Today I am speaking with Jordana Ryan.

Hi Jordana, what a lovely name! And welcome! It is a joy to have you with us today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions.

Why not start off telling the readers about your current release with Amira Press?

I currently have a few things released with Amira Press. No Matter What is my full length novel. It’s a great story of love lost and found and second chances. It’s a great emotional story with a lot of depth. It is a novel that sends a message of hope and that was important to me. Also available from Amira Press is Uncensored Emotions. This book is very special to me because it holds the roots of my writing. It’s a collection of poetry that deals with the deeper issues of life. It’s kind of a glimpse into the things that are important to me. The Wrong Woman is my erotic short story that is a tale of betrayal that sadly happens far too often in real life. It’s a quick read that has gotten some great reviews Lastly I have two stories in the Amira Press Meant to Be Anthology. Summer Fling and Color Blind are two quick tales of love that is meant to be. I hope that my readers will enjoy these stories and look forward to my next work.

Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?

I get my inspiration from every day events. News Stories and headlines. Conversations that people have, television programs and even songs. I have a very vivid imagination so it’s easy for me to hear something and put my own spin on it to come up with story ideas.

Why not tell us a little about your other upcoming works?

I have several things in progress right now. Perfect Game is a novel about a star pitcher facing a career ending injury. During his recovery time he meets Jessie, The coach’s daughter and woman who teaches him more about himself than he ever knew. Together they learn to take off the masks they wear for others and be just themselves. It’s really a great story of accepting who you are and who others are.

I am also working on a novella called Sweet Dreams. Gillian runs the Sweet Dreams Bakery and though it wasn’t her dream, she embraces it with the same flourish with which she embraces life. When Lucas returns to town, she’s not quite sure why he has attached himself to her, but when strange things start to happen, she finds she can only rely on him for protection and answers. Can their fragile love endure the biggest test either one has ever faced?

And So It Goes is a novel I am working on and posting on my yahoo group, jordanaryan@yahoogroups.com and it is also posted at romanceatheart.com/fos.html In this story Tessa is an actress on a soap opera, but life is about to get crazier than her role. Her former best friend is dying and has left her an amazing gift in her will. Does Tessa have the courage to step up to the plate and make the best of the gift she has been given?

Can you recall the first story that you ever wrote?

The first story I began was called Loving Dakota. It’s a Native American Historical that I hope to go back to at some point. But the first novel I completed was my novel, No Matter What.

What point in your life did you decide you wanted to be an author?

I realized about halfway through writing No Matter What that writing is what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Though I have always loved to read and write, I didn’t realize that this was my calling until about a year ago.

From what do you derive the most inspiration for your writing? Is there a particular song or maybe some other ritual that helps you get in the mood to write?

Bon Jovi is what gets me in the mood to write I usually start my manuscript while listening to one of my Bon Jovi cd's and then it just flows from there :)

Is it hard for you to decide what names to give your characters?

Sometimes it is hard. I tend to be choosy about names so I choose my favorites over and over again. Then I have to go back and change them once I realize what I’ve done.

Do you have any bad writing habits?

I would have to say that my worst writing habit is perfectionism. I can’t write a rough draft just go get the story out and then go back and edit. I like to have it perfect my first time around. We all know that doesn’t happen, but it can lead to a lot of writer’s block, especially when a chapter isn’t where I want it to be.

Of all the individuals you have created, in your stories, do you have a particular favorite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

My favorite character is Jessie from my work in progress called Perfect Game. She appeals to me because she is down to earth and sensitive without being overly closed off or snobbish. She really has her head on straight and despite the obstacles in her way she sees the bigger picture.

What do you think makes a good book to you?

For me a good book is one that makes me a promise in the beginning and the end fulfills that promise. It’s one that I remember and want to read over and over again.

Do you believe every story should have a happy-ever-after ending, or sometimes a cliffhanger?

I think a cliff hanger is good on occasion but being a lover of romance and a writer of romance I tend to lean more towards the Happily ever after ending.

Is there anything special you do to relax?

Listen to music. Music speaks to me and when I’m really stressed out, that is the best way for me to relax completely. Spending time with my daughter always tops the list though of favorite ways to relax

For Fun: Soothing bubble baths or hot showers?

Hot showers There is nothing better than a steady stream of hot water to take my mind off the less than fun aspects of life.

What is your favorite color?

Purple

Can readers learn more about your books at this website?
jordanaryan.tripod.com/

Yes. My website offers information about me, my books, my contests and more. I try to update in regularly.

Thank you so much for sharing time with us, Jordana. It has been a delight. Anyone interested in reading more about Jordana and her exciting books, please visit her website to read more.

Interviewed by: Linda L.