The lovely Jill Shalvis is here today to be tortured interviewed by us. I read her blog every day and I have to tell you – she’s hilarious. I’ve also read several of her novels and find her fictional writing to be just as engaging as her blog is. We’re honored to have her on the blog and hope you’ll give her a warm welcome.
_____________________________
Questions about the writing…
Book Binge: Can you tell us a bit about your first sale? What was it like getting that phone call?
Jill Shalvis: First sale call came ten years ago. I had my little one on the big girl pottie and she was yelling “wipe me!” as I tried to have a grown up discussion with my editor. Talk about humility. But the call changed my life. Now I get paid for the little voices in my head. I think that means I get to be eccentric instead of crazy.
BB: Did you always want to be a writer, or was it something you just feel into?
JS: I was a journalism major in college, so on some level I always knew. However it took me ten years to figure out I was born for fiction, not nonfiction. Plain and simple, I just like to make stuff up.
BB: What’s your favorite thing about writing?
JS: I get to wear sweats and bunny slippers to work. Oh, and I get to work on my couch or on my deck or at the lake’s edge. My choice. Sure beats wearing mascara every day.
BB: Do you plot out your stories? Or just fly by the seat of your pants when writing?
JS: Both. Okay, that’s a lie. I fly by the seat of my pants but I wish I plotted.
BB: How do you choose names for your characters?
JS: I collect names that appeal to me on little scraps of paper in my purse, and when it comes time to start a new book, I empty out the purse and draw a scrap.
BB: How much research do you have to do for an average novel?
JS: Depends on the book. For the Wilder Adventures, not too much since I live in the wild Sierras and do or have done all the adventures I write about. It’s all in my back yard. But for my mass market series coming out for Berkley next summer, with big, athletic sexy baseball heroes? Oh boy. Tons of research there! I got to interview baseball cuties and go to games and invade their spaces. Lots of fun.
BB: How many current projects are you working on? What do you have in store for us in the near future?
JS: I’m writing that outdoor adventure series for Brava, the baseball series for Berkley, and also firefighter for Blaze. Ouch. My head hurts thinking about it!
BB: Why Firefighters? Is there a special reason you chose to write about them, or just because?
JS: I just think they’re innately heroic, relevant to our society today, and pretty darn sexy.
H: But what about the cops? They’re so underrated..
BB: Which is easier for you to write, category or single title? Why?
JS: Neither. They’re different, and I love being able to switch off, but it’s all darn hard work if you’re asking. Send cookies.
BB: What book of yours would you recommend to a first time reader of your work?
JS: Oh boy. That’s a little like asking which kid is my favorite. I guess if you wanted romantic comedy and a little mystery, I’d say GET A CLUE, or THE TROUBLE WITH PARADISE. If you wanted just plain sexy, with a hint of suspense, I’d say the sexy series for Brava, SMART AND SEXY, STRONG AND SEXY, SUPERB AND SEXY. If you wanted short and hot, go for the Blaze firefighters, FLASHPOINT and FLASHBACK.
Book Binge: Can you tell us about your current WIP? Can we see an excerpt?
Jill Shalvis: I’ve just finished INSTANT ATTRACTION, Brava 2/09, the first in a series of three wild, alpha heroes, brothers who run an outdoor adventure/expedition company. The first brother, Cam Wilder, has come back after a year of personal hell . . .
Excerpt:
Katie had been working for Wilder Adventures for a week now, the best week in recent memory. Up until right this second when a shadowy outline of a man appeared in her room. Like the newly brave woman she was, she threw the covers over her head and hoped he hadn’t seen her.
“Hey,” he said, blowing that hope all to hell.
His voice was low and husky, sounding just as surprised as she, and with a deep breath, she lurched upright to a seated position on the bed and reached out for her handy dandy baseball bat before remembering she hadn’t brought it with her. Instead, her hands connected with her glasses and they went flying.
Which might just have been a blessing in disguise, because now she wouldn’t be able to witness her own death.
But then the tall shadow bent and scooped up her glasses and . . .
Handed them to her.
A considerate bad guy?
