Strictly Professional… and interview with author Christina Jones

I’m so happy to have an interview with new author Christina Jones on ye old blog today. Christina is a talented author, blogger who is also a busy working wife and mom. It’s a treat to get to pick her brain for a few moments.

Hi Christina thanks so much for being here on ye old blog today. It’s a real pleasure. First off can you tell us a bit about your current work?

My latest work, Strictly Professional is the story of a 20-something, Gabi, who is trying her best to gain her independence and make her mark on the world, despite the efforts of her family and a (quite frankly) crazy ex.  In the midst of this, she develops a crazy level of chemistry with someone (Terrence) that it’s probably not a very good idea to become romantically involved with.  On the other side, we have Terrence, who is very focused on his career, and definitely not looking for love.  They both have to decide if they’re willing to risk not only their hearts, but their careers in order to pursue what could be happily every after.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always known that I had a passion for writing, and storytelling, but I did not know that I wanted to be a writer. I started out writing in long hand, back in high school.  I would put together these folders of stories, and pass them around amongst my class.  There was a situation where someone I really cared about wasn’t supportive of it, and I stopped writing for a long time.  I actually hadn’t written in years, and started back up on a whim, writing fan fiction, just as a way to put my work out there, and get feedback from other people.  Then, I found out that I could publish my own work, and I just decided “Hey, I’m gonna write a novel!” So I did.

Wow good for you, going for it and putting yourself out there. That’s brave! Do you feel your works are more character or plot driven?

I feel like my work is definitely more character driven.  Before I even put a single word on the page, I get to know my character.  What motivates them, what makes them happy, what pisses them off, etc.  Once I know them well, I’m confident in putting their story down on the page, and I won’t change my character to fit something that I want to happen in the story.  It’s not my story, it’s theirs!

What made you choose this genre to write in?

I chose my genre (Contemporary Romance/Women’s Fiction) because it is one of my favorite genres to read.  The other genre is Fantasy, and I am absolutely not equipped right now for the type of detail and world-building that goes into Fantasy!  I love to be able to escape into a book with characters and situations that I can relate to, and I want to create that type of feeling for other people.

Tell us a bit about your writing schedule. Are you a Plotter or a Pantser?

I am absolutely a Pantser!  I have a graphic design business, two small children, a husband, and I’m in college full time, so during the semester, I just have to get in where I fit in!  Anytime I can grab thirty minutes here, an hour there, I take it and do what I can.  I’m definitely more productive during the short breaks from school.

LOL so just a little busy. Thanks so much for taking the time to be with us today. Lastly, what can readers expect next from you?

My latest WIP is going to be a bit more fast-paced and fun that Strictly Professional.  It’s a story of two sisters, and their struggles with family, career, and of course relationships.  These women are in their 30s, so it will be a little more grown up as well.  It’s untitled as of now, and I have no idea when I’ll finish, but I’m hoping I’ll be done and ready to start on the second part to Strictly Professional by this Summer.

Once again thanks for being here. It was a real treat and a pleasure!

Readers you can find Christina at these sites just a few clicks away.

Blog- www.beingmrsjones.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BeingMrsJones

Twitter – www.twitter.com/beingmrsjones

And your can pick up your copy of Strictly Professional here.

All the best,

KMJ