Today on ye old blog we have fab author, Jacki Kelly here to discuss writing and her latest contemporary romance, DONE WITH DATING from her Dating Just Got Serious series.

Hi Jacki, thanks so much for being here on ye old blog today. It’s a real treat.

First off can you tell us a bit about DONE WITH DATING?

Done with Dating is the sixth book in the Dating Just Got Serious Series. It’s Renee’s story. She lives her life by one rule.  For Richard McKinney, rules are made to be broken. He does whatever makes him happy. During the Valentine’s Day wedding of Renee’s best friend something magical happens to her and Richard. But there is one thing standing in the way. And it’s big.

What inspired you to write this story?

I wanted to write a story where the hero wasn’t perfect. I wanted to show that sometimes couples have hurdles that aren’t easy to overcome. Sometimes you have to believe in each other enough to give your love a chance.

How does it tie in with the rest of the series?

The others stores in the series are all about sisters and girlfriends navigating the single dating scene and trying to find happiness and someone special. Just like in real life none of them have an easy time on the romance treadmill.

Do you feel your works are more character or plot driven?

That’s a good question. I guess I’d have to say character driven. If I were to change any of the characters in this series, the stories would be different and take a different path.

What made you choose this genre to write in?

I actually write in two genres, romance and women’s fiction. I like them both. Romance allows me to have the happily-ever-after ending that I wish always happened in real life. Women’s fiction allows me to tell a very different kind of story with all the harsh realities of real life. But my women’s fiction books all have a satisfying ending, even though they may not be happy-ever-after.

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

I’m a plotter. And just recently I’ve stepped up my plotting game. I’ve gone beyond just outlining the story and now I also do a plotting board. I’ve found the more detail I work out in the beginning of the book, the more complex I can make the story. Watch out, I might get dangerous.

This question is a favorite of mine. Care to share the story of your “overnight” success with my readers?

I wish I had an overnight story to tell you about. But I’ve been writing for years. I’ve published short stories and personal essays as well as over ten books. My passion for writing started long before I thought about publishing books.  Now I realize even if I decided not to publish another book, I would still write stories. Writing is just a part of who I am.

What advice would you give other aspiring writers?

I would advise aspiring writers to sit down and write. A writer is a person who writes. So finish a piece of work and let others read the material. Don’t wait, do it now.

Lastly, what can readers expect next from you?

I have three books coming out later this year. They were published several years ago by a small publisher. These books will have new covers and additional content. I encourage your followers to go to my website at jackikelly.com and sign up for my newsletter. For signing up they’ll get a free book and information on upcoming releases and events.

Thanks so much for being here today. It’s been a real pleasure.

Folks you can keep up with Jacki and her happenings here in these places on the web:

Email: Jackikellybooks@gmail.com

http://www.jackikelly.com

Twitter – @jackikellybooks

http://facebook.com/jackikellyauthor

 Jacki Kelly has written dozens of short stories and several books. She lives in the North East with her husband and one loveable dog. She loves hearing from her readers so please contact her.

You can pick up DONE WITH DATING HERE.

All the best,

KMJ