She jammed the frames on her face and focused in the dim light coming from the living room lamp. He stood at the foot of the bed frowning right back at her, hands on his hips.
Huh.
He didn’t look like an ax murderer, which was good, very good, but at over six feet of impressive, rangy, solid-looking muscle, he didn’t exactly look like a harmless Tooth Fairy either.
“Why are you in my bed?” he asked warily, as if maybe he’d put her there but couldn’t quite remember.
He had a black duffle bag slung over a shoulder. Light brown hair stuck out from the edges of his knit ski cap to curl around his neck. Sharp green eyes were leveled on hers, steady and calm but irritated as he opened his denim jacket.
If he was an ax murderer, he was quite possibly the most attractive one she’d ever seen.
Questions about stuff other than the writing…
BB: What are you reading right now?
JS: Nora Robert’s Tribute.
BB: What is your favorite book?
JS: Not fair. I have two bookshelves full of my favorites. I could no more pick one than tell you what my favorite cookie is.
H: Cheater
BB: What’s on your playlist on your iPod right now?
JS: Oh boy. It’s quite a list, but here’s a few, The Fray, Linkin Park, Pink, The Calling, Gavin Rossdale, Finger Eleven, Kid Rock, Life house, Matchbox Twenty, Colbie Caillat, John Mayer, Leona Lewis, Papa Roach, One Republic, O.A.R. …
BB: What is your favorite color?
JS: Blue, red, green, purple– okay, let’s make this easy. All of them.
BB: What’s your biggest weakness?
JS: Cookies, cakes, and pies.
BB: If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be?
JS: I live in paradise so I can’t complain. I’m pretty much right where I want to be. Well, on the NYT list would be good . . .
Now for the really important questions…
BB: Don’t you think Rowena would make a GREAT name for a character? =P
JS: You’re right. The name is going on a scrap piece of paper and in my purse right this minute.
BB: Don’t you want to name your next heroine Rowena?
JS: Keep a watch out . . .
BB: Are you going to name your next heroine Rowena
JS: Buy my books and see
And the most important question of all…
BB: The next time you see Luke Wilson out on the hiking trail, are you going to tell him to call Holly?
JS: Right after I tell him to call me. Luke? Have your people get in touch with my people . . .
____________
Jill, thanks so much for answering all our questions (or sort of answering them, as the case may be).
Readers, want to know more about Jill? She’ll be in and out today, so leave a comment and she may say hello or answer any questions you might have.
Also, go check out her blog. I’m telling you, it’s worth adding to your daily read list.
CONTEST ALERT Jill has graciously offered two books from her backlist to give away. Leave a comment on this post before noon on Friday, September 12th and you just might win one! Don’t be shy, say hello!
Also, be sure to check back later today, because we just might have something else to give away….
Okay, I think I just found a new soul mate 🙂 Loved her answers and LOVE her taste in music!!!
Oh yeah ~ Hi Jill!! ::waving enthusiastically::
Hey, Dev. Waving right back at ya.
Jill –
I read one of your books – Smart and Sexy and it was really good. I’ll definitely give your other series a try.
Jill – no fair on the excerpt. How long do I have to wait to read this? No Fair!!!
(sigh) I guess I’ll survive.
Okay, I knew about the Wilders but not about the baseball cuties. Looking forward to them all. 😀
Thanks, Jill!
Welcome, Jill!
Firefighters ARE sexy–and Rowena does make a nice name for your books.
JIll – Your blog is my favorite read at lunch every day, it always leaves me chuckling. Love your books, you are on my “must buy” list, as in I hit the bookstore on realease day. Keep up the great work!!
Sis-rainey, sorry about the tease. The book doesn’t come out until Feb. But I do have the two XMAS novellas coming out before then, will that tide you over?
Hi Jill,
I loved the Firefighters books you did for Blaze and the ‘sexy’ series. I am in the process of glomming everything else.
Too many books not enough time.
Hi, Jill – love your books and cant wait to read the firefighter books.
Pat L.
Great quesitons and answers. Jill’s blog is hilarious, I can always count on her to boost my spirits.
WhooHoo ladies! Congratulations!! I think you got more answers out of her than a lot of other interviewers!
