Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.
I write light-hearted, quirky romance and young adult as Stephanie J. Scott and romantic comedy as Stephanie Jayne. I live in greater Chicago area and grew up in Michigan, where I have set a number of books in both real and fictional places. I’m an avid reader, X-box gamer, and cat wrangler. My husband is a creative himself and we’re often working on projects side-by-side.
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
The first book for sure since everything is brand new.
When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
My romances focus on new characters and love interests for each book, but the fun of it is to work in characters from previous books. I’m an ideas person, so I have far too many ideas for books at this point. Though not every idea makes a good book. Sometimes ideas become part of larger plots, or they stay on a list tempting me to write more.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
There are a ton of resources available to writers these days. Honestly, the hardest part is narrowing down which advice to go with. I always say start with free first. Facebook author and writing groups, library groups, books about writing or publishing, affordable workshops recommended by trusted sources. You don’t need pricey courses to start writing; beware, there are a lot of grifters out there who will gladly take your money. My gateway into writing novels was National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) which is free and has great support for beginning writers through their online forums. Their initiative is to encourage anyone to get started writing, regardless of experience.
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
I don’t write daily. I mostly write on weekends, but aim to write during the week when I can. I have a longtime critique group who I meet up with in person and virtually who keep me going when it’s tough. Marketing work happens all the time–it never stops!
What is your definition of success?
Once upon a time, I wanted to write a book–one book. Now I’ve published ten with another two on the way. I find looking back helps see what I’ve already accomplished and assists with new goals.
What are your social links?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniejaynebooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniescottauthor
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephaniejayne.bsky.social
twitter: @stephjaynebooks https://twitter.com/stephjaynebooks
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.)
Stephanie J. Scott:
https://books.apple.com/us/author/stephanie-j-scott/id1561904072
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Stephanie%20J.%20Scott%22
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=stephanie%20j%20scott
Stephanie Jayne:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738365/ive-got-my-mind-set-on-brew-by-stephanie-jayne/
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.