Billionaire's Matchmaker by Shirley Jump, Susan Meier, Jackie Braun and Barbara Wallace --Interview and Giveaway

Shirley Jump, one of the authors of The Billionaire's Matchmaker has come by to speak with us as part of a Virtual Book Tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will award a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour--remember, the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

What inspired you to start writing?

When I was a little girl, I would read books and not be happy with the endings. So I’d rewrite the endings, to have the happy ending I wanted, or to see the sister end up with the prince. That inspired a love of storytelling and a writer was born!

How long have you been writing?

Literally all my life. Thank God they pay me to do this job because I have no other life skills ;-) I started working for newspapers when I was in 8th grade (I lied about my age) and started writing books about 20 years ago.

What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?

Read, read, read and write, write, write. It always astounds me the number of writers who don’t read. You have to read a LOT and write a LOT because that is the only way to develop that innate sense of story.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

I have days when the writing is hard and days when it’s easy. I don’t believe in block—I believe it’s like any job. Some days are awesome, some are tough. The key is to keep on showing up and doing your job.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to tell us about?

I’m working on the next Sweetheart Sisters book, and this one (for those who read THE SWEETHEART BARGAIN) features Doc Harper and a mistake from his past coming back to change his future! The matchmaking grannies are once again up to no good, creating happy endings in Rescue Bay!

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written 50, and honestly, my latest single title, THE SWEETHEART BARGAIN, is my favorite. It was a tough book to write with a really wounded, heartbroken hero, and a rescue dog who needed love in the worst way, and giving that book the right emotional depth, offset with some humor, was tough, but worth it!

What is your favorite food? Least favorite? Why?

I love cupcakes. I mean, like would push a small child to the side to get the last one love. Okay, I might not be THAT mean, but I do love cupcakes. They’re the perfect everything, all in one little package. My least favorite food…I have to really think about that because I like pretty much anything. I’ll try anything once—because you just never know what your next favorite food will be!

What is the most embarrassing thing your mother ever did to you?

When I was in high school, my mom read about using mayonnaise as a hair conditioner. We conditioned my hair that morning, super early, then RAN OUT OF SHAMPOO. I had to go to school with my hair all mayo-ish and nasty looking. I ended up pretending to be sick so I could go home early, buy some shampoo, wash my hair and go back to school. On the upside, I had awesome hair afterwards!

When writing descriptions of your hero/ine, what feature do you start with?

Eyes, for sure. I think eyes are the windows to the person you are inside, and they’re the first thing I connect with when I meet someone new.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A total pantser. It’s an insane way to write a book and every time, I say I’m going to plan more, but honestly, if I know the ending, I don’t want to write the book.

Ebook or print? And why?

I’m a print book lover. I take ebooks on vacation, but I love the smell, feel, weight, everything about real books. I love to dogear the pages and share books with friends. I love the smell of bookstores…everything about real books.

If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?

There, I’d probably have to have an iPad or Kindle or something. And a phone, just in case I got a signal at some point ;-) I’d need something that played music, for sure, so I could keep myself entertained when I was running or working. After that…a laptop, so I could keep on writing and wouldn’t have to make my own paper out of palm leaves ;-) And a DVD player with a HUGE stack of movies to keep me entertained until Prince Charming (aka my husband) comes to rescue me! ;-)

Weather: Hot or cold?

Hot for sure! We just moved to Florida this summer and I couldn’t be happier. I love, love, love the beach and the sunshine and that every day is nice and toasty warm. If there’s one thing I hate, it’s being cold!

Favorite place to read?

By the beach or by the pool. It just feels super relaxing that way. And if someone else is in the house cooking dinner, that’s even more relaxing!

Favorite non-alcoholic drink

What’s the point? LOL. I’m a water drinker, but love a good margarita, too ;-)

Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?

Driving Mr. Wrong Home by Shirley Jump: When a handsome man from Gabby’s past agrees to a cross-country road trip, her master plan to re-launch her art career quickly morphs into an unexpected, romantic reunion.

The Sheriff’s Secret by Susan Meier: Marney’s 9-1-1 emergency help arrives in the form of a rugged, blue-eyed cop. Now she has the perfect bodyguard to keep her safe during those dark, steamy nights…

Love Unleashed by Jackie Braun: The last thing Mia wants is a relationship…yet the headstrong florist can’t keep her hands off her sexy-as-sin ex-boyfriend. Will she open her heart before he leaves town for good?

Love in the Shadows by Barbara Wallace: Jenny is a woman on a mission – she’ll even resort to dognapping to make her point! But can she teach a reclusive, emotionally-wounded tycoon that love heals all thing?

About the Author:New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shirley Jump spends her days writing romance and women’s fiction to feed her shoe addiction and avoid cleaning the toilets. She cleverly finds writing time by feeding her kids junk food, allowing them to dress in the clothes they find on the floor and encouraging the dogs to double as vacuum cleaners. Look for her Sweet and Savory Romance series, including the USA Today bestselling book, THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE, on Amazon and Nook, and the debut of her Sweetheart Club series for Berkley, starting with THE SWEETHEART BARGAIN in September 2013. Visit her website at www.ShirleyJump.com or read recipes and life adventures at www.shirleyjump.blogspot.com. Also, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.