May Interview with Joyfully Reviewed!

It sounds like you have always been a writer. When did you start focusing on getting published?

I started pursuing publication a little over two years ago when I joined RWA and my local RWA chapter. I’d written for years and always wanted to be a published author, but I never actually finished anything until recently.

Tell us what makes Jenny tick.

Oh, boy. How long do you have? Love. Love is what makes me tick. Well, that and coffee. J Love for my husband, my children, my family, coffee. It’s what keeps me going and helps me write. The love part. Well, the coffee, too.

How do your stories develop? Is it with a character, a scene, a location, or in an entirely different way?

It really depends on the story. Often times, characters start rambling in my mind, or I get a snippet of a scene or plot and I go from there. I have a little notebook I keep in my purse where I write down ideas when the muse of inspiration hits.

Tell us some of your favorites…foods, movies, music, authors, books, colors, and any others you want to share?

I love potatoes in any way, shape or form (except potato salad). Mostly, I love French fries. I’m a huge fan of gangster movies: The Godfather Trilogy, Casino, Goodfellas, The Departed. Martin Scorscese is my own personal god. I love alternative rock and country. A bit of an eclectic mix, I know. Country music always has a story to tell, which is why I adore it.
My favorite authors are Rachel Gibson, Jonathan Kellerman, Dean Koontz, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Sherillyn Kenyon. I love so many books, it would be difficult for me to choose one, although See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson is one of my all-time favs.

Do you enjoy hearing from your readers and what is the best way to contact you?

I love hearing from my readers. I can be reached at jenny@jennygilliam.com. I’m starting a quarterly newsletter, so those readers who want to receive it can shoot me an email, as well.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers? What was the best piece of advice that you received when you were starting out?

Keep writing no matter what. Even if you only write a sentence one day and two pages the next, keep writing! It’s the only way you’ll ever finish. Also, joining a local writer’s group, such as your local RWA chapter and gleaning whatever information relevant to the craft is a great help. It’s also a good way to network and meet other writers/authors.

How do you promote your work?

To be honest, I’ve been promoting so much, I feel like my own pimp. LOL. I started by joining loops or listservs geared toward romance writing such as Chatting With Joyfully Reviewed. I’m getting to know other writers online. I’ve also requested author interviews and spotlights. I’ve done 4 so far. So, basically, I just put myself out there. I’ve also created business cards that I hand out at any available opportunity and roped my relatives into giving them out, too.


How would you spend a perfect day?

Honestly? Writing. And then shopping.

Are your friends and family your greatest supporters? Do they read your work?

Absolutely. My family is uber supportive of my writing career. One of my mother-in-laws reads everything I write before I submit. She’s my ‘first reader.’ I thought I would have to guilt them into buying my work, but they all jumped on board and did the honors themselves. I’m lucky to have such a supportive crew.

Do you believe in happily ever after and have you found yours?

I am a full believer in the HAP (happily-ever-after). What’s the point without it? Love is a powerful, all-consuming emotion. It moves mountains. I’m incredibly blessed to have found my own hero. We’ll be celebrating our tenth anniversary next year. He’s my rock. I’d be lost in this world without him.
When writing do you plan the story out before beginning or does it develop as you write?

Both. I write a short outline, but usually the characters change their minds and declare mutiny on said outline. I end up going where the characters go since they lead the story.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Teehee. Venti 3 shot Carmel Macchiato from Starbucks. Yum!