Dear Reader,
By the time you finish reading this interview, you'll know me a lot better.
Be sure to leave me a note, so I'll know you better. — JadeBirthday:
April 6Astrological sign:
AriesOn Writing and Reading…
What do you love most about being a writer?
Breathing life into the people I create, so that when the book is finished, I feel as if I have a new circle of friends.What do you like least about being a writer?
Facing the blank page. I usually write a description of what I want to write, just to have words on the page.Do you have a favorite locale or setting for your novels? What is it and why is it your favorite?
I’ve set my books in Minnesota, North Dakota and Tennessee, because these are areas with which I’m very familiar. My favorite, though, has to be the mountains of East Tennessee, where I grew up and where I still have many friends.Which of the books you have written is your favorite?
The one I’m currently working on. Although I love all the books I’ve written, and the people in them, I find that making new friends (literally) is what I love most.What is your favorite recent Harlequin or Silhouette or MIRA title by another author?
SuperRomance — THE MAN UPSTAIRS by Pamela Bauer.What are your five all-time favorite books (with authors)?
DREAM A LITTLE DREAM by Susan E. Phillips
THE WOLF AND THE DOVE by Kathleen Woodiwiss
DRAGONFLY IN AMBER by Diana Gabaldon
MORNING GLORY by LaVyrle Spencer
MIDSHIPMAN’S HOPE by David FeintuchWhat one specific piece of advice would you give a would-be writer trying to kick-start a career?
Always read as many books as possible of the type/line you want to write. There really is no substitute for the knowledge this gives you.Briefly summarize how you began writing.
I started writing in the second grade. My teacher asked the class to write a two-page story. I enjoyed the exercise so much I ended up with a 30-page story about my friends and I flying to the moon. I still love space, the stars and science-fiction and I haven’t stopped writing since.As a romance writer, what are your greatest goals?
The first is to write a story my fans will enjoy. The second is to tell them something they didn’t know. The third is to sell enough books to keep doing what I love most — writing.Challenges?
My biggest challenge is to get outside my comfort zone with my characters. I’m shy by nature and avoid confrontation, but the characters I create have to stand up for themselves, find somebody to love and overcome whatever obstacles get in their way to find their happy ending.What gives you the most satisfaction in your job?
Writing that sentence or paragraph that makes me sit back, smile and think, “That is so-o-o-o-o good!”On Romance…
Describe the ultimate romantic meal.
If the man I love is across the table from me, it doesn’t matter what’s on the menu. If he isn’t, then it still doesn’t matter.What is your all-time favorite romantic movie?
AFRICAN QUEEN with Humphry Bogart and Katherine Hepburn.What is your all-time favorite romantic song or composition?
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU by Dolly PartonWhat is the most romantic gesture or gift you have received?
For my 40th birthday, I was given two dozen roses by an anonymous friend. I spent weeks trying to guess which guy I knew liked me enough to pay for that many roses. I didn’t find out until years later who the man was. We never had a romantic relationship, but we did have a friendship that lasted his lifetime.How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?
By refusing to get sucked into the relationship trap of taking people for granted.What tip would you give your readers to make their lives more romantic?
Live each day with your loved one as if it might be the last day you have.Where is the most romantic place you’ve ever traveled?
The Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. They’re perfect. Beautiful country which has some of the kindest, sweetest people I’ve ever met living there.All About Me…
Besides writing, what other talent would you most like to have?
A feel for comedy. Most of my humor is so dry, it slips right past the average person. I’d love to be witty, wisecracking and have a crowd of people hanging around waiting for me to say something funny. And not waiting too long.Who is someone you admire and why?
William Jefferson Clinton. He cares about people, is enormously talented, accomplished much with little credit, and kept going when quitting would have been far easier. Despite his human failings, in my opinion, he is still the greatest president this country has had in this century, with the possible exception of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Maybe great men also have to have human failings.Do you have a good luck charm or superstition?
I have a St. Christopher’s medal which has the Marine emblem, eagle, globe and anchor, on the reverse side. It was given to me by a dear friend and I feel protected from life’s pitfalls when I wear it.Share one of your favorite indulgences with us.
A Golden Pagoda, which is a coconut ice cream dish, with cinnamon-sugar wontons draped around the ice cream. The plate is striped with caramel and chocolate. I usually indulge far past the point of simple enjoyment.What quality do you most admire in a man?
KindnessWhat is the one thing you've always wanted to do, but never had the courage to try?
Fly an ultralight airplane. I’m afraid of heights, but I have dreams where I can fly. I think flying an ultralight might be as close to having wings as I’m going to get without dying.If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
A photographer. I love taking pictures of people and in a way, it’s like telling a story. If you put together pictures of people taken over a span of time, it becomes a story of them.What quote or personal saying do you live by? Who said it?
ALL I ASK FOR IS A TALL SHIP AND A STAR TO STEER HER BY—
From a poem by John Masefield
For me, this means someone who is ready and willing to brave the unknown in search of adventure. It’s not what I am, but what I want to be.How do you like to spend your spare time?
Reading, writing, golfing, being with family. Not necessarily in this order.Citizenship:
United States citizenWebsite address:
jadetaylor.comE-mail address:
writerjadetaylor@comcast.netEducational background:
High School education, some college courses taken through extension classes.Present occupation:
Retired from my day job. I write every day.What prizes, awards and fellowships have you won?
Midwest Fiction Writers Rising Star Award for 2003
Midwest Fiction Writers Service Star Award for 2002
Good Conduct Award from United States Marine Corp (not especially hard to win)What organizations/clubs are you a member of?
Midwest Fiction Writers
Romance Writers of AmericaAre you fluent in any languages other than English?
No. Some of my friends profess to doubt that I'm fluent in English. (grin)
 |
Click Book Cover to Return to Home Page