Jillian Eaton Interview Published on: 04, Jul 2020
Growing up in Maine, which is your most cherished memory from your childhood?
I was lucky enough to grow up on a farm, so some of my most cherished memories are from building forts in the woods, swimming in the pond, and riding my pony in the fields
Since how long have you been living in Pennsylvania in a 100-year-old house?I need to update my author bio! Three years ago my husband and I moved out to the country (still in PA) to raise our three boys.
How do you manage work with a toddler and three dogs?Sporadically! I try to carve out one hour in the morning for writing, and then play catch up at night after everyone has gone to bed.
What inspired you to get involved in romance writing?I grew up reading Joanna Lindsay and fell in love with Judith McNaught's Something Wonderful by the end of the first chapter. I couldn't imagine writing anything else!
What challenges did you face while self-publishing your first book, A Brooding Beauty?Everything! I didn't even know self-publishing existed when I first wrote A Brooding Beauty. Initially, I had submitted it to Harlequin (they were looking for novella submissions for a special ebook series), but then I read a book on my Kindle that I absolutely loved and went to look up more information about the author...and discovered they were self-published! I decided to give it a try.
How do you get inspiration for creating strong, intelligent heroines and dashing heroes?I've always written what I would like to read.
A KISS OF CHRISTMAS is a collection of two novellas featuring Sarah and Lily. What inspired you to write this collection?While the primary theme of my books is the relationship between the hero and heroine, I've always been interested in exploring the bonds of female friendships. Sarah and Lily are a great example of that.
Who inspired the character of sixteen-year-old Lola Sanchez in "A Night Without Stars"?Lola is the cool, angsty, determined girl I wish I'd been in high school.
How did you begin writing the Secret Wallflower Society series?I visualized 2 best friends (similar to Sarah & Lily) and their quest to find love. They discovered a 3rd friend along the way, and now a 4th! What began as a duet is now a quartet, and I'm having such a great time expanding the Secret Wallflower world.
Which is the most memorable e-mail you have got from readers?A reader from England sent me a beautiful e-mail last year about how much she loved reading my books. It was so inspiring. We've kept in touch ever since!
Where do you often go for a cup of coffee?My kitchen! I can only write if I have a cup of coffee handy. It's a rule.
How much has your writing style changed since you first published your book in 2012?I was definitely a lot more serious with my first few books. Now I include an element of humor in everything I write, which makes writing romance a lot more fun!
Having written over twenty novels and novellas, what advice would you give to young and aspiring writers?Don't be afraid to ask questions. Do lots of research. Make mistakes, but make sure to correct them. And get a good editor!
What are you currently working on?The 4th novella in the Secret Wallflower Series and the 1st full-length book in a brand new series for Dragonblade Publishing!
Lastly, how would you rate your experience with AllAuthor so far? Could you pinpoint some things you really like or dislike?I'm loving it! The graphics are great. I wish there was a more affordable option to feature more books in order to access the really beautiful graphics that only come out 1x a week.