Hey Jill!! (waving)
You are so bad – teasing us with a February book in September. I will get you for that.
Oh, and don’t enter me in the contest. There are only 3 of Jill’s books that I don’t have and she doesn’t have them either.
Good interview!
Great interview! Fun and funny. 🙂 I’d love to win a book from Jill’s backlist!
I supose it will have to Jill.(sigh)
LOL — I read entirely to fast and then I have to wait and wait for the books to be released from the authors I enjoy.
I know you can only write so fast, but maybe wishing will hurry time along.
I am so excited about the new books that you have coming out soon!
I have a whole bookshelf dedicated to you Jill, but its on the verge of becoming 2… 🙂 The only other authors who are lucky like you are Candace Camp and Elizabeth Thornton. lol
Also my favorite book for newbies (who have not had the chance to read Jill), is Aussie rules or older Firefighter books- LOVED THEM!)
I so need to pick up one of your books to read.
Tasha
Glad to see you here today, I try to read your blog daily. It usually puts a smile on my face or makes me laugh. Loved Get a Clue, was funny.
Great interview…thanks for letting us know about it on your blog….which I love:)
One of your books would certainly make my day!
Loved the interview and can’t wait for your new books to be out. They’re my guilty pleasure…
Sorry I was absent for a few hours. Oldest had to make a doctor run. Strep throat, sigh. I needed that like I needed a hole in the head.
Thanks so much for all the kind words on my writing. It means SO much!!!!
And I love love love having people on my blog. Love the comments. It’s like having company, which is lovely since I work alone all day. So I hope to see everyone on my blog!
Oooh please enter me into the contest.
Hey Jill! You know I’m a huge fan, love your work, and I visit your blog just about everyday. One of my absolute favorite places to visit online. You made me so happy – well you and Book Bing – when I won the ARC for Superb & Sexy. Maddie’s and Brody’s story was wonderful.
In your honor, I am currently eating Oreo’s. It’s all about you today.
Sorry, Book BingE. I need an assistant…
Great interview, Jill! I’m looking forward to your up coming books.
Hope Oldest is feeling better soon!
Hi Jill!
I am also a huge fan of your blog, I read it early in the morning while having my coffee.I usually end up spewing that coffee on the keyboard, I’m laughing so hard! I am also the owner of a crazy Lab, so I love to read all about Mountain Barbie’s antics. I love your books and can’t wait to read Instant Attraction, it sounds great.
Hi Jill!
I am also a huge fan of your blog, I read it early in the morning while having my coffee.I usually end up spewing that coffee on the keyboard, I’m laughing so hard! I am also the owner of a crazy Lab, so I love to read all about Mountain Barbie’s antics. I love your books and can’t wait to read Instant Attraction, it sounds great.
Oreos, a personal favorite! Go Stacy. 🙂
As for Mountain Barbie. Picture me thunking my head on my desk, as today she decided to try to eat bees. Seriously. Her elevator so doesn’t go to the top floor.
Love this contest enter me too.
phlp_chan at yahoo dot com.
I love all of your books Jill. Continue the great work.
Enter me into the contest please.
zmtc21@yahoo.com
OMG Jill I can’t believe you were interviewed on this site. Love all of your books.
Enter me into the contest too.
cindychan725 AT yahoo dot com
I have a question!!! And don’t think I didn’t notice you ignored me when I asked you before…
It’s spoiler-y! Just FYI!!
****SPOILER****
*
*
*
*
*
*
What about Blake?? When does he get his story??
*
*
*
*
*
***END SPOILER***
Thanks again for coming to play with us today. :0)
I have a very important question…has Mountain Barbie ever eaten your cookies?
I ate two brownies while reading your interview. But the calories don’t count in this case, right?
Great interview. Jill, I LOVE your books they are awesome. Your blog is great as well, i visit everyday, it always gives me a great pick-me-up. I cannot wait to read Instant Attraction, it sounds like fun.
Great interview! Yes, Jill is a “must-buy” for me too. How can she not be?
Jill, what a great interview 🙂
You are the one who got me addicted back to Harlequin. Your book Aftershock from the Temptation line (I’m so sad that line is gone) is one of my favorites.
