I hope everyone had a great weekend. Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of the most encouraging and helpful people I’ve met online. Jill Kemerer. As a newbie to blogging, I discovered Jill and emailed her with a few questions after commenting on her blog a few times. She was eager to jump in and answer them all thoroughly.
She’s fun and super-genius, as well as organized and an all around sweet person. I’m so glad that I’ve connected with her.
Jill writes sweet, emotional, sparkling inspirational romance novels.
So without further ado, everyone meet Jill. Jill, meet everyone, and tell them a little bit about yourself.
Thanks for having me, Jessica. Since I adore reading romances, it was only natural for me to gravitate in that direction when I started writing. It took a few books to hit on my ideal genre, and I’ve found my home writing inspirational contemporary romance novels. Besides writing, I’m blessed with a hilarious husband, and I’m the mom-shuttle for our energetic children.
It does seem magical. Sometimes, I pinch my husband to be sure. I don’t like inflicting pain on myself! When you write, do you snack? If so what do you munch on? I try not to. I’ll wolf anything down if I’m engrossed in either writing or reading, so I stick to beverages. Coffee, tea, water and soda.
What do you love most about writing? I love allowing my characters to express themselves on the page. When I develop an idea for a book, I spend the most time on the characters. It isn’t until I’m actually writing, though, that their true, full personalities shine through. It’s always a delight getting to know them.
What do you find most challenging?The most challenging? Forcing myself to start each day. It doesn’t matter what phase I’m in—plotting, writing the first draft, revising, or creating the proposal—all paralyze me until I sit down and begin.
How do you come up with story ideas?
I need an idea journal. I have post-its everywhere. I’ve even jotted a note in the back of my bible during a Sunday service once. 🙂 If you could be one hero/heroine from a book who would you choose and why?
I admire Esther, too! I always wonder what the few things she was given to take with her to the king were. So what about villains? Who would you be if you had the choice of any bad guy/girl?I was always the goody-two-shoes in games growing up! I’d have to say the captain in Treasure Island, what’s his name? Long John Silver? His charisma masked his evil intent.
Ah, deception. Perfect evil! I love it. Okay, in books. Not in real life! What are you currently working on?I’m lengthening a short novel to a full-length single title novel. What a blast! I love these characters.
That does sound like fun! New scenes to write, more romance. Oooolalala! Can you share a little about the story?For Barter or For Worse
A barter arrangement with compassionate Darcy seems perfect—Ian gets a feminine influence for his daughter without the emotional baggage a girlfriend would bring. But he never anticipated that he and Michaela would grow so attached to the spunky hairstylist. Attached enough to consider revealing his guilty secret. Neither bartered for love, but with Ian by her side, Darcy just might accept herself…for better or for worse.
Okay, you got me with the title! Catchy and fun. I love it! Don’t you, everyone? I need to know the guilty secret! I need to stop using so many !! points! 🙂
You can connect with Jill by facebook, follow her on twitter,visit her blog–you’ll learn a lot–and her website.
Jill, thanks so much for coming and for being such a good friend! Before you go, would you like to ask everyone a question?
What’s your favorite genre to read?
I love Jill! So much fun to see her over here 🙂
Good morning!!
Jessica: Thank you SO much for hosting me! I love that you pinch your husband instead of yourself. Cuts down on the pain–and the bruises. 🙂
Katie: Thank you! And guess what? This is our first official day of summer vacation. Woo-woo!
I love Jill and her work cause I am one of the lucky ones who get to read them!!
It's nice to get to know you better, Jill. I'm with you on the challenge of writing. Until I force myself to sit and write, the whole process seems to big for me.
Jessica, wonderful interview!
Thanks for sharing more about yourself, Jill.
I know how helpful Jill is online. She's helped me several times with blogging questions. An awesome lady!
Thanks everyone for welcoming Jill!! So, I'm about to head to the pool, but I'll be popping in by phone so feel free to leave comments and chat with Jill.
If you ever watch SNL, one of the women does a skit pretending to be Miley Cyrus and in her words, Jill "is pretty cool." Do any of you ever watch that? Otherwise, this wasn't nearly as funny. Oh wel, I laughed! 🙂
What fun to get to know more about you, Jill. Great questions, Jesse.
Your story sounds like a lot of fun, Jill. I love the title. Very catchy.
Wonderful interview, Jill & Jesse. Love the title of your book, Jill. I write contemporary romance too.
Terri: Aw, thanks! I feel the same about you!
Lacie: Uggh, this morning I really had to force myself. That WIP intimidates me!
Loree: You're really kind, but I just enjoy sharing all of the information others have given to me. 🙂
Jessica: Yeah, I know the skit you're talking about! Ha! I'm totally putting myself in that skit when I hear it from now on. "Pretty cool" Yeah, they're talking about me. Ha!!
Keli: Thanks! I'm rotten at titles, and my writer friend Jenna Rutland helped me come up with this. She's a genius!
Lisa: Awesome! Am I right in thinking you have a suspense coming out with Love Inspired sometime in the next year? I remember reading about it–ooo-la-la!
Thanks so much for your kind words!
Hi, Jill! We've met a few months ago online, but I'm happy to learn more about you. Love the title of your book. It sounds like it's going to be funny and heartwarming.
Jill is one of my favorite online friends. She's always so fun and encouraging. 🙂 I can't wait to see her book in print!
My favorite genre to read is the same thing I write: suspense (even better with a supernatural twist)!
Hi Jill! I haven't really gotten to know you very well yet, but I look forward to doing so. Love your story premise, btw. I really need to get in shape myself so I already feel connected to Darcy. I bet she has cute hair! 😉
I'm so glad you hosted Jill on your site! I adore her…
I love to read a good mystery – James Patterson is my favorite author right now. I also like Patricia Cornwell, Mary Higgins Clark, Robert B. Parker, and John Grisham just to name a few. 🙂 My TBR pile has toppled over….I need to get to it!
Brandi: Why thank you! And I can't wait to read yours!!
Ralene: Right back atcha, lady! Hmm…supernatural suspense–sounds exciting!!
Michelle: I have a junk food addiction that keeps me very close to Darcy–although I do work out a lot! And yeah, she has cute hair. One of us has to, right? 🙂
Tiffany: You just made me do my shy giggle–adore–thank you! And wow on that TBR pile. I once compared mine to a deranged Jenga. The title still fits. 🙂
Great interview, Jessica! Jill IS a sweet, wonderful writer and friend. Such an encouragement and help, too! The short story that your lengthening sounds very interesting, Jill. Favorite genre to read? Historical fiction for me (with just a dash of romance for good measure!). You ladies have a beautiful week! God bless!
Great interview! My favorite genre to read is historical romances, so naturally that's what I write. 🙂