Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself and which Twinsie do you know.
“J.L. Baldwin I know J.M. Walker! She’s one of my favorite humans EVER. A bit about me? Oh, goodness. Ummm…well, I’m a huge Disney nerd. I plan on moving to Florida soon to be closer to Disney World. That just about sums up my personality! haha! No, I’m just kidding. Well, other than writing, I love to read a lot. Not as much as I’d like to, because I have stories to write. 😉 I recently got into The Office so that’s my new obsession. #JimIsMine Other than that, I don’t really have much about me to talk about. I’m boring. LOL!”
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
The first book. ALWAYS. If it’s a continuous storyline spread out among several books, that’s a big harder to tackle. But if they are standalone books, then that’s easier. I kind of already know how the characters are going to be from the first book so that kind of sets up the rest. The writing comes a lot faster. It’s that first book that makes me want to pull my hair out sometimes. haha
What comes first? The plot or characters?
It’s equal. Sometimes I develop the plot first, other times the characters. For the current series I’m writing, the plot for the first book kind of came first. I just made some minor changes then the characters started talking. I’ve never had a book where I know right off the bat how each main hero of the book is going to behave this early in the game. I’m about halfway through book 1, and the next two books, the heroes are so freaking loud, I can’t silence them.
What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?
J.M. Walker! She’s one of many. She could write a cookbook, and I’d buy it. Others are, Colleen Hoover, K. Webster, etc. The list is endless.
If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?
“1. What’s your outlining process? 2. Do you always have characters in mind when you’re developing a plot? Or do they come afterwards? 3. Which one of your books do you see being made into a movie or TV show? ”
What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series?
BLURB *hiss* The blurb writing is the WORST. Omg. I’m so glad there are blurb writers out there because even though I haven’t used one yet, I am glad to know they’re available if I need them. LOL. Oddly enough, I can’t write a story unless I have either a title or working title that can be changed later. I need something as a foundation.
What is your favorite memory so far as an author?
Meeting readers. Seeing how excited they were is a feeling that will never grow old. I’ve always said I will never take being an author for granted, and seeing how excited people get over your books is the best feeling in the world.
What is your definition of success?
Success is being able to take a family vacation for the first time in years because you finally can afford it, or putting your kid through college so they don’t ruin their adult lives with student loans. Or buying a house with the money you’ve made doing something you love. Being successful to me means living comfortably. I don’t care about becoming rich. Okay, I lie. I’d love to be rich and own yachts and mansions, etc. But, if I’m able to live a comfortable life, pay my bills, put some money into savings, and not be stressing out over money every day like I am right now, that’s what being successful means to me.
What are your social links?
“Reader Group: https://bit.ly/JLBaldwinFBGroup Twitter: https://bit.ly/JLBaldwinTwitter Instagram: https://bit.ly/JLBaldwinIG Facebook: https://bit.ly/JLBaldwinFB Goodreads: https://bit.ly/JLBaldwinGR Amazon: https://bit.ly/JLBaldwin Bookbub: https://bit.ly/JLBaldwinBookbub Newsletter: https://bit.ly/JLBaldwinsNewsletter ”
What are your buy links?
www.amazon.com/author/jlbaldwin