Interview with an author: Jourdyn Kelly

Jourdyn Kelly is the best-selling popular author of 10 lesbian romances, 2 of which are in audiobook form.  I asked her questions about her writing and her experience getting into audiobooks.

When and how did you get your start writing?

I started writing my first book in 2002. I had written lyrics and little stories before, but didn't get serious about it until 2002. That's when I started Something About Eve. I had some pretty trying times in my childhood and my imagination is what kept me going. That's the thing that got me into writing. However, it wasn't until after seeing Diane Lane in Unfaithful that I found my muse to settle down and write a full novel. So, Lainey from Something About Eve was my first true character.

What do you find most satisfying about writing/creating characters?

I find it incredibly satisfying to write strong women who don't find other strong women intimidating. Nor do they compete with each other. Instead, they lift each other up. I find an outlet in my characters. In real life, I'm very shy and awkward when talking to people. My brain works faster than my mouth (or doesn't work at all) and I end up stuttering a lot. Or I can't find my words. I find my words in my books speaking through my characters.

What’s unique about your writing?

I focus on strong, yet flawed women. Women who learn from their mistakes and strive to become better. I also think that, while I deal with heavy situations such as abuse, I don't dwell on angst when it comes to my MCs. I focus on communication between them. I used to get frustrated with books I would read when a simple conversation would clear up a problem. I have a lot to say in my books. Sometimes angst for the sake of angst just makes the book drag.

What do you hope to do through your writing?

Dealing with things like abuse, rape, etc. I hope I can reach people who have been through similar things. I would hope they can feel hope after reading. To know they're not alone and that there's help out there and getting help is nothing to be ashamed of. I also hope that people can just be entertained. That they would want to read "one more chapter" because my book(s) have allowed them to escape the reality of the world for a while.

What have you found most surprising along your career as a writer?

How passionate the readers can be! It is natural for me to feel connected to the characters I write. I don't think I anticipated that other people would be just as connected. It's quite wonderful to hear from readers who talk about the people in my head as though they were real. Makes me feel a little less crazy. ;) 

You have exceedingly loyal and adoring fans.  How do you think you've "created" that?

Honestly, that still surprises me. It's a great surprise, though. :) I would like to think that my books speak to them. I write from the heart. I have no script. I have no formula. I have no "plot board". I literally just sit down and write what my heart tells me to write. That's probably why it takes me longer than most authors, but I feel it's my authentic self in my books. Perhaps that's why the readers connect with the books and me. I'm just me. And I love interacting with them. I can talk about my characters all day long. The more real they are to my readers, the better. :)

You (and other lesfic authors, often) create worlds where prejudice and pushback do not exist, worlds of safety and acceptance that don't quite resemble many women's reality.  Why have you made this choice?

I have touched on prejudice and pushback, but not excessively. For me, everyone who is LGBTQ knows that exists. I don't want to focus on that because as part of the LGBTQ community, I'd rather people see how normal our lives are. Meaning, prejudice is not our only problem. We have "normal" problems as well (I say "normal" tongue in cheek.)

I'm one who is waiting for the day when we don't have to announce we're gay. Or if we do say it, it's not front page news because it's just normal. So, again, I don't focus on the prejudice that much. I'd much rather focus on a more tolerant world...as flawed as it still is in my books. Look, my characters have been through some really deep stuff. Ellie hid herself for a long time because of prejudice. But they also surround themselves with people who won't judge them in any areas of their lives.

What makes you happiest about what you do?

Reaching people through my words. Writing from the heart can take a lot out of you. But when I see someone truly enjoyed reading something I wrote, it makes it all worth it. I'm not naive enough to think everyone will like what I write, but I tend to focus on the positive as it inspires me to keep going.

The Truth About Eve is available free here while supplies last. Becoming is on sale soon.