Since picking up her compelling historical romance,
COME SPRING, Jill Marie Landis has been at the top of my favorite
author list. Fascinating, realistic characters and the heartwarming
romance form the powerful base for each of her stories. I am thrilled
to introduce TRRC’s readers to Ms. Jill Marie Landis.
Tracy - Hello and welcome to TRRC. I want to thank you for taking
time out of your very busy schedule to fit in this interview! Can you
tell readers a little more about yourself?
Jill Marie Landis - Hi, Tracy. Before I became a writer I was an
elementary school teacher and an avid romance reader. I started out
reading the short, sweet Regencies and then got hooked on the longer
historical romances. I've been married for thirty-one years to my
college sweetheart. We have three cats and no kids. In my spare time I
play ukulele, dance the hula and love to quilt using tropical fabric.
Tracy - You have a house in both California and Hawaii. How much
time to you spend in each area? Both are warm climates, