I don’t think I’ve met a single Sapphic Fiction reader who doesn’t like a Jamey Moody novel.
I mean, what’s not to like? There’s the Lovers Landing series set in utter paradise, the Sloan Sisters series (including ‘Cat Sloan Is Swirling’, pictured) and a number of other series and standalones, so there’s something for everyone. Read all about how Jamey does it in this wonderful new interview!
Jamey - tell us a little bit about you! Who are you and what do you do?
I'm a bestselling author of sapphic romance. I love to write strong women living everyday lives. There may be a few bumps in the road, but they get their happily ever afters.
How did you become an author?
I fell in love with sapphic romance and couldn't get enough of it. I began to follow authors and came across TB Markinson and Clare Lydon's podcast Lesbians Who Write. I'd always wanted to be a writer and they made me believe that a lover of sapphic romance, like me, just might be able to do it. I just published my twentieth book and I still can't believe it!
Who’s your favourite character that you’ve ever written?
Oh wow, that's a hard one. I love the very first character I created. Her name is Riley James and that's a mix of names from my family. I wasn't sure I'd write another book, so I made her someone I hoped everyone would love. I certainly do.
Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so, how do you overcome it?
I had never experienced writer's block until recently. It was horrible! I think the reason it happened was because I became overwhelmed. I had too many things at once. I was getting a book ready to publish, another ready to go to my editor, proofing an audiobook, and finishing up a short story. I like to write everyday and with all those things going at once I had no space left in my brain for a new idea to form. That has never happened to me and I hope it never happens again. I finally stopped worrying about a new book and focused my time on getting the other tasks done. One day a spark of an idea popped into my head and the premise for a new story took off. I think once I gave myself permission to not write and do the business aspects of writing the anxiousness eased.
What do you consider to be the hardest part of writing?
Marketing. It's such a hit or miss kind of thing. Some ads may work, others don't. Social media can grab your promo and take off with it one day and the next no one sees it.
And how about the most rewarding?
The best part for me is connecting with readers. I get such joy writing these stories and when a reader feels that joy as well, it's the best feeling!
What is one piece of advice you wish you had listened to, either in life or with regards to being an author?
Remember to take breaks. There is so much more to writing a book than the actual writing. There is a business side to it that can be time consuming. It's important to take breaks and give yourself time to breathe.
You’re putting together a party. Which characters from the Sapphic Fiction genre would you invite?
I would definitely invite Anna and Lexi from KC Luck's Darkness series. Sarah from TB Markinson's Lizzie series has to be there! She is one of my favorite characters of all time. I hope Candace and Jameson could join us from JA Armstrong's By Design series. I mean Candace is the president, but she likes to have a good time. Juliette and Claire from Harper Bliss's French Kissing would bring a foreign flare. From my books, I'd invite Stella and Sofia from Finding Forever, Krista and Melanie from the Lovers Landing Series, and of course the Sloan sisters. Wow, this is going to be so much fun!
Is there anyone you’d like to highlight, while you’re here?
I'm lucky to have several authors who have become friends on this writing journey along with people who have helped me along the way. This community is amazing. It's made up of writers, readers, reviewers, podcasters, designers, and so much more. Books may bring us together, but love makes us community.
How can people connect with you?
Instead of listing all my social media contacts I ask that you go to my website, jameymoody.com. There you can sign up for my newsletter and connect on all the socials.
Finally a light-hearted one. What ice cream flavours and toppings would you put together in your ultimate sundae?
I love ice cream! But is anything better than plain vanilla? I say not. Give me vanilla ice cream with loads of caramel sauce a few pecans and dollop of whipped cream. Yum!
If you enjoyed this interview, then make sure you’re following my social media accounts (@kblakemanwriter on Twitter and @katherineblakemanwriter on Instagram) to get all the latest updates! And if you want to support my own Sapphic Fiction journey while you’re here, The Summer We’ve Had is available now, and Love You However is coming on March 22nd!