I was dumb enough to lend the book to someone and I never got it back. Grrrr.
Holly, I didn’t mean to ignore your question, lol. I don’t know why I never answered it, probably cuz I have ADD and forgot. Anyway, I’d love to write Blaze’s story soon. My next Blaze is going to be Dustin’s brother, a character who is introduced in the December novella. He’s a National Guard, which is just as good as a firefighter in my book …
And Casee, Mountain Barbie has her own cookies but if I ever leave mine unattended, she’s on them like white on rice.
Jill, you personality shines in your interview. Your answers had me cracking up the whole time. Of course some of it might just be the mental images that popped up when you talked about things like invading the spaces of the baseball cuties you interviewed for your research.
Is there a reason you chose baseball instead of some other sport?
Hope Oldest gets better soon! 🙂
Somehow I thought Harlequin was too tame but after reading this interview, I know that’s not the case and I’m heading to Border’s right after work to buy one of Jill’s books!
Great interview. I love reading Jill’s blog and her books, of course. Can’t wait to check out her two upcoming series and to read more about the hot firefighters. 😉
Diana
Yess!!! I’m in the purse guys, I’m in the purse!
I LOVE Colbie Caillat, she’s on every single one of my playlists that’s how much I love her music.
I’m SO going to glom your books, count on that!
Oh..and THANK YOU SO MUCH for coming to the blog Jill, we love you around these parts and I loved reading your interview and I second what Holly said about reading her blog you guys, it’s the bomb! I read it every single day!
Waving hi to Jill! I can’t miss a day of her blog or the planets seem out of alignment and my whole day goes wrong. Love her sassy, humorous writing. Please enter me in for the draw.
Cheryl S.
Hi Jill! What a great interview, had me chuckling throughout. I can’t wait to start one of your books. I’m really looking forward to laughing to myself on the train, ha.
Kimberly H, thanks for the recommends. It’s going on my list when I bring it to the bookstore this weekend.
Hi Jill: I just finished reading Flashback and really enjoyed it.
I’ve read a lot of your older books from the Temptation line and loved them. Do you miss writing for that line as much as I miss reading from that line?
Hi Jill,
I got it cookies, cookies, & more cookies! How about chocolate & butterscotch chip tool house cookies delivered right to your door?
Great interview! One of the nicest ones I’ve read. The books: I ‘ll trade you cookies for!
Thank you,
Susan B.
sbussey AT windstream.net
P.S. Cookies!!!!
Kristie, I do missing writing for Temptation. I loved that line.
Susan B. yes to any kind of cookies!
And I don’t think I’ve said yet, but thank you so much for having me here today. It’s been lots of fun!!
Ms. Shalvis – Your method of naming characters is, bar none, the best I have ever heard. The fact that my own purse is a scavenger hunter’s dream has nothing at all to do with this assessment…
What does ‘outdoor adventure’ series mean? Hot air balloonists? Snowshoe enthusiasts?
Rowena – I am in such admiration of your intrepid spirit in ‘encouraging’ characters with your name that I pledge, should I ever be published, to do so. It really is a cool name. The fact that my son sports the male version has nothing at all to do with this assessment…
(dear bingers, please don’t enter my name in the draw – still in good luck afterglow)
Forgot to mention – Jill’s blog is a hoot – the funniest ever. It is no wonder she got nominated for the most humorous blog. I love hearing about her adventures with her family and Alpha Man.
LOL, you and me both, Stacy, you and me both!
I enjoyed both the interview and book excerpt! Looking forward to it.
Hi, Jill! Love your books, and can’t wait for the new ones! I’ve got to say, my faves are the South Village Singles series. Gobbled those up as fast as I could.
Jill – aweseme interview. I just dicovered your books this year through Blaze. Awesome – I can’t wait for the next one.
Hi Jill. Great interview. I love your books. 🙂
grret interview, love your blog, u are funny there, teh books looks great, lvoe your blazes. love trouble in paradise and get a clue, very hot
kh
I LOVE SMART AND SEXY!!!!
Thanks everybody, you sure do know how to make an author feel good!