There are a handful of authors whose books I’ll buy without waiting to read a review. There’s an even smaller number whose books I’ll preorder without any qualms. Jill Shalvis is among the few, the proud, the best contemporary romance authors out there.
I’m thrilled she’s joining me and is giving away a copy of Animal Attraction, the second book in her Animal Magnetism series! I’ve got my copy pre-ordered, but you can win yours by leaving a comment below.
Welcome, Jill!
1. This year, you’re releasing two contemporary series, each with a different publisher. Are you the world’s most organized writer, or were you blessed with the power to freeze time for everyone but yourself? How do you do it?
I’m possibly the most unorganized person on the planet in every possible way … except for the writing. I have a lot of stories to tell, apparently. 🙂 I like working on two different series. I don’t get bored and it suits my ADHD.
2. What got you started writing and how long did it take you to first get published?
I got started writing when my kids were young and I needed a creative outlet. I’ve always been a huge reader, so turning to write in order to amuse myself seemed like a natural transition. I wrote my first book and then started another. I’d just finished the second one when I sold the first. I never stopped …
3. I went to your workshop about writing contemporary romance at this year’s RWA National Conference. For people who weren’t able to make it, can you give us the most important elements you think contemporaries need to have to be successful?
I think for any book to be successful it has to have heart. Romance already has a leg up in that. Reach people, make them feel. And if you can make them laugh as well, that’s a bonus as far as I’m concerned.
4. I love following you on Facebook and reading your blog. You’re so personable, you talk a lot about your family, and you bring your heroes to life with some of the sexiest photos imaginable. In fact, you reflect the same tone of voice and values that your books have. Do you find social media to be a useful marketing tool, or is it more an extension of your personality the way your books are?
I started out writing my blog because writing is lonely. With my blog, it felt like I had friends all over the world. I didn’t understand that I was doing the social media thing. That is just a bonus. So I guess it’s more an extention of me than anything else.
5. One thing I love about your novels is that they feature strong male characters who are soft as marshmallows inside (only inside, heh) when it comes to their heroines. What draws you to this kind of character?
A hero’s got to have heart to interest me. Of course a solid set of abs doesn’t hurt either. 🙂
Tell us all about Animal Attraction!
Well we’ve got a sexy veterinarian (and rumored woman whisperer!) and the no nonsense woman who runs his vet center. Dell’s not big on love but Jade has this way of bringing out a protective nature in him. And a crazy desire they can’t seem to fight.
And it comes out on Tuesday! 🙂
Giveaway!
Leave a comment by Monday October 10th for a chance to win Animal Attraction!
A great interview. I definitely agree, a blog helps us reach out to people. Writing can be lonely at times and it’s so amazing to share. There is so much to learn from others.
– Ermisenda
I was so happy when I found you and your books! Looking forward to Tuesday! 🙂
I agree with the social media. I laugh out loud at some of the Facebook comments by Jill. And, I love the blog!
I’m also a big fan of Jill. I’ve loved every book of hers I’ve read so far!!
Wish me good luck, I really want to win 😀
Look forward to Jill’s posts everyday. Thank You for sharing your life with us. Makes me ENJOY your books all the more. I feel like I know you personally. Always so excited when I hear a new book is on the way : )
I found Jill’s books at the Library and started to read them. I feel in love that I bought a couple of the new ones. I am waiting for Animal Attraction to come out. I love the first book and I can wait to read this one.
great interview. love all Jiill’s books, they are auto buys for me! can’t wait for the next book to come out!
I’ve read every title and pre-ordered everything coming out. Thanks for so many hours of entertainment. Thanks for always making me laugh.
I cannot wait to for Jade & Dell’s story! I’m sure it will pretty intense! =)
Enjoyed the interview. I also have loved every book from Jill. Have spent the last fee years recovering from 2 back surgeries and she has made the healing process easier. Keep on writing and I will keep on reading.
Great interview! Loved the bit about being organized only in the writing realm–I think that’s true of a lot of productive writers.
I just read my first two Jill Shalvis books this week, THE HEAT IS ON, and THE SWEETEST THING, and she’s now an auto-read for me, too. Would love to get hooked on another of her serieses!
My thoughts exactly! It’s such a delight to find authors that have such great voice and Jill definitely has it in all the books she writes. Not only is it great to read her stories but how she shares herself with us fans! Love the characters, has me swooning, laughing and just keeps me entertained and waiting for the next book to come out. The only bad thing is the waiting 4-6 months for her next release. And Jill, keep inspired, love ALL your books! You go girl!! ;D
Great interveiw Jill,,,,I was surprised by the reason you wrote your blog..I am an avid reader of your blog.. I especially love your “Lucky” moments. But I would think in your household there is alway soemthing happening for you to be lonely….
Looking forward to Animal Attraction….Just what I need to brightnen up this rotten rainy day….
I love Jill’s blogs it never fails to make me smile or laugh. I follow her on both Facebook and twitter. I personally like twitter better, Facebook has gotten out of hand, she responds to your tweet almost all the time. Me and my sister love reading her books when ones done it goes to the other. I can’t wait for the new books to come out because all the others have already been read.
