Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.
Jen Talty. I’m a USA Today Bestselling author of Small Town Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance, and I dabble a little in the Paranormal. I live in Jupiter, Florida. A funny little story about that. In 9th grade, my science teacher nicknamed me: Jupiter Jenni. Haha. And now I live there. I have three grown children. One in medical school and the other two are married. I love being an empty-nester, but also love it when they are all home. Writing is my passion and I love sharing it with the world! So, kick back, grab a glass of vino (or whatever you love to drink), relax, and let the romance roll in!
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
It is an interesting question and not easy to answer because they are both hard in different ways. The first book is easier because it’s shiny and new. It’s exciting and gets my blood pumping. But I’m creating a whole new world that I have to populate and get it right! The characters will appear in subsequent books, so they have to be solid, and that’s a lot of pressure. The following books are easier because the world is already set, but they are also hard because it can be difficult to stay within those boundaries. Either way, I love it all!
When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Another fabulous question. What I have learned over the years is that readers love to read more of the same, but different. My readers have a certain expectation when they read my books. When I leave out an epilogue, I hear about it! While I do love a good second chance, I also love instalove! And there are other tropes I write. I really try to find topics that I haven’t touched on before, or approach them in different ways. When writing a family full of brothers, I try to make them as opposite as possible. Or sometimes so similar with one major difference. That’s always fun, because it’s the different thing that sets them apart. I read a ton. I also watch a lot of television. I get so much joy from movies, shows, and reality TV. It also helps generate new and creative ideas.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Take breaks regularly throughout the day. Try not to compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own path and what works for one, doesn’t always work for another. Take the time to learn your process. And don’t be afraid to tweak it from to time. I’m constantly doing that. Set realistic deadlines and goals. Constantly re-evaluate them. Set up a community with other authors. Everyone needs a good support system!
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
Anywhere from 4-8 hours.
Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.
This is always the hardest question for me to write. I adore all my characters. It’s like asking me who my favorite child is! I will say this, though. I have this character named Weezer in my River Winery Series. She’s a secondary character, but she’s hysterical. She’s manipulative, in everyone’s business, but simultaneously very loving and constantly helping the community.
What is your definition of success?
Success means different things to different people. For me everything is about reader connection.
What are your social links?
https://www.facebook.com/JenTaltyRomanceAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/191706547909047/
https://instagram.com/jen_talty
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/od3icplesg
https://amazon.com/author/jentalty
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jen-talty
What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)
https://amazon.com/author/jentalty
https://jentalty.com
https://www.audible.com/author/Jen-Talty/B007H91LVY
Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?
They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com
$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*
$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*
$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*
$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.
$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.