Maryann Jordan Interview Published on: 20, Sep 2017
What was life like growing up? Could you share with us one of your favorite childhood memories?
My mother used to take me to the large, downtown library every week in the summer when school was out. I was allowed to check out as many books as I could carry. I got creative in managing to pile them up so that I could carry lots of boos home! My parents afforded me every opportunity to develop a love of reading. I used to totally immerse myself in the stories, becoming one of the characters in my mind. This continued into adulthood!
Do you think being a high school counselor has given you any sort of edge in your writing?After 25 years as an adolescent and family counselor, I have a wealth of knowledge of motives, characteristics, dialog, beliefs, dreams, fears…you name it, I have witnessed it. My counseling has given me the ability to create real characters that come to life on the pages.
As a romance writer, do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not?I believe in love…all kinds of love. Love that grows over time. Love that is instantaneous. Love between opposites. Love that is healthy and love that isn’t. Love that lasts. Love is as individual as the people involved. To try to say there is only one path to love is ridiculous.
What gave you the idea for the "Letters From Home" series? Are there any military or ex-military men in your family?My father was Army (Korean War), my father in law was Navy (WWII), my husband was Army. I developed the idea of the letters leading to relationships as a basis of a series, because I believe in the power of the written word. There is something so powerful about a letter…it lasts, it can be read and re-read. Words can be used to build up, create bonds, and cross oceans. The idea of two people meeting randomly through the written word and not meeting until much later drew me in.
According to you, what are the most important elements of nailing a good romance novel?I refuse to fall into the category of authors that at the 60-80% point in the book, throw in a contrived problem or difficulty, or misunderstanding. My romances take two people and through life (and mystery with my romantic suspense) have to grow and develop as a couple. Yes, they will have difficulties, but they are not formulaic concepts that are so overdone.
Where do you find the models for your covers? Do you have a favorite model that you like working with?I use Eric McKinney, of 612 Photography as my photographer. He assists with all my books and we collaborate a lot on the model I’m searching for. I have used many cover virgins for models and have found them to be wonderful because they are so excited and grateful for the opportunity. I like my covers to be unique and try to find models who match my characters.
What is your one biggest regret?I wish I had started on my writing career 1-2 years earlier. I think I would have had even more success if I had taken the plunge earlier. But I am so happy with where I am that I really have few regrets.
Would you rather go on a Caribbean cruise? Or a safari in Africa?Can I say neither? My husband and I are going to Scotland this spring (2018) and I could not be more excited! We did England last spring and I loved it, but the Scotland trip is a dream come true for both of us!
How many days a week do you write? What would you do to relax on a day when you're not writing?To be successful in this career, you have to stay ahead. Add that to my somewhat Type A personality, then I write all the time! I work 7 days a week, probably 10-12 hours a day! It is rare that take time off (only when we are traveling and even then, I will have my laptop on my lap!) I do some reading for pleasure and walks on the beach to search for sea-glass.
Do you have any other author friends? How have they helped you with your writing?I have tons of author friends and have found the author community to be wonderful. We encourage each other, share ideas, share marketing tips, and have a great time when we meet at conferences or signings.
The Fairfield series is the first series you wrote, correct? What are some challenges you faced writing this series and how did you overcome them? What else have you learned since then that has made writing your newer series' easier?An author’s first work will never be their best because you develop as a writer as you mature. That is why I have gone back and re-edited the Fairfield Series twice (2 years after its release!) My challenges at that time was mostly in learning to develop a good story, keeping the pace steady. Since I now have written 30 books, my writing is cleaner, my stories developed, my craft is much better than when I started. I write complete outlines and story boards before I begin a story. I also develop genograms for my interconnecting characters (something from my counseling days) because it is the relationships between people that drive a story.
What are some of your favourite books by other authors? What is your favourite book written by you?I have so many books that I have loved that were written by other authors. As far as mine, that is hard, because like your children, they are all loved. I love Gabe. It was the first true take-off book of mine that earned a great number of loyal readers for me.
What is one of the biggest lessons you've learned working in the book industry?Watch what you put on social media! I am very private while being very social with my readers – it is a hard and narrow road to stay on, but essential! Marketing is as important as writing a great story. Professional edits are a much (I always use an editor but too many authors try to skimp on this step and it shows!)
Have your children ever read any of your books? Do any of your children want to be writers like their mother?One daughter is a software engineer and the other is veterinarian and mother of 2. Both have little time to read. Romance is not the genre they prefer, so they do not read my books, but both are ver supportive!
What are your thoughts on book promotions through social media? Has your AllAuthor experience been satisfactory so far and would you recommend it to your author friends?Marketing through social media is key to sales for an author, especially an indie author. My experience with AllAuthor has been good and I hope to continue to market through them!
