Love Me Anyway by JL Redington

Do dreams ever inspire your writing? What did you last dream about?
I don’t think I’ve had my dreams inspire my writing. I’ve have life inspire my dreams, but I’m one of those sad souls that remembers very few of their dreams. I did have a rare dream that woke me up this morning about moving back down south from Alaska. We really want to be closer to our family and are working to accomplish that. The dream was full of ‘is this the right thing to do right now?’ questions and no answers. Really hate those kinds of dreams. From the few dreams I do remember, I always dream in black and white and have had one dream in color my whole life.

When did you first start writing? And when were you first published?
I wrote my first book probably 25 years ago. I rewrote it and published it at the request of my daughters, Nicole Sanders and Melody Anne, two years ago. I read it now and wish I’d taken far more time with it, but it’s the first in my juvenile fiction series, The Esme Chronicles. A Cry Out Of Time is the first book, second and third are Pirates of Shadowed Time and A View Through Time. Currently going through a second edit.

What is it about ‘chick lit’ that appeals to you the most? Do you read other genres?
I appreciate what is accomplished with Chick Lit. It’s awesome to have a place to go that offers books that appeal to women.
Other Genres I’ve read have been mostly science fiction. I was surprised that I was drawn to write romantic suspense. As I’ve aged I’ve totally enjoyed FBI stories, mystery and suspense. I’m a bit old fashioned and have thoroughly enjoyed anything Agatha Christy for mystery. I loved the Ender’s Game series for Science Fiction and The Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson, but have enjoyed many Sci Fi authors.
My latest book, the one I’m currently finishing is a prequel to my first Romantic Suspense series, The Broken Heart Series. The first book is about a couple named Cayman and Alexa. The prequel, titled “Softly She Leaves” is about Alexa’s parents and how her mother dies.

What inspired you to write?
I think the thing that’s been the hardest thing for me in life is to ‘feel’. You have to feel to be able to write a story. The story itself demands feelings…even in non-fiction. I learned a lot about feelings as I raised my children, I guess I blame them! <grin> This career choice has forced me to come to grips with some things about myself I didn’t realize were hidden under layers of childhood pain. It’s been a very good thing, and a bit of a transformation for me. Raising children was like someone turned the light on in my heart and allowed it to slowly beginning to glow again, and that lead to my writing. So, what inspired me to write? First, my daughters, Nicole Sanders and Melody Anne. They kicked me in the rear and made me snap to it. But then it was my need to express myself after that. I’m still learning, and learning a lot, but I’ve got a great support system.

Have you ever spotted anyone reading your books anywhere?
Living in Juneau, AK, a relatively small population, no I’ve not seen anyone reading my books. That would be a kick, though!

Who designs your covers?
My covers are the genius of Nicole Sanders who has her own design business, Trevino Creative. She’s done an excellent job and the product is very professional. I’d highly recommend her!

If your latest book was made into a film who would you cast?
Hmmm….Max would be played by Mark Wahlberg, Dana would be played by Cameron Diaz, Huey would be played by Johnny Depp and Simon would be played by John Goodman.

What’s your favorite Chick Lit book that made it to the big screen.
Not sure about which book. See the answer to the next question.

What were the last two books you read?
I read the Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson nearly two years ago. It’s a sweet love story mixed with adventure and Sci Fi fantasy. My second time through. Since that time I haven’t had the luxury of reading a book. I miss it. But writing keeps me so busy I don’t have time for anything else, and I have to save time for my husband. So, reading kind of takes a backseat for a while.

Name one female author who deserves to be better known.
I would name CR Everett. A really nice lady and her book is a great read, “Love Carry My Bags.” I believe she’s just come out with another book as well.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? And did you follow the dream?
I think as a child my goal was to survive childhood. I didn’t have a really great beginning and suffered a lot of trauma. Still, a child’s spirit being what it was, I hoped to be able to live, love and raise children like ‘Dick and Jane” in the early grade school readers. I wanted to have a snack ready for them after school, to be there when they came home and to love and listen to them when they needed me. I think I succeeded for the most part, but you’d have to ask my children to be sure. <grin>

In the movie of your life who would play you?

photo credit: Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer via photopin cc

Sandra Bullock.

Speed Round:
Top drink to make you tipsy? Sorry, I don’t drink. It would be diet, caffeine free Pepsi.
Shopaholic or shopadon’t: shopadon’t
Sky high heels or closer to the ground: definitely heels
EL James or Jilly Cooper: Sadly, I’ve read neither, but I have big plans when I get a break in my writing!
Cry baby or tough cookie: Tough Cookie…with a heart.
Exotic beach or enchanted forest: Exotic beach bordered by an enchanted forest.

JL Redington lives Juneau, AK, with her husband Terry and puppy, Shelby. Together they are the parents of 6 grown children and 19 grandchildren. She loves to read, camp, cook and be with her friends and family. In writing this romance series, JL has found a new love in her life, and that is writing books. She has always felt books are a way to take us out of the everyday and into a place we can relax, be entertained and enjoy a different world for a period of time. Happy reading!
www.jlredington.com
Twitter: @jlredington

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There is a serial killer loose in America’s National Parks. Greyson Beauchene, Head Ranger of Alaska’s Denali National Park is certain he will never have to deal with that because his park is too ‘out of the way.’ However, Ranger Beauchene soon finds out he is dead wrong.
Greyson and his two assistants are flown by helicopter into a remote section of the park where hikers have found a casket, one of the biggest indicators the serial killer has found Denali. Greyson’s team is joined by one incredibly irritating and extremely demanding FBI Profiler and her two Agents. Very good at what she does, Aspen O’Connell sets out to take control of the crime scene and everyone involved in it, and Greyson is having none of it.
Greyson, Aspen and their teams must work together to find this killer before he kills again. Events move quickly as the group pieces together clues from the crime scene and a profile is established. As they work through abduction attempts and visible threats, Greyson and Aspen struggle to put their growing feelings for each other in a place that will keep them focused on finding an evil, evil man and bringing justice to innocent victims.

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