We chat with New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis about The Bright Spot, which is a heartwarming story about the choices we make and the love we let into our lives…
Hi, Jill! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a nerd/bookwork city girl living in the wild Sierra Mountains, so instead of traffic, I face things like bears, bobcats, and adorable porcupines. I write a sort of romance/romcom hybrid, with strong heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them — sometimes reluctantly, sometimes with an adventure or mystery involved. J
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
My mom likes to say that I was making up stories since before I could hold a pencil. I was a journalism major in college, but kept embellishing the stories until my professor begged me to quit and switch to fiction…
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Charlotte’s Web
- The one that made you want to become an author: I found an old Nora Roberts romance in the library when I was supposedly doing work research and … I never looked back.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: This changes a lot, but right now, it’s Sarah J Maas’ Court Of Thorns and Roses series… I can’t get enough of the sexy bats (if you know, you know…J)
Your latest novel, The Bright Spot, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Warm, emotional, sexy, funny, myfavoritebooki’veeverwritten (yes I just cheated)
What can readers expect?
I think, hope, that readers can see themselves in these characters who are maybe down, but not out, and trying their damnedest to protect each other and be okay — but also have a good time while they’re at it.
Where did the inspiration for The Bright Spot come from?
Sometimes a book idea hits me in the middle of the night and I tell myself DON’T FORGET THIS ONE! But … I almost always do. Well that, or I fumble for my phone and tap in some notes that rarely, in the light of day, make any sense. But then my entire family went to a fun local farm where we held newborn chicks, fed adorable piglets, and laughed ourselves silly at the antics of the goats climbing on each other. So when the next night, I dreamed about a similar farm, this one in trouble, run by an underdog, down-on-her-luck heroine and a very sexy CPA who steps in to help, I knew I had to write it.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
This doesn’t happen often (read: never), but all of this book was so so so much fun to write, from the reluctant heroine, to the even more reluctant hero, to the adorable rescue farm animals who stole every scene they were in.
With dozens of published novels to your name, how do you stay motivated and inspired to write the next story?
I always have stories in my head, so inspiration isn’t the problem. Nope, my problem is a distinct lack of self discipline. Putting my behind in the chair — and staying there — to get my daily pages is torture.
What’s next for you?
In June, THE SUMMER ESCAPE comes out! It’s a wild ride, I’ll you that. A sort of treasure hunt on the run, if you will.
Lastly, are there any 2024 book releases that you’re looking forward to?
ALL OF THEM.
Readers can find Jill on Instagram and Facebook, and at her website.
