Five Questions with Jan Romes

by Julie Tetel Andresen | August 31, 2015 |

Five Questions Series

I love connecting with and learning from other writers and bloggers online. This is the second post in my new series, interviewing some of the intelligent and thoughtful romance writers who share about their craft. Today’s guest is Jan Romes, a fellow literary blogger and the author of the Texas Boys Falling Fast series and sixteen other wonderful contemporary romance novels.

What drew you to start reading and writing in the romance genre?

Jan Romes: I’ve always been a daydreamer. The stories in my head involved love, friction, and happily-ever-afters – the perfect formula for the romance genre. My good friend read Indian romance and gave me a peck sack of paperback books to read. From that moment I was hooked. I loved the angst and how the characters fought their feelings. That sack of books was serendipity. After reading those books I knew I needed to put the stories in my head down on paper.

What is your writing routine (if you have one)?

Jan Romes: My writing routine starts early in the morning with a pot of coffee. I pop into social media to say “Good morning” and to retweet. Then it’s time to fire up the creativity and get serious with storytelling. I write every day, even if I only compose a few paragraphs.

Tell us about the inspiration for your Texas Boys Falling Fast series.

Jan Romes: I think my interest in Texas was spawned from the weekly series Dallas. I never missed an episode. The show had everything — an expansive ranch, oil, to-die-for lifestyles, and larger-than-life personalities. Since then I’ve visited Texas and found it to be everything I imagined.

What is the most challenging part of writing a series? The most rewarding part?

Jan Romes: The most challenging part of writing a series for me is that it required a special kind of organization — keeping details and character traits/personalities straight to carry over from story to story.

The most rewarding part was the development of each character. The main characters in book one got their chance to shine but the secondary characters only had moments. When those secondary characters got their stories it was amazing to discover their depth and their need to find love (even when they thought they didn’t need it).

After writing sixteen books, what have you learned about writing and coming up with story ideas that aspiring writers should know?

Jan Romes: After having written 16 books I’ve learned to relax and let the characters take over. In the beginning I tried to control my characters and where their story was headed. I quickly found out that didn’t work. I had to hand them the reins. I also learned when my creativity stalled it was time to distance myself from the story for a little while. Sometime I needed to go for a walk or do laundry. When I returned to my story, whatever was blocking my thoughts was removed.

I think aspiring writers need to set realistic goals. Give yourself a time frame to finish your story but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t meet that date. Life will occasionally get in the way but don’t let it keep you from achieving your dreams.