Jill Shure has written books, screenplays, and TV scripts. She won the prestigious Ben Franklin Award for Night Jazz. She lives in Southern California where she is
working on her next novel.
Book Description:
Courtney Farrow is a woman other women despise. She will steal your lover or husband, leave you crying, and wash her hands in your tears. Her special victim is Betsy Ross. Ever since Courtney bought life insurance from Betsy and insinuated herself into Betsy's circle of friends, Courtney has used all her charms to seduce every guy in Betsy's life.
So when Courtney turns up deader than a cooked Brussels sprout in a neighbor's garage after an ugly confrontation with Betsy at a party, more than a few fingers point to Betsy as the murderess.
So begins Betsy's life as an amateur sleuth in A Clause for Murder, where in order to save herself from being the prime suspect, Betsy must discover who killed Courtney Farrow, a woman too many men loved and too many women despised. A woman who made men and women pay for her favors.
Q: Welcome, Jill, to Romance Author Buzz. Is there a behind the book story to A Clause for Murder?
A: Yes, I lived where Betsy Ross lives. And I sold insurance, too.
Q: Are you a plotter or pantser? What is your routine?
A: I outline, I write, I do more outlines. I throw away outlines, I wing it. I do everything.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring authors?
A: Give yourself time to learn. Learn grammar. Learn writing skills. Don't rush to sell your first efforts. They may not do you justice.
Q: How did you start your career? Who was your first publisher?
A: I studied in workshops, won awards, then published with Writers Club Press.
Q: What are you working on right now?
A: I'm currently writing a second book in the Betsy Ross Series, the one following A CLAUSE FOR MURDER.
Q: What news would you like to share with your readers?
A: I think my new novel, DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT, will be as funny, sexy, and fast-paced as A CLAUSE FOR MURDER.
Q: Where can readers find you?
A: Pretty much on any bookseller's website in the world.
Q: How do you build the relationship between these two characters so that it feels real?
A: In a romance or a mystery (because I always include a huge romance in all of my books), I like the woman to be a bit insecure but realistic. And the male to be complicated and difficult. There's usually an initial attraction followed by difficulties arising from commitment phobias or other issues arising from the plot. But I basically like decent people so my protagonists are good people with all the issues most of us have.
Q: Do you identify with the characters you write about?
A: Absolutely. My female leads have a lot of me inside them. They may be younger, prettier, or more accomplished, but their energy is my energy. I do, however, put them in situations I have never encountered because this is fiction.
Q: Tell us a little about your favorite “hero” type guy.
A: He's strong, handsome, worldly, with a track record with women. At heart, he's very kind and human. But he's usually a scoundrel to some extent. He breaks hearts without meaning to.
Q: Would you please describe the heroines you love to write?
A: My heroines are very romantic but realistic, too. They're steeped in reality. Hence, they fret, worry, plan, and go to bed and eat ice cream when things get too tough.
Q: How would you describe your life in only 8 words?
A: I'm a very lucky woman with a loving husband.
Q: What is your motto or maxim?
A: Work hard but enjoy life because it goes by in a flash. And remember, time really does heal all wounds.
Q: How would you describe perfect happiness?
A: Good times with my husband and my dogs and cats. Writing, seeing friends, traveling, painting, playing tennis and horseback riding.
Q: What’s your greatest fear?
A: Dying too young from cancer. Or living too long and ending up in a nursing home.
Q: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?
A: Today, exactly where I am. Next week, who knows. I love traveling, especially in the U.S.
Q: What are your most overused words or phrases?
A: I'm drawing a blank. Maybe, “You know?”
Q: What do you regret most?
A: Being too sensitive.
Q: If you could acquire any talent, what would it be?
A: Being fearless in sports and in life, in general.
Q: What’s your fantasy profession?
A: Being a regular on a sitcom I love.
Q: If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?
A: Ice Cream.
Q: Do you have one sentence of advice for new writers?
A: Learn your craft and don't publish until you're ready.
Q: What comment do you hear most often from your readers?
A: They think my books are always funny and fun to read.
Jill, thanks for allowing me to interview you at Romance Author Buzz.
Where you can find Jill:
Jill at Twitter
Jill Shure at Facebook
Jill's Website
Jill has generously offered to give away a copy of one of her books from her previous Night series (Night Jazz, Night Glitter, Night Caps). To win a copy tell us if you've ever experienced someone trying to flirt or try to take away your significant other? US Residents only.
For additional chances to win, friend Jill on Facebook, follow her on Twitter or comment about this Q&A on her Facebook page. Come back here and post a comment and don't forget to leave your email address so that you can be contacted. The winner will be announced May 1st.
No comments:
Post a Comment