I'm so excited to have Jessica Nelson here today. Jessica's new Love Inspired Historical, Love on the Range, is available for pre-order now!
Jessica, tell us a little about your journey to publication.
It has involved a lot of rewriting. Love On the Range is the first manuscript I ever finished and it was specifically aimed toward Love Inspired Historical. That said, I was such a newbie and new nothing about writing a book. Fortunately writers are an amazing group of people and I’ve had invaluable advice from a broad range of people during the scope of writing that manuscript and the others sitting on my hard drive. For a more in-depth idea of my path to publication, I did a post on Loretta Boyett’s blog a while back. Here’s the link. http://lorettaboyett.blogspot.com/2011/11/jessica-nelson-her-writing-journey.html
It has involved a lot of rewriting. Love On the Range is the first manuscript I ever finished and it was specifically aimed toward Love Inspired Historical. That said, I was such a newbie and new nothing about writing a book. Fortunately writers are an amazing group of people and I’ve had invaluable advice from a broad range of people during the scope of writing that manuscript and the others sitting on my hard drive. For a more in-depth idea of my path to publication, I did a post on Loretta Boyett’s blog a while back. Here’s the link. http://lorettaboyett.blogspot.com/2011/11/jessica-nelson-her-writing-journey.html
I'm a big rewriter too! Why do you write inspirational romance? Has this always been the genre of choice?
Absolutely. I adore romances and could never write something without a romantic thread. As for inspirational, I don’t know that I could write a story without Jesus involved. I never questioned whether he’d be in the story or not. He just is.
Absolutely. I adore romances and could never write something without a romantic thread. As for inspirational, I don’t know that I could write a story without Jesus involved. I never questioned whether he’d be in the story or not. He just is.
That's a great way to put it. I love learning about the writing process other writers go through. Are you a pantser, plotter, or somewhere in between?
Definitely a pantser with a little forethought as to plot turns, etc.
Definitely a pantser with a little forethought as to plot turns, etc.
I'm a little jealous. I can't write anything unless I've plotted out beforehand - or course there are always a few surprises. What has been the biggest surprise from the time you decided you wanted to write a book to today?
Hmmm. Good question! I’m not sure. Maybe that I’m actually going to be published?? LOL
Hmmm. Good question! I’m not sure. Maybe that I’m actually going to be published?? LOL
Well, I'm so excited that it is! Thanks so much for spending time with us today. Here's a little more info about Jessica and her novel, Love on the Range.
Jessica Nelson, in keeping with her romantic inclinations, married two days after she graduated high school. She believes romance happens every day, and thinks the greatest, most intense romance comes from a God who woos people to himself with passionate tenderness. When Jessica is not chasing her three beautiful, wild little boys around the living room, she can be found staring into space as she plots her next story. Or she might be daydreaming about a raspberry mocha from Starbucks. Or thinking about what kind of chocolate she should have for dinner that night. She could be thinking of any number of things, really. One thing is for certain, she is blessed with a wonderful family and a lovely life.
Jessica Nelson, in keeping with her romantic inclinations, married two days after she graduated high school. She believes romance happens every day, and thinks the greatest, most intense romance comes from a God who woos people to himself with passionate tenderness. When Jessica is not chasing her three beautiful, wild little boys around the living room, she can be found staring into space as she plots her next story. Or she might be daydreaming about a raspberry mocha from Starbucks. Or thinking about what kind of chocolate she should have for dinner that night. She could be thinking of any number of things, really. One thing is for certain, she is blessed with a wonderful family and a lovely life.
Love on the Range - Any other socialite would view being packed off to a remote Oregon ranch as a punishment. But Gracelyn Riley knows that this is her opportunity to become a real reporter. If she can make her name through an interview with the elusive hero known as Striker, then she’ll never have to depend on anyone ever again. Rancher Trevor Cruz can’t believe his secret identity is being endangered by an overly chatty city girl. But if there’s one thing he knows, it’s that Gracie’s pretty little snooping nose is bound to get her in trouble. So he’ll use her determination to find “Striker” to keep an eye on her…and stick close by her side.
Where can we find you online?
Website: http://www.jessicanelson.net/
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for having me!! I'm at work today but tonight I'll pop back by to say hey.
Have an awesome day. :-)
Hope you're having a great day at work, Jessica. Thanks for being my guest today!
DeleteI'm still so blown away how you married right out of h.s.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing you two ladies here today!
~ Wendy
Thanks, Wendy!
DeleteIt's a little crazy, right, Wendy? lol
DeleteGreat interview, you two! I loved the book!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read it!
DeleteI enjoyed Julie's questions and glad she had me over. ;-)
DeleteGreat interview, Julie, and loved learning more about you, Jessica. :) Can't wait to read your book. And I love that you married right out of high school - my mom married at 17 one month after she graduated. :)
ReplyDeleteHigh school sweethearts - it could be the spark for one of our novels :)
DeleteCool story. I can't believe she was only 17. That's sooo young!
DeleteGreat interview ladies. I love Jessica's response to writing inspirational. I've never been able to articulate it quite so simply. "I never questioned whether he'd be int he story or not. He just is."
ReplyDeleteI totally know how that goes!
I agree, Katie. That's so true, isn't it?
DeleteLooking forward to reading your book, Katie. :-)
DeleteGreat interview! I think the word pantser frightens my wife. I think if she were one she'd lose her mind.
ReplyDeleteHa! Maybe you're right. Maybe the word pantser is the real reason I'm such obsessive plotter.
DeleteFun interview! I'm a panster too!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun, right Loree? lol
DeleteLove you ladies! Many congrats to both of you on your publishing accomplishments! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThanks, girl. :-)
DeleteEnjoyed the interview. Am sooo looking forward to the release of Jessie's debut novel.
ReplyDeleteDitto!!! :-)
DeleteWhat a great interview, ladies! I just started reading Jessica's book and am really enjoying it. Any book with a spunky heroine is a winner...and boy, is her heroine spunky. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you think she's spunky and not annoying! lol
DeleteGreat interview, you two! I'm starting Jessica's book this week and can't wait.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! I've read her book and it great and I don't usually read that kind!
ReplyDeleteAwww! Thanks Terri. *blushing*
DeleteStacy, I hope you like it. :-)
Great interview! I'm reading Jessica's book right now and really enjoying it.
ReplyDelete