What is your favorite writing and reading genre?
We’re both pretty avid readers, so narrowing it down to a single genre is difficult! Our mutual love of young adult books brought us together, though, so we have a soft spot for those at the moment.
Where and how did you get your ideas for your books? The idea for the Royals came from our mutual desire to write something completely cracktastically over-the-top. We were in the mood to write a young adult soap opera, and after lots of brainstorming, we came up with this series.
If a movie or TV show would be created for your books, which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead roles for your books? Super hard one! We can’t really narrow it down, because it’s not just the look, but also the feel for the role. We’d certainly love to be sitting in the casting room when people are auditioning, though!
When did you decide to become writers?
Elle: I pretty much wanted to be a writer my whole life, so it was more a matter of when someone wanted to publish my work LOL
Jen: I’ve been a reader all my life, and it wasn’t until 2012 when the concept of writing started percolating in my head. I participated in NANO, a writing challenge that helps spur you to write a book in a month, and then, with some help and encouragement from others, I finished my first book in 2013.
How did you get your book published? How long did it take for you to get it published?
For the Royals, we self-published the series. Jen also self-publishes her solo titles, while Ella started her writing career with Harlequin and has written for various other publishers over the years.
Do you ever get writer's Block? If so, which book did you get the worst while writing?
The nice thing about being a two-person writing team is that when one of us gets writer’s block, we have the other person to bounce ideas off of, or who can step in and say “Ok, why don’t we try this?” We don’t know if we’d call it writer’s block per se, but we definitely had a few speed bumps with Broken Prince. By the time it was published, we’d probably re-written half the book a couple times over.
What is the average time for you to write a book?
It depends. Some days we can knock out quite a few words. Some days there’s football on TV, so nothing gets written.
For your own reading, do you prefer kindle or paperback books?
Elle: I totally prefer paperbacks! One entire wall in my office is nothing but bookshelves, and it still doesn’t contain all of my books!
Jen: I read on my iPhone using the Kindle app.
How are the covers made for your books?
Our covers were designed by Meljean Brook, who not only does cover magic but is an AMAZING author as well!
What advice would you give writer wannabes and future/young authors?
Write! And stay focused! Not necessarily focused on your writing, but focused on your goals. If you want to write so many words a day – write them. If you want to publish a book – publish it. You’re going to hear a lot of no’s before you hear a yes… but if you stay focused and keep trying, anything is possible.
What do you do during your free time, how do you relax?
Elle: In the summer, I like to take my dog Morgan to the dog park, or hang out by my pool or go to the lake. In the winter, there’s nothing I love more than curling up with a good book.
Jen: In my free time, I love to read. I don’t get enough reading time in!
