiobook fan, there’s that pleasure too.
Last week I listened to a four-book series of Rosalind’s for the third time. That’s about 54 hours of listening… in four days. Her books are that good!
Rosalind James is my most favorite of my favorite Authors. I never have to wonder if it will be worth my time and money to read/buy one of her books~always, always worth it. Every series is different but every single one is fantastic. Thankful I found her many years ago. She always has a free book in certain series, hopefully you can grab it and find out for yourself that she writes great stories.
Rosalind James’ books will have you hooked from page one! She said it best, “I like humor and realism and wit and emotion that feels genuine.” You get this and much more from her books! I appreciate the down to earth realism and complexity she brings to her characters.