Great interview! I always enjoy Jill Shalvis’ books because they seem to have a little bit of everything. I can’t wait for the next Lucky Harbor novel & Animal Attraction! I love that she has a blog, Facebook page, etc because it makes her seem more real, not just a name on a book. I love hearing about her real life predicaments (or Lucy moments) not just because they can be funny but because I think that it could totally have happened to me! I’m glad I’m not the only one that crazy stuff happens to!
I love Jill’s books! She is an auto-buy for me…I can’t wait to read Animal Attraction!
A friend introduced me to Jill’s books last year, and I love them. They are the best kind of books to read after a bad day, with a glass of wine in the other hand!
I love Jills books, she is my favorite author. I always look forward to her next books.
Great interview! I’m so excited about Animal Attraction. Can’t wait to read it! =)
Great interview! Jill, you do have friends the world over. I read something once that said something to the effect ” They warn you about meeting people on the internet but some of my best friends were found online” It is so true. While there are creeps out there, I have quite a few true friends in far away places that have and still do support me through what have possibly been the worst times in my life. I know a lot of Babes out there that would always be there as your friend! Looking forward to the new book. Being a California girl, recently transplanted to North Dakota, I am looking forward to it keeping me HOT through the long winter to come!!!!
Can’t wait to grab this book!! Love Jill, she never fails to make me laugh and tells a hot, hot story!!
Love Jill’s books. I also love the way she interacts on Facebook 🙂 She is a lot of fun, and keeps my news feed(and me) entertained. Unfortunately, I don’t own any of her books, I have to wait on a wait list at the library to get them. So, it’s going to be awhile before I get to read Animal Attraction 🙁 Hurry hurry!!! Patience is not my strong suit 🙂
I, too, buy a Jill Shalvis book because she wrote it. I’m tapping my foot for the next ones in BOTH (current) series…! Just finished Animal Attraction and to those of you who haven’t read it, you will thoroughly enjoy. But now I’m impatient for the last one. Seriously, I really do enjoy the writing and the characters. The Animal Magnetism series just adds a bonus of the furries to enjoy. And yeah. Your blogs are hilarious, Jill. It’s nice to read what someone is really thinking! Thanks for the great reads.
I am new to Ms. Shalvis’ books. I would really love to start.I follow your facebook page I think you are wonderful.
Great interview! I can tell from all the comments that I need to start reading Jill’s blog and Facebook comments. I have read a few of her books, and loved them. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love Jill’s books and can’t wait to read this one!
Great interview! I love Jill’s books and her blog. She sounds like such a girl’s girl, the kind you can throw back a pitcher of margaritas with and just dish about everything!
I was so excited to read Jill’s books and find that her personality came shining through in them. She is a pure joy. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for this wonderful feature. This book would be special.
Great interview, count me in on the giveaway. Nothing beats a free book unless you add free chocolate.
Great interview! And I agree, Jill Shalvis one of my favorite, if not my absolute favorite contemporary authors!! Great books!
You are an amazing writer. A gift none the less. Your books make us laugh cry and feel that maybe just maybe. Well you know what I mean. The pictures of the men in action oh my. You are great. Keep writing and we will keep reading.
I would love to read Jill’s book. I have been meaning to try her books for awhile now and think it’s time I remedy that soon. I really like personable authors. The down to earth ones who readers feel they can relate to are some of the best 🙂
I always love Jill’s books. They have a great story, are funny and are contemp. What else can I ask for?
I have to agree with you. I’m not normally a big contemporary reader but I’ve read many of her books and I love her “voice” and the humor in her books is really as wonderful as her true sense of humor. Her blog will keep you laughing.
These are the best covers. I love covers with animals. But usually they are with a couple or ‘her’. But almost never with him and really with him half naked. Mmmmhhmmmm…….
I’m a big fan of your work Ms. Shalvis. I really like the way you write guys. They talk like guys and act like guys. I love the humor and the hotness too! I’m so looking forward to Animal Attraction!
hants AT internode DOT on DOT net
sorry the email was supposed to be
hankts AT internode DOT on DOT net 🙂
I guess we need to post our email: sorry –
patoct at yahoo dot com
I’ve been following Jill’s blog for awhile now – it always makes me smile – but I hadn’t read any of her books. I finally read Simply Irresistible this weekend and loved it. Now I’m just wondering what took me so long. I would love to win a copy of Animal Attraction.
Loved the interview.
Please enter me for the giveaway.
Thanks so much for all the nice comments!!!
I so have to agree with you, Katrina. Jill is one of the few authors whose books I’ll just buy. I don’t read any reviews or anything like that.
I loved Animal Magnetism and can’t wait to read Animal Attraction!
I adore Jill Shalvis and her newest series. Can’t wait to read Animal Attraction!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks for an interesting interview, Jill. I do wonder sometimes why you don’t respond to a few comments on your blog. I suppose it would be too time-consuming?
I’ve followed you for awhile and you first caught my attention with Harlequin Flipside. In fact, I just got a copy of Natural Blond Instincts at a used bookstore. I’d love to win the book.
cathy underscore shouse at yahoo dot com
If Jill wrote it, I will read it.
gmapeony @ yahoo dot com
Helen L.
I enjoyed the interview. Jill is actually a new author for me. Couple of the girls at work raved about how wonder Jill’s books are. I can’t wait to read.
Nice interview. I read the first book in this series and look forward to the new one.
I love Jill’s work, so would be very interested in winning.
Jill’s blog is a hoot!
lovesthemets@yahoo.com