Indie romance authors being interviewed about their books? Yes, please!

Welcome to this monthly series. On the last Friday of each month, I’ll introduce you to an indie romance author and give them the microphone for a while so they can talk a little bit about their work.

I’m thrilled today to chat with Jillian Meadows! Jillian and I connected when she released her first book, Give Me Butterflies, which was around the same time as I was releasing The Write Time. We swooned over our gorgeous, green covers and the rest is history! And she has a new Christmas book coming out soon, so without further ado, let’s hear a little about Jillian and her writing journey.

When did you start writing? What inspired you to start?

I’ve been writing for a few years very sporadically! I wrote a middle grade novel a few years ago, but found my passion for romance soon after that. Writing started as a way to just do something for myself. Something that wasn’t about my kids or husband or housework. I wanted to try something new that was just for ME. I think I was losing my identity in all those other roles in my life, and sitting down to write a book has uncovered who I am at my core somehow.

Describe yourself in three words!

kind, down-to-earth, friendly

Describe your book(s) in 3 words!

swoon-worthy, comforting, steamy

What is your subgenre of romance? Is (are) your book(s) spicy? If so, how spicy?

I write contemporary romance, with laughs and spice! My first book, Give Me Butterflies, is maybe two chili peppers, and my second book, Wreck My Plans, is about three.

What comes first for you, the plot or the characters? Is this different for each book you write? Why do you think that is?

For both books I’ve written so far, the characters have come to me first. I’ve kinds of pictured them in my head, and written their story as I get to know them better. For me, I think that’s because I try to write a very genuine story for those characters, and I want their decisions to feel realistic. So sometimes I don’t even know exactly how the story will play out until I get to a certain moment and gauge what their reactions would be. And I’m sure that’s a nightmare to think about for a writer who plots their stories, but I’m kind of in a grey area between pantsing and plotting, and this seems to work well for me so far.

Why do you write?

I LOVE love stories. I’ve been obsessed with romance for a very long time, and I enjoy getting to share that passion with readers. I adore hearing about the little moments that made my readers squeal and kick their feet. Love is such a universal feeling, and people experience it in so many different ways. And that just fascinates me. But I also write because it makes my heart happy. I feel like I was missing this creative outlet for most of my life, and finding this little pocket of the world to use my imagination has made me feel whole.

What is your favorite part of the writing process and why?

During the Give Me Butterflies process, I would’ve said that drafting was the most fun. But with Wreck My Plans, I enjoyed editing the most. Drafting feels like I’m searching the earth for hidden puzzle pieces, but for me, editing feels like all the pieces are there, spread out on the table, and I can finally see clearly where everything goes and organize it better. I have no idea if that makes sense outside of my brain, but editing gives me a sense of peace in a way. Like I’m finally figuring it all out.

Describe your writing space.

I write a desk in my bedroom. Once a week, it is a clean, organized space. But over the course of the rest of the week, clutter accumulates all over it. Some from me, some from my kids, and a ton of random notes about things I hope to remember. But I then I clean it all up again and start over!

What is your least favorite part of the writing process and why?

When I’m staring blankly at my computer screen with no idea what to type to get to the point I need it be.

Tell us a little about your book(s)! What are they about? What inspired them? When were they/will they be published?

My first book, Give Me Butterflies, is a grumpy/sunshine, single guardian, workplace romance that was published summer 2023. Millie and Finn work in a museum together and have had a few less-than-ideal run-ins, but they start learning more about each other and they realize they might be perfect for each other. “Alexa, play Daylight by Taylor Swift.” I started with the idea that I really wanted a romance that took place in a museum because, at the time, I had never seen one. The characters fell into place in my head, and then I couldn’t stop writing their story!

My second book, Wreck My Plans, comes out on December 1st, 2023! It is a small town holiday romance about the best friend from Give Me Butterflies. It’s a standalone in the same world, and it has a brother’s best friend, age-gap romance. Lena and Gavin haven’t seen each other in a few years (because: reasons you have to read to find out), and when they see each other again, they realize their connection is inevitable. “Alexa, play Invisible String by Taylor Swift.”

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from writing and publishing your book(s) so far?

To take breaks. I’m not great at it, but when I do take breaks, I always come back refreshed. It’s hard to force myself, because I feel like there is ALWAYS something to be doing, but it’s worth it for my mental health.

Which of your main characters would you most like to be friends with in real life and why?

I would love to be in a Millie and Lena friend group. They’re down-to-earth, hilarious, always supportive, and love Gilmore Girls. They are friendship goals, honestly.

Do you eat or drink while you are writing, editing, or doing other writerly things? If so, what’s your go-to snack and drink?

I always have a water (preferably sparkling) and probably a coffee that I forgot to finish. I don’t snack much, but if I do, it’s something tiny like goldfish or grapes!

When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?

I have to make my husband and children leave the house. I need FULL CONCENTRATION, and listening to them playing/fighting in NOT helpful!

Has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself? If so, how?

YES! 100% YES. I feel like I’m finally stepping into who I am meant to be as a person. It has made me more confident, less apologetic for things I shouldn’t be apologizing for, and just generally has made me a stronger person. I feel like ME.

What does success as an author look like for you? 

For me, it looks like making readers smile, squeal, giggle, blush, and fall in love with the worlds and characters I’ve created. I write for myself, but also to share these stories with the world, and the most successful I feel is when I receive a message about how much someone loved or connected with my characters.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

1. Build a community of people you can trust, even if it’s hard. Making friends is SO DIFFICULT, but so necessary in this world. You need people for your own sanity, and the best way to do that is to BE a friend to other people. 2. Be kind to other authors. This is not a competition. We can all sit at this table without fighting over seats. 3. Reviews are for readers, and if it doesn’t serve you and your mental health to read them, just don’t! It’s totally fine!

What was your last 5-star read and why did you love it?

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver. Listen, I know this book isn’t for everyone, so please check the trigger warnings before you dive in. But I LOVED it. ADORED it. Laughed out loud and cringed and gasped and blushed a LOT.

If you want more of Jillian and her books, be sure to follow her on Instagram! Her reels alone are worth the follow. *swoon*

If you are an indie romance author who would like to be featured, or if you know someone who fits the bill and would be interested, you (or they) can fill out the interview form here! Filling out the form is not a guarantee you will be featured. Please read all disclaimers on the form carefully before submitting. Thank you!