I had the opportunity to read this series, I fell in love with the series and the characters. I had to get to know the lady behind the books. Here's what happened...
CJ: I have always “journaled”, but my senior year my English teacher told me I should consider writing a novel. After that I started writing short stories for a shot time and then quit. In 2012, Bailey (from Without Boundaries) made an appearance in my mind and refused to leave until I told her story and I’ve had an obsession with the bug ever since.
RB: How long after you decided to write did you publish a book?
CJ: I think it was somewhere around 11 months from start to finish for my debut.
RB: How do you balance family and your writing?
CJ: It was really tricky in the beginning, but after my husband realized that this wasn’t another one of my “things” that I would quickly get tired of (I may be notorious for that) we worked out a schedule that suits us both since he has a pretty demanding job.
RB: What are your family’s thoughts of you writing romance?
CJ: They’re all really supportive. I didn’t tell anyone I was writing for a long time. I think Without Doubt, the 2nd book in the series was probably published before the word starting getting out in the family. (not even my husband for the first sixish months) This is something I was doing for myself and I wanted to make sure I could achieve it before it got out. I was a nervous wreck when my grandmothers wanted to read (both late 70’s) and told them countless times they shouldn’t read WOD! But they said they didn’t care, they just wanted to support me, and they are two of my biggest supporters!
RB: Does your husband or immediate family members read your books?
CJ: I’m not sure how he got through school without reading, but my books are the first books he’s ever read cover to cover. It was pretty amazing being next to him and being able to experience my stories through his eyes.
RB: Completing your first book and seeing the finished product in your hands. What was that feeling like?
CJ: Surreal. I’m pretty sure I just looked at it and smiled to myself for days!
RB: What or who motivated you to write?
CJ: Indie Authors are the catalysts behind my motivation. They are so inspiring to the creative mind and just give you that push you need if you’ve ever had the desire to write. And I did, so I did.
RB: Growing up what was your favorite book and why?
CJ: Tiger Eyes by Judy Bloom. I honestly don’t even remember what the book is about anymore, I really should pick it up and read it as an adult and see why it has stuck with me for all of these years. I do remember the excitement rushing through me as I read it in elementary school and the feeling of giddiness. A book that you can recall the feelings and emotions it brought out in you as a child is something pretty remarkable.
RB: If you could go back in time and meet and author that is no longer with us who would it be? What would you say?
CJ: Louisa May Alcott. I would love to discuss the dynamic between her sisters and herself and compare notes to growing up with only sisters. I want to know how much of Little Women is actually them and how much was her imagination.
RB: Do you have a favorite “classic” novel?
CJ: Yes. Little Women.
RB: Do you have a favorite current book? Which is it and why?
CJ: I have a million of these actually! No way could I choose.
RB: Any current book boyfriends you can recommend?
CJ: Jack Howard because I just finished reading the Avoiding Series by K.A Linde (Yes I know I’m waaaaaay behind the band wagon on this! But hey, at least I got there!)
RB: Are you reading anything now? If so what?
CJ: Please refer to above. haha!
RB: What was your proudest moment as an author?
CJ: I’m currently drawing a blank. I remember crying telling my husband “I just cant believe this!” LOL But I have no idea what it was over right now. Another moment was when I got my first invite to sign at a book signing. When I started I had no intention of making this a career, but it did that all on its own and I am more than thankful.
RB: The Without Series, I absolutely love it. How long did it take to write each book?
CJ: Thank you!! Each book was different and they’re getting shorter in between as I learn what I’m doing ;) The 1st was 11 mos, 2nd was 5 mos and the third was also 5 mos.
RB: The characters have amazing chemistry. You have a great cast of characters. Is there a character you don’t like?
CJ: No. I love them all, even Hollister Harrison. In my mind they each have their own story, their own history that makes them who they are, nobody is placed there by default. I wish I could give each and everyone their own voice so they could be understood better but that’s just the mother hen coming out in me!
RB: Names. I love Declan, Ava, Talon, Bailey, Greyden and of course Macie. How difficult was it to come up with names for the characters? They have awesome names and that helps them stand out.
CJ: Aww, thanks! I’m big on names. That part was actually the easiest of it all! My real live kids have unique names as well so it just sort of carried over to my book kids.
RB: What is the hardest part about writing a series?
CJ: Stopping the previous story. I get so caught up in each couple that I don’t want their story to end. Well, they don’t, so I have trouble not carrying them over to the next book and revealing too much since these are stand alones.
RB: What is your biggest challenge when writing?
CJ: Restless leg syndrome? LOL If I’m not totally engrossed in a scene my legs start going nuts then my mind get carried away and suddenly I’m a lost cause!
RB: What have you learned about yourself as an author?
CJ: How many different personalities I actually do have. I’ve always known this but writing the different characters, even the ones you haven’t seen yet, really proves how versatile I am. I can relate to all the different women I create, and just on the surface but in depth. I kind of like that.
RB: What is your favorite thing about being an author?
CJ: That I know I have the ability to create something in its entirety from my mind alone. I can sit in a room with absolutely no direction and write an entire novel or I can get inspiration from the side of a building (anywhere really) and create an everlasting memoir of my mind. This is something that I can leave behind when I leave this earth, something with my name on it that was mine and mine alone.
RB: Writers block, what’s your cure?
CJ: Time. That’s one of the greatest things about being Indie. I walk away and come back.
RB: As an author, where do you see yourself in five years?
CJ: I have no idea where I see myself as an author other than still writing, but I HOPE to be in Scotland signing next to Samantha Young, THAT would be a wild dream come true!
RB: Happily ever-after, does it exist only in book world?
CJ: Nope. I knew at eleven years old that I wanted to marry my now husband. Sound familiar? Without Hesitation anyone? He was at my 14th birthday party? Anyone? But it didn’t work for us until I was 18. Familiar? Fortunately for us, we’ve been together ever since. It’s not often in today’s world with divorce being a popular option, but it is possible. I am not pointing fingers or pushing my thoughts and beliefs on anyone, to each their own. But for me, for today, my answer is No, it does not only exist in books, it’s in here in real life too, it’s actually all around us, we just need to stop and look at it.
RB: Anything you would like to say to your family, friends or fans?
CJ: Thank you to all that have read my stories and been such a great support system to me during this journey of mine! Thanks for reading the interview, I hope you enjoyed it!!
I want to take the time to thank CJ for her time. I can't wait to see what she does next and will support her in the future. Can't wait for the Blog Tour in a few weeks.
TEASERS
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