Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Jordana Winters

Interview with Jordana Winters:

Hi Jordana. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...

- Please tell us about your latest book.

‘Uncaged’ is available for sale as an e-book at Forbidden Publications. It’s a historical/romantic piece chronicling the life of a woman forced into a loveless marriage.

- How do we find out about you and your books?

My webpage, my myspace page, or better still – just ask.

- How would you describe the genre in which you do most of your writing?

Although I dabble in writing fiction, my main genre is women’s erotic fiction.

- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

My personality more so than my life experiences influence my writing. Having said that, a lot of times I create a character that shares my personality traits but as the story progresses the character develops into someone other than I intended. By the end of the piece it has usually morphed into something other than what I initially brainstormed.

- What would you say are the biggest challenges that you face?

The biggest challenge I have faced so far in my writing has been learning the art of showing rather than telling. Although I do feel I have made a lot of progress in that area I don’t think I am near being as close to perfecting that skill as I would like.

- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

No set schedule. I write when the mood strikes me.

- What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?

I am motivated to write a good piece of fiction. I’m a perfectionist and am not satisfied if I think anything I write is in any way mediocre. If I can walk away from a piece happy with the final draft then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. If others enjoy my writing and tell me such I’m happier still. My main motivation in writing erotic fiction is to titillate, turn on or inspire my readers.

- Where do your ideas come from?

Nowhere in particular. Usually from a single idea and then a story is born.

- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?

I would certainly like to try if I was inspired enough by a particular genre or subject.

- What are some of your favorite things to do?

Work out. Chill out. Walk. Watch movies. Socialize. Read.

- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?

Yes. I’m a member of the Erotic Authors Association and the Erotic Readers & Writers Association.

- What do you think of critique groups in general?

I think they are the best thing for any writer – whether it is an amateur, or someone who has been writing for years. If it weren’t for the critiques I’ve received from other writers I have no doubt that my work would be in far worst shape. I have no formal education or training in writing. Everything I’ve learned has been self taught, learned through example and from asking a lot of questions from others.

- How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?

I’ve been writing for going on six years. Writing as a hobby or career wasn’t something I had ever considered for myself. The first piece I ever wrote was written as a half joke. I was inspired by a friend who was a writer and thought I’d give it a shot. That one story turned into a second story and then a third. Here I am, years later, I’ve been published a dozen times and still can’t believe it.

- After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?

Only if a considerable amount of time has passed. In order to get a book polished and ready for publication an obscene amount of editing is required. By that point I could likely recite the majority of the book by memory because I’ve edited and re-read it so many times. The last thing I would want to do is read it again.

- What sets the book apart from the other things you have written?

‘Uncaged’ is the longest piece I have ever written to completion. It is also the only historical piece I’ve ever written.

- What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?

Being published in print, not once, but twice in the Best Women’s Erotica anthologies.

- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?

It varies from piece to piece so it’s hard to say. In general I believe the characters develop first and the rest falls into place.

- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?

Yes unfortunately. I don’t dwell on it and let it pass. I’ve tried forcing myself to write and it has never been successful.

- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

Being published is definitely on the top of the list. A close second is receiving feedback. Receiving a random email from a reader that enjoyed one of my stories enough that they were inspired to let me know they enjoyed it is something I will never grow tired of.

- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?

I’m still trying to figure that out.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Keep plugging away at your work. Stay focused. Don’t get deterred by rejection notices. I believe that every story has a home – it’s just a question of finding the one most suitable.

Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

Jordana's Website Forbidden Publications Buy Uncaged at Forbidden Bookstore