Interview With Judy Teel Author of Cinderella Heiresses Series

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always loved creating stories, but when I was fifteen and bored to tears while my tenth grade English teacher covered Bill Budd, it hit me like a bolt of lightening – I want to write fun, fast-paced romantic fiction for a living! I’ve held onto that dream through all life’s ups and downs and am now living it. Moral of this story: Never give up on your dreams! 

How long does it take you to write a book?

It takes me four to five months to write a 55,000 word book. I hope to get faster as the years roll by, but no luck so far.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Not too quirky, but I like to write to Jazz music. I wish I could say I have a special writing hat, but I don’t. Now that I think about it, maybe I should get one.

What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?

I’m loving the indie publishing trend. My books are outside the norm of the traditional short contemporary market because they incorporate action and comedy along with the romance. It’s my belief that readers are looking for that kind of variety now, but traditional publishers aren’t ready to take the risk. Enter indie pubbing. With the trend of eBooks, writers can get their novels directly into the hands of readers and readers can decide who they want to support and what they want to read.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

The ideas come out of the blue. I’ll have some little thought like, “Gee, wouldn’t it be fun to shake up the Cinderella story this way and that, maybe with heiresses.” Next thing I know, in comes another idea and another and I’m off and running. For research, the Internet is a fabulous tool as well as my local library. Interviewing professionals who are doing the job one of your characters has is helpful, too.

When did you write your first book?

I wrote Seducing an Heiress two years ago while I was still working my day job. When a Harlequin editor loved it, but couldn’t use the story because of the non-traditional elements, I realized I wanted to go indie pub, so I released it last year.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I’m a voracious reader. I also like to spend time with my family and sometimes I get in a few TV shows or movies. (Big fan of The Vampire Diaries. Loved The Avengers.)

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Oooo, good question. Hard one, too. Let’s see…every book teaches you something about yourself. I think for me it’s about becoming more authentic with how I express my emotions. Digging into your character’s feelings makes you dig into your own and that’s helped me be more open. Growing up in a family with brothers, I tend to be one of those “stiff upper lip” types. I can throw a good right hook, though.

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

I’m currently working on the third book in the Cinderella Heiresses series. I think Instructing an Heiress is my favorite completed one, so far. (Shhh…don’t tell the others!) I had a great time with the cast of quirky secondary characters in that book and CK and Ryan’s journey was a lot of fun to create. It’s also full of hot men, which is always a good day!

Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?

CK is her grandfather’s only heir and has devoted her life to the family business. She has no social skills because she’s never really had the chance to get out there and mix it up in the dating world. When her grandfather tells her she has to get married or she’ll lose everything, she decides the best way to hit the ground running is to hire her best friend and womanizing marketing expert, Ryan. She reasons that Ryan has enough experience for both of them and knows better than anyone what guys want in a woman. Who better to teach her how to market herself so she can find a husband? CK is a determined, smart woman with a unique, snarky innocence that makes her the perfect foil to Ryan.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I don’t hear from readers nearly as much as I’d like to! So far, though, comments have been very positive and encouraging. Lately, most people have been asking when book three is coming out. LOL

What do you think makes a good story?

Imperfect, lovable, engaging characters is number one. If readers don’t like the people they’re spending time with, then what’s the point of having adventures with them? Number two is conflict. Boring is not entertaining. Number three is, of course, a happy ending. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing two people you’ve come to care about find their happily-ever-after together.

What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?

I love all kinds of books from mystery/suspense to paranormal to contemporary and historical romance. No surprise that I like mixing different genre elements in my books. Any story well told with characters I care about is something I’m interested in.

Who are your favorite authors to read?

I’m all over the place with my reading. I love Jim Butcher’s, The Dresden Files series, Gail Carriger’s, Parasol Protectorate series, Janet Evanovich’s, Stephanie Plum series and a big favorite is Ilona Andrews’, Kate Daniel’s series. I wish she’d write more of those!

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Where To Buy Instructing an Heiress

Amazon

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