In Pursuit of Perfection by Jacki Kelly
Please welcome Jacki Kelly author of In Pursuit of Perfection
Jacki Kelly will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
In Pursuit of Perfection
by Jacki Kelly
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GENRE: romance
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INTERVIEW:
- What or who inspired you to start writing?
When I was in the 4thGrade the class was given the assignment to write a poem. After I recited the poem to an Aunt who was also a college professor, she said to me ‘you’re very talented’. You should be a writer. Until then, no one had ever complimented me on something I’d done. Her words stuck with me. Later that school year the class was given the assignment to keep a journal for a week, I was hooked. To this day I’m still writing, and I still keep a journal.
- How did you come up with ideas for your books?
I find ideas everywhere. I can overhear pieces of a conversation or read a headline or hear a news story and I begin to wonder, what if—instead of ending that way it ended this way. Sometimes as I’m falling asleep ideas come to me. I think that’s because all the monkey-mind chatter has subsided and I can focus on my thoughts.
- What expertise did you bring to your writing?
Wow, this is a good question. I think my expertise is my life and my values. When it comes to writing I draw on my life experiences more than my formal education. I’m an optimistic person, so the idea of happy-ever-after works for me. All my stories will have a happy ending or a satisfied for now ending because that’s how I see life.
- As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?
Oh, I have more ideas than I have time. Next up, I’d like to do another book to follow up ‘In Pursuit of Perfection. I already have a title – In Pursuit of Payback. I have another romantic suspense coming out later this year, entitled Trouble in Paradise. And then, I want to work on a women’s fiction. I have an idea that I’ve been toying with for a few years and it’s time to get it on paper.
- If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your leading roles?
This is an opportunity every writer would love to have. For my newest release – In Pursuit of Perfection, I’d like Megan Good to play the role of Macy Rollins, because Macy is young and feisty. Even though Megan is older than the heroine, I think she can pull it off because she has a young spirit. For the hero, I’d select Chris Hemsworth to play Avery Malveaux, because he’s tall and very good looking. He also has a sense of humor.
- Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?
Yes, I belong to a critique group. We’ve been meeting for at least ten years. I consider my critique group to be my first readers and I don’t know what I’d do without them. Sometimes their feedback seems harsh, but I know their ultimate goal is to help me produce the best product. I know this type of group wouldn’t work for some writers, but I’ve been lucky.
- What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)
I attend a lot of writing conferences so advice is abundant. But the best would be to keep on writing. No matter what, just write. Finish a book, then start working on the next one. The more you write the better you’ll get. The worst advice is all the rules I’ve heard quoted – don’t use adverbs, don’t use clichés, watch your backstory, show vs. tell. While all of these things are true in general, if you do them well, then you can get away with it. Good writing is good writing.
- Do you outline your books or just start writing?
I always start with an outline for my books. I’ve tried to write books by just free-handing it, and it was a disaster. It was almost as if the characters took over the story and took the story into a direction that I hadn’t intended. Since then I always start with an outline. If I get stuck, I know it’s because I haven’t outline well enough. Sometimes my stories will differ a little from the outline, but not by much. I’ve learned how to control my characters.
- Do you have an all time favorite book?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I’d say ‘Mama Day’ by Gloria Naylor. That book has stayed with me years after reading it. Every now and then I pick it up and read it again. The emotion in that book really stuck with me. Of course I have several other books that come to mind too, but if I had to pick one, then ‘Mama Day’ is the book.
- Can you tell us a little about the black moment in your book?
In Pursuit of Perfection the black moment comes when Macy severs all ties with Avery. She loves him, but she believes he has betrayed her and because of the history she has with her father and from past relationships, she’s convinced Avery is not the perfect man. This scene was fun to write, because I already knew how they would get back together.
- What is your favorite reality show?
I have two. I like The Real Housewives of Atlanta and 90 Day Fiancé. I keep saying I’m going to stop watching the shows, because even though they are supposed to be reality shows, I know a lot of it is scripted and pure make-believe. But I’ve got them set to tape and when I have time, I’m right there in front of the television with popcorn in hand. They are my guilty pleasures.
BLURB:
The next man in Macy Rollins’s life must be perfect. She’s had enough impostors and isn’t willing to settle for anything less. All she has to do is get through the company contract negotiation season and she will get that promotion she has been working so hard for. Avery Malveaux – one of Philadelphia’s most eligible bachelors – has been hired to work with her as legal counsel for the company. From the moment they are forced to work together tensions are high and expectations are low. He questions her ability, she questions his intentions. After Macy is suspected in an accounting shortage, she accuses Avery of betraying her confidence. Has she once again been deceived by a man she thought she could trust? Can she clear her name and win her job back? And can there be any hope for Macy’s pursuit of perfection.
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EXCERPT:
He held her waist as they danced and pulled her closer. She fit into his arms, as if they were made for each other. “So, do you forgive me for my callous comment?” He tilted his head to look into her light brown eyes.
“I’ll think about it. I work very hard for English and wouldn’t do anything to put the contract negotiations at peril on purpose.”
“I get that. I was out of line.”
She nodded. Her eyes softened enough to let him know that hurdle was now behind him. He relaxed a little. Her long, regal neck, the soft feel of her skin, and the sparkle in her eyes made concentrating on his dance step impossible. Seeing her in a different environment made her seem like a different person. So why wasn’t she already taken?
The song ended, but he didn’t want to stop talking to her or let her disappear into the crowd. Not yet. There was no guarantee he’d get another opportunity to hold her this close again.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Men and women have always sought the promise that only love can offer. Jacki invites you into an intriguing world where romance abounds around every corner and down every street. You’ll be amazed at the crazy things we do and don’t do for the promise of love.
Jacki has been writing since her fourth grade teacher made her keep a journal for a grade. Now she does it to keep track of all the fascinating and heartbreaking moments that life throws our way. Poetry, personal essays, short stories and novels have all occupied space in her heart and her hard drive.
Jacki lives in the northeast where the winters are too cold and the summers are warm. But, she wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else, well maybe for a fabulous house on the sunny sands of Miami Beach in February. Her loveable husband and adorable floppy eared dog endure her long periods behind the computer creating happy-endings for her amazing hero and heroines. Romance makes the world go round and Jacki is enjoying the ride.
Website – https://jackikelly.com/
Blog – https://jackikelly.com/category/blogposts/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Jacki-Kelly-Author-131421120280658/
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:
Jacki Kelly will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Please use this rafflecopter code on your post:
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