Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.
J.R. Thorn (Jen) – I am a reverse harem paranormal romance author with a penchant for fated mates! I live in Detroit, MI because I was an automotive engineer for ten years, but when the books started taking off it was time to live my dream. I’ve been full-time as an author since January of 2023. Can’t wait to meet everyone at WOTR24!
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
The ones after it! Because then I have to rein in my muse and she doesn’t like it when I do that. Case in point, Fortune Academy was supposed to be a trilogy and I’m releasing book 10 early next year.
When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Oh absolutely. I’m known for having a unique flair to my books that often surprise readers. I started as a fantasy author, so my fantasy brain loves to have fun with things and be creative even if I’m writing in a familiar or well-loved trope.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Be kind to yourself! This is a marathon, not a sprint. Also remind yourself why you’re writing. That always helped pick me up on a tough day.
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
I go through cycles of writing and publishing/admin work. If it’s a writing part of the cycle, I will write in sprints for 4-8 hours in a day, rarely up to 12-14 hours if I’m really getting sucked in. I don’t write at all during stretches of admin work. Being an indie author means there’s a lot of non-writing stuff I have to do, too!
Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.
Vivi from Dragonrider Academy on my A.J. Flowers pen name is my favorite because she’s a regular high school girl just reading in the library dreaming of dragons. Then her dream comes true, including a hot fated mate she didn’t even plan on. (I might identify with Vivi far too much.)
What is your definition of success?
Being a full-time career author and being able to support my family. This is my personal definition and does not have to be the same for anyone else!
Do you have anything you want to share that didn’t fit on one of these questions?
How many pen names do I have? I have 5 pen names! I enjoy developing my skills in various genres to become a more well-rounded author. (That’s just fancy talk for saying my muse has ADHD.)
My pen names are J.R. Thorn (RH Paranormal Romance), Jennifer Thorn (PNR), A.J. Flowers (NA Fantasy Romance), Eva Storm (Post Apoc), and Aurora Weiss (LitRPG — Think Ready Player One)
What are your social links?
@jrthorn_author
https://www.facebook.com/groups/147559016065195
https://www.facebook.com/BloodStoneSeries
https://www.instagram.com/author_jr_thorn
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://linktr.ee/jrthorn
https://linktr.ee/ajflowersbooks
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.