Marcia James, Author of Hot, Humorous Romances

THE JAMES GANG

Each month I interview an author or publishing insider who has “James” in his/her name. My October James Gang interview is with Samhain Publishing/Amber Quill author, Kelly Jamieson.

1. Let’s get the most important question asked first: Why James?

Jamieson is actually my maiden name. It seemed natural to use it when I wanted to find a pen name. I don’t know much about the background of it, but I believe it has something to do with horse thieves on the run from Scotland to Ireland.

2. What fiction genre(s) and/or sub-genre(s) do you write?

I write contemporary romance, ranging from spicy to erotic with a few romantic suspense stories thrown in.

3. Tell us about your latest release.

My Samhain release, Love Me More, comes out October 13. It’s a short novella and is a sort of “sequel” to Love Me, my very first book ever published. Both stories are about a couple who, though they’re very much in love, have some communication breakdowns. Here’s the blurb:

This time, it’s all about his ultimate fantasy. If she has the nerve…

The sequel to Love Me.

In a bid for her boyfriend’s undivided attention, Melina indulged in a flirtation that led to an unexpected—and incredibly sexy—threesome.

Now, months later and on their way to the altar, she and Gavin don’t talk much about that night. Except his confession that in his threesome fantasies, the two women are focused entirely on his pleasure.

Melina is a little uncomfortable about that—and more uncomfortable about the wild and wicked bachelor party his buddies have planned for him. She’s no prude, but the idea of him being uh…attended to by unknown women is driving her crazy. Gavin agrees to a compromise, but it leaves her with a lingering feeling of guilt.

How to make it up to him? She has an idea…but does she have the nerve?

Warning: This story contains fighting, pouting, guilt, make-up sex, a threesome, and more make-up sex.

4. Is there a core story and/or a theme(s) in your books?

Well, obviously the most common element is love. I truly believe in the power of love in our lives, which is why romance has such an important place. Love has the power to transform us. There are also strong elements of family (although family may be who you choose to love as opposed to blood relatives), and a recurring theme that sacrifice will be rewarded.

5. Do you have a favorite hero and/or heroine in your books and why?

I can’t name a favorite because I love them all! Even Melina, in Love Me and Love Me More (noted above) who has moments of self-centeredness (don’t we all?) but truly loves Gavin and is finding her way through her relationship with him.

6. What do you enjoy most about being an author?

I just love writing and sharing my stories. Pretty simple! The writing process just energizes me and excites me, it’s satisfying when you work out a problem (and frustrating when there is a problem!). Hearing from readers who like my stories is such a thrill.

7. Do you have any awards, reviews or kudos you’d like to tell us about?

I’ve been fortunate to have several good reviews on my books.

8. How do you promote your books and your author brand?

Well, this has to be the part of writing I enjoy the least! I like writing the books, not selling them. To do it, I take advantage of my publishers’ loops (and I have great publishers, by the way!) and the wonderful readers who hang out there make it fun. I use my blog and website and newsletter and I belong to a few writing groups. Recently I joined up with 8 other authors to form a group to help us promote our work and each other's – we’ll be launching our new blog soon!

9. What is your next project?

Gah! I don’t know how to answer that. I have several different projects in the works. I’m working on a series involving a private security company (but it’s different!) and I’m finding the subplots and different stories all very complicated. I’ve had to do a ton of research, too. I hope it all comes together, but it’s going slowly! Along with that, I’ve sketched out two other books, one stemming from my recent visit to the wine country near Santa Barbara, California, and another “sequel” to one of my completed manuscripts involving a family of four brothers who are all professional hockey players. (I love hockey!)

10. Do you have a bit of wisdom you'd like to impart or a favorite quote?

My favorite quotes change frequently depending on mood. Right now I’m liking Miley Cyrus (don’t laugh!) “Ain't about how fast I get there, Ain't about what's waiting on the other side - It's the climb.” which I relate to my writing and reminds me to slow down and have fun.

Thanks, Kelly! Next month I’ll interview Samhain Publishing author, Jamie Craig!

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