New Release & Questions With Jennifer Wilck!

Hi peeps! Today we have Jennifer Wilck talking about her new release and answering all kinds of questions! Please give a hearty welcome and congratulations to Jennifer! 

Hi Jen! Can you tell us a little about your current release?

Miriam’s Surrender is the second book in my Women of Valor series. It’s a contemporary romance that takes place around the Jewish holiday of Passover. Although the the hero is the villain from book one, and the heroine is the sister of the first book’s heroine, it can easily be read as a standalone book.

What inspired this story?

I love reading all kinds of romance, but I’ve noticed that most romances are, by default, Christian. The hero and heroine get married in a church, the holiday celebrated is Christmas, etc. I enjoy those books, but it’s also nice to read diverse stories and I wanted to see what would happen if I made the default Jewish. The first book in my series was The Seduction of Esther. The villain in that story was Josh, and he was so much fun to write, and to redeem, that I wanted to give him his own book.

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What are you working on now? Do you have any releases scheduled for this year?

I’m currently editing a contemporary romance that is not part of this series, tentatively titled In the Moment, that’s based on this beautiful old Victorian mansion that I walked through when it was for sale. If I had the money for renovating it, I would. But that got me thinking who might buy this house and what would they do with it. So I created Cassie, a foster child who had grown up in the house, loved it and bought it to fix it up and raise her future family there. She hires a guy who’s passing through town to help her with some of it. He’s a war photographer with a secret and, well, it’s a great story! I’m also having my first book, A Heart of Little Faith, rereleased by my current publisher in November. And finally, I’m going to begin book three in the Women of Valor series.

What do you enjoy most about writing?

I love being able to disappear into my characters and their stories. It’s a great escape from the stress of everyday life.

Where do you start when writing? Research, plotting, character, or...?

Well, other than the story I told you about that was inspired by the house—yes, I started with the house on that one, I usually start with characters. Who are they, what do they do, what’s their goal and motivation, etc.

What is the best thing about being an author?

Getting to see my books in print. It’s so exciting!

What is your favorite scene from this story and why?

In Miriam’s Surrender, my favorite scene is at the end of the book. I can’t tell you details because of spoilers, but Josh reveals the secret that explains his behavior and Miriam finally understands him. The other scene I really like is the first time he takes her out to dinner. He’s planned everything perfectly, but nothing goes as planned. You get to see him flounder a bit and you get to see how Miriam gets him to relax.

How do you balance writing and everyday life?

Well, right now, as I’m answering your questions, I’m getting multiple texts from my daughter and husband and my mom just called. Plus I’m cooking for Rosh Hashanah (soup and brisket). It’s hectic and I don’t think there’s a “balance,” at least not a perfect one. But in general, other than today, I try to carve out times to do different things. I’m lucky enough to be home, so once my kids leave, I can portion out my day. That’s not to say that things don’t come up, they do, but in general, I try to do my writing when they’re not around and spend time with my family when they are.

Where is your favorite place in the world?

My favorite place in the world is Paris. I loved it there!

Mine, too! What is your favorite food to cook or eat?

Chocolate.

Again, me, too! LOL What do you like to read?

Historical romance is my favorite escape. Otherwise, almost anything.

Can you give us a few of your favorite things?

1. My family

2. My friends

3. Chocolate

 How about an excerpt?

Josh sat in the cab and looked out the window. Lights and people and cars and buildings rushed by in a blur. His eyes glazed over and in their place Miriam appeared. Miriam touching his arm and reassuring him, Miriam smiling, Miriam’s hair shining, Miriam looking at him as he bent to kiss her.

Whatever made him do it? When they’d stood outside her apartment in the cold night air, her cheeks had turned pink from the cold. He smiled. She controlled so many of her outward reactions to things, but she couldn’t control that one.

From his height and angle, he’d watched the light from the street lamps shine on her hair, making it appear to glow. Their breath, a white fog, had intermingled as they stood facing each other.

Her lips were soft and plump. He’d spent the evening watching them mold words, stretch into a smile, surround her food as she chewed. He couldn’t help himself; he’d wanted to kiss her. It was the briefest wish. He’d made the slightest move toward her. But in the one too-brief second, he’d glimpsed much more. Her pupils had dilated, she’d raised her face to his and she’d parted her lips. He’d discovered Miriam’s desire.

And now he knew she wanted him, it would take all of his control not to give in to his own need.

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Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. As an adult, she started writing them down and after several years of writing, editing and querying publishers, she’s a multi-published author. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and always end with happily ever after.

When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling and watching TV. She volunteers with her Temple and is also a freelance writer for magazines, newspapers and newsletters.

A Heart of Little Faith and Skin Deep were published by Whiskey Creek Press in 2011. The Seduction of Esther, the first in the Women of Valor series, was published in June 2013 by Rebel Ink Press. The next book in that series, Miriam’s Surrender, will be published September 10, 2014. All books can be purchased through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.