Crime, passion, intrigue, drama, family life, so much has already been lost, yet there is still so much to gain…A sinister criminal organization that longs for more power and the men that are trying desperately to stop them, tender passionate love that’s rapidly blossoming into an all encompassing fire, and the family brings everyone back home is all inside of The Gifted Realm.
Author Jillian Neal is on her blog tour for The Gifted Realm promotion and today she makes a stop to my blog. And I have a lot of questions to ask her…
First of all, how did you come up with the idea of the Gifted Realm Series?
Honestly, the Realm took over my brain. I woke up one morning with Rainer Lawson in my head, and I’ve never looked back. I never concisely sat down and decided to write. I fought it. Finally, after about a week of trying to concentrate on anything else, I sat down and tried to just type out the story that crowded my brain. I typed for two weeks straight. My mind moved faster than my fingers could. It’s still that way although Rainer and Emily’s story is now complete. I’m working on my twelfth novel, and the stories still crowd my brain and won’t give me rest until I get them on paper. The Realm came to me fully formed, but I have no idea where it came from
What genre do you consider your books to be?
I consider my books to be heavy-duty Romance both shaken and stirred with a light twist of fantasy. ;
Do you have a specific writing routine?
I spend about 60 hours a week working. I would be deliriously happy if all of that time was spent writing. I squeeze in every writing moment I can, even if I just get a sentence or two out, it fulfils me. But I also have my hubs and our boys to take care of, blogs to write, editing to do, promoting, dishes, cooking, laundry, and I occasionally do things like showering. He he. I usually try to get writing and editing done while my boys are in school. After they come home we do the homework, dinner, family time thing, and then when they’re in bed, I try to squeeze in a little more work before my darling husband whisks me off to bed.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I really can’t think of one thing I would change in “Rock Bottom.” I really love every single thing in that part of the story. If given the opportunity, however, there is quite a bit I would change in my first book, “Within the Realm.” I’ve learned a lot since that one hit the shelves.
Are your stories based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
My stories and my characters are not based on myself or on anyone I know. I do think that most everyone is a character. I may pick up a trait here or there from a friend or acquaintance or just a person I saw in the grocery store or at the mall. I’m always people-watching. There really are stories everywhere, and I love to weave them into my novels.
Do you ever experience writer’s block?
I’m always terrified to answer this question because I’m worried I’m going to jinx myself. I have never experienced writer’s block. From the moment Rainer Lawson took over my mind, every time I sit down to write the story spills forth. Sometimes it trickles and sometimes it’s a tidal wave, but it’s always there.
What is your next project?
My fifth book in “The Gifted Realm” series, “An Angel All His Own,” is being edited. It will be out later this year.
Author Bio:
Jillian Neal is a New Adult author with a passion for passion. She writes strong character driven novels told from the male perspective. Her guys aren’t afraid to let us inside their minds or inside their bedrooms. Young love comes to life inside the author’s Realm, along with sinister crime fighting, mixed in with a hearty dose of family. The engaging adventures will stretch your mind and keep you coming back for more.
Jillian lives outside of Atlanta with her husband, children, and their pot-belly pig, Beans.
Penny Writes 