This is a compilation of the books I have read or I am still reading here on 抖阴社区 and interviews of the amazing authors. If you are looking for a book to read, not any just book, a book that will leave you wanting more, cruising from page to pag...
Firsts are Messy is a young adult romance novel by @jessihansen. It is the first in 9- book series, followed by Sloppy Seconds, Third Time's charm, loving Taylor, among others.
The books can also be found on Amazon Kindle. Here is the link ➡ https://go.authorjh.com/fmss
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Grab your cup of coffee and get to know the author by checking out this amazing interview!
1. What inspired you to start writing?
I’ve been writing my whole life, but I went through a difficult couple of years after I had my kids and needed a creative outlet. I started writing as a way to deal with some of the things that were going on in my life. Out of that hurt and healing, Firsts Are Always Messy was born. Writing FAAM reminded me why I love writing so much and I haven’t slowed down since I started it.
2. What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
The first five chapters are always the hardest part of the writing process for me. Establishing characters and setting the scene takes time and I’m impatient to dive right in. But I believe they are the most important chapters because they are the foundation of the story.
3. What comes first for you - the plot or the characters- and why?
Usually the characters. Jenny from Firsts Is Always Messy was in my head for a long time before I started writing the story. I’m a big fan of letting stories tell themselves. I always have a loose plot, and then I like to see what happens. It’s probably why so many of my chapters are cliffhangers.
4. How do you develop your plot and characters?
Generally, I have three major plot points planned before I start writing the story. I always make a point to give my characters birthdays and personality traits long before I begin writing. Jenny (Firsts Are Always Messy) was sensitive and emotional. Lizzie (The Fire In Her Eyes) was distrustful and lonely. Lacey (This Ain’t My Town) was a social butterfly who loved fashion. Once I know who my main character is, I do my best to create male leads that compliment them and help them become better versions of themselves by the end of the story. If the two main leads don’t make sense, then the story won’t.
5. Does writing energise or exhaust you?
It depends on the story. Writing the Firsts Series is exhausting mentally. There are so many characters to keep track of and so many plot twists that I began taking breaks between books to write other stories. I always like coming back to it though after I'm refreshed.
6. How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
In the beginning, negative comments and reviews were hard to deal with. But I take it all with a grain of salt now. Not everyone is going to like everything I put out. Not everyone is going to like me. And that’s OK. I’ve never written for other people. I’ve always written for myself. It’s easy to hide behind a screen and tear apart someone’s work. It’s much harder to sit behind a screen and pour your heart out on a blank Word document. No one who is doing more than you is ever going to put you down. I always keep that in mind when someone leaves me a mean comment or
7. Do you get creative block?
I do sometimes. But I always force myself to write anyway. You can always go back and edit or add to work. I find the best way to get over a writing block is to just keep writing.
8. All your books have beautiful captivating covers. What would you say to an author who wants to design their cover?
Canva has been a lifesaver. If you can’t afford the subscription to it, I highly recommend just using the free version. I’ve spent a ton of time designing covers and testing them out with readers. I’ve even let them vote on covers to get a general idea of what they like. If you have the readership, that’s a good way to get cover input. If you don’t, try finding stories in your genre and see what’s popular. A rule of thumb for me is to make sure my cover conveys the heart of what’s inside the story.
9. What is your writing Kryptonite?
Love triangles. I’m a huge sucker for love triangles. Writing them is so much fun and I like reading them, too. When I wrote The Fire In Her Eyes, it was never supposed to be a love triangle. But it turned into one after the first 11 chapters. If I can sneak a love triangle in, I’m going to do it.
10. What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
抖阴社区 a story you want to read. 抖阴社区 something you feel passionate about. It’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing, but I think the best stories I’ve read go against the grain. Remember the more you write, the better you’ll get at it. Ask for help when you need it. Read as much as you can. Set goals for yourself but give yourself some grace if you don’t reach them. Above all, have fun with it.
11. Among the books you have written, which one is your favourite and do you relate to the characters in any way?
Firsts Are Always Messy is my favourite. I loved all the characters – which is why it’s turned into a 9-book series. The whole Kearns family is based on my real-life family, who I love dearly. Jenny was so easy to write. I understood her better than I’ve ever understood any of my other characters. She’s emotional and sensitive, but I think she softened me. I seem to cry more happy tears now than I ever have before. I’d like to think it’s because writing a tender-hearted character changed me for the better.
12. Thank you for taking part in this interview! One last question, the fun part, 😅if you could do anything without getting caught, what would it be?
This is such a hard question because I’m a self-professed rule follower. And this answer is going to be so boring, but I would drive faster than the posted speed limit.
Loved all these questions! Thank you for allowing me to share!
