Interview with contemporary romance author Jennifer Wilck

Today’s special guest is contemporary romance author Jennifer Wilck. She’s chatting with us about her new novel Miriam’s Surrender, and many other things.
 

During her virtual book tour with Goddess Fish Promotions, Jennifer will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too.

Bio:

Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. As an adult, she started writing them down and after several years of writing, editing and querying publishers, she’s a multi-published author. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and always end with happily ever after.

When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling and watching TV. She volunteers with her Temple and is also a freelance writer for magazines, newspapers and newsletters.

A Heart of Little Faith and Skin Deep were published by Whiskey Creek Press in 2011. The Seduction of Esther, the first in the Women of Valor series, was published in June 2013 by Rebel Ink Press. The next book in that series, Miriam’s Surrender, was published September 10, 2014. All books can be purchased through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Welcome, Jennifer. Please tell us about your current release.

Miriam’s Surrender is part of my Women of Valor series, but can easily be read as a standalone contemporary romance. Here’s the blurb: Josh Lowenstein is a successful architect, hired to redesign the alumni club of a posh, private school in New York. He is strong, capable and knows the best way to do everything. Except let another woman in.

Miriam Goldberg is the Assistant Director of Outreach, and is Josh’s day-to-day contact for the redesign. She’s taken care of everyone around her, and forgotten how to let someone else take care of her.

With a tumultuous history, neither one is prepared to work together. As they get to know each other, the animosity disappears, but Josh is hiding something from Miriam and its discovery has the possibility of destroying their relationship. Only when they are both able to let the other in, and release some of the control they exert over everything, will they be able to see if their love can survive.

What inspired you to write this book?

I love reading all kinds of romances, but I’ve noticed that most are, by default, Christian. Even if not religious, they celebrate Christmas or get married in a church. I have no problem with that at all, but I do think diversity in book is important, and just as I like to read about religions or cultures not my own, I thought other readers might enjoy doing the same. So I came up with a series that would have each book featuring a different Jewish holiday as part of the traditional romance story.

Excerpt from Miriam’s Surrender:

Josh sat in the cab and looked out the window. Lights and people and cars and buildings rushed by in a blur. His eyes glazed over and in their place Miriam appeared. Miriam touching his arm and reassuring him, Miriam smiling, Miriam’s hair shining, Miriam looking at him as he bent to kiss her.

Whatever made him do it? When they’d stood outside her apartment in the cold night air, her cheeks had turned pink from the cold. He smiled. She controlled so many of her outward reactions to things, but she couldn’t control that one.

From his height and angle, he’d watched the light from the street lamps shine on her hair, making it appear to glow. Their breath, a white fog, had intermingled as they stood facing each other.

Her lips were soft and plump. He’d spent the evening watching them mold words, stretch into a smile, surround her food as she chewed. He couldn’t help himself; he’d wanted to kiss her. It was the briefest wish. He’d made the slightest move toward her. But in the one too-brief second, he’d glimpsed much more. Her pupils had dilated, she’d raised her face to his and she’d parted her lips. He’d discovered Miriam’s desire.

And now he knew she wanted him, it would take all of his control not to give in to his own need.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m currently finishing up a contemporary romance, not part of this series, that was inspired by a beautiful old Victorian mansion that was for sale. I really wanted to buy it! So I created a character, Cassie, who is refurbishing this house, where she actually lived as a foster child. She wants to make it into a home for her future family. Rayne is a war photographer who is suffering from what he saw. He’s on his way to keep a promise he made to a friend, but stays with Cassie while he does some temporary work on the outside of the house. He’s anti-commitment, she’s a nester. They’re a great couple and I can’t wait to try to get it published.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve been writing for a long time and before I became a published romance writer, I was a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers. So I was a writer then. But I’ve considered myself a romance writer since I published my second book (I figured the first might be a fluke, but with the second, okay, it’s real!).

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

As best I can, yes, I’m a full-time writer, with the caveat that I’ve got two teenaged girls. So I don’t have an actual schedule, but I try to do errands in the morning, write in the afternoon until they get home, do whatever they need until dinner and do a little more writing after dinner. Of course, that changes on a regular basis—teen girl drama, etc.!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I get a lot of my inspiration while walking the dog in the morning, so I’m often talking to myself—working out scenes, dialogue, etc.—and probably look crazy to the average passerby. I’ve started holding up my phone so at least it LOOKS like I’m talking to someone.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher, a doctor, and a marine biologist.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I love hearing from readers, so feel free to contact me through my links. And thanks so much for having me here today!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog 

I contribute to Heroines with Hearts blog on Tuesdays and Front Porch Saturdays at Sandra Sookoo’s Believing Is Seeing blog.

Thanks, Jennifer!

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