Hey everyone! I wanted to introduce you to a new favorite author of mine. Everyone knows I adore romcoms and I recently came across Jenny Proctor’s latest book, Love Off-Limits. I had the opportunity to read and review it, so I did (You can find my review here). And she’s now she’s stuck with me as huge fan (sorry for all the messages Jenny!). Haha ok…but really, she was so sweet to be a part of my newly launched author Q&A and I enjoyed getting to know her better! Hope you enjoy!
Xoxo,
Kristyn
1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I was well into adulthood before I gave writing a second thought. Back in 2006, I was a stay-at-home mom with three little kids and a fourth on the way, and a friend suggested that I start a blog. I took her advice and started writing about my kids, and eventually, people I didn’t know started reading and commenting. That felt so foreign to me…that anyone would be interested in words that I’d written. The more I wrote, the more I liked the creativity of crafting words that meant something to people. I enrolled in a distance learning creative writing class from the university I’d attended, and that sparked my interest in writing fiction. The first novel I wrote ended up getting picked up by a small press in 2011 and…ten years later, here I am.
2. How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?
I’ve published ten novels—four with a traditional publisher, and six indie, as well as five novellas. It’s so hard to pick a favorite! Normally, it’s whichever I’m currently working on. But if I absolutely had to choose, I think I’d say it’s a tie between Love Off-Limits, which I just published, and Love at First Note. It might be a setting thing—both those books are primarily set in Western NC, and though I don’t live there now, it’s where I grew up, and a big part of my heart is still there.
3. It took me forever to decide on names for my kids, so how do you decide on names for the characters in your book?!
Sometimes it’s totally random. Sometimes the character will pop into my head with a name already, but most frequently, I’ll call my sister and say, “Okay, I need a name for someone with these character traits…” and then she’ll name them for me.
4. Do real life people ever play a role in your book?….Do they know?
It’s impossible not to have some of my own real life experiences filter into my writing, so I’d say for sure there are influences, but I’ve never specifically crafted a character to be like someone that I know. Maybe a character will offer wisdom that someone has offered me before, for example, but that’s about it.
5. I’m always curious how authors approach their writing. What comes first for you….plot or characters?
It’s happened both ways for me, but usually I have a basic premise first and then build the characters from there. I do love to write interconnected stories though, creating love stories for secondary characters in previous novels, so in those instances, I start with characters and build a love story based on their personality/preferences. Sometimes I start with nothing more than a single scene, a meet cute, maybe, and everything evolves from that.
6. What is your favorite type of scene to write?
I actually really love to write kissing scenes, which I know isn’t a popular opinion among romance novelists. But more than that, I love to write scenes were I’m building emotional tension—where the stakes are high, and people are filled with longing for someone they don’t think they’re going to end up with. I love that feeling of impossibility, you know? When it just doesn’t seem like it’s going to work out. I try really hard to make those moments believable. There must be more than just a simple misunderstanding to keep my protagonists apart!
7. When I sit down to read, I need a blanket, a pillow to prop up my book, and silence. Do you have any quirky habits when you sit down to write?
I like to listen to music to block out distractions, but definitely nothing with words. William Joseph is probably who I listen to the most when I’m writing. He’s a pianist (Actually, he’s the pianist that inspired Elliott in Love at First Note!) and I definitely feel like his music puts me in the right creative mindset to…well, create.
8. What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
Currently reading Royally Rearranged by Emma St. Clair and Mother, May I by Joshilyn Jackson. And an as yet unpublished manuscript from one of my editing clients. Not listening to anything on Audible presently, but the last thing I finished was Becoming by Michelle Obama. Which was totally brilliant. Currently watching Madam Secretary because I have a huge crush on Tim Daly, Only Murders in the Building because so many friends have recommended it, and Ted Lasso because it’s so unbelievably brilliant.
9. What is one word someone would use to sum you up?
Only one word? That’s hard. I’d say…optimistic, probably? I’m very good at rolling with the punches and making the best of any situation. Sometimes it gets me in trouble. Because my first inclination is always to say, “It’ll be fine. Yes. I’ll figure it out.” And sometimes what I need to say is, “Wait, stop, I cannot figure this out. My answer is no.” It’s all about balance, I think. But generally I go through life much like a golden retriever puppy. I love everyone. And want everyone to love me. And can be happy almost anywhere.
10. It has got to be the most amazing feeling to finish a book! How do you celebrate?
I get a pedicure!
11. And finally, tell us all about your most recent book!
Love Off-Limits is the third book in my Some Kind of Love romcom series. It’s mostly set in Western North Carolina, deep in the mountains, and is full of farm animals and farm life. Tyler is a minor character from a previous book, so it was really fun to get to know him and write his happily ever after. It was also fun to write the immediate, intense chemistry that Tyler and Olivia have. First kisses don’t often happen in chapter three so that was a fun change.
The thing I love most about this book though is it introduces the setting and several characters that are going to make up my next series. Olivia, Tyler’s love interest, has four older brothers. Once I wrap up the final book in the Some Kind of Love series, I’ll get right to work on the Hawthorne Brothers series—one book for each brother. I’m so, so excited about it.
Thank you so much Jenny for making the time to chat! I look forward to your final book in the Some Kind of Love series and so excited for you to launch a book about Olivia’s brothers!
Click here to check out Jenny’s instagram and books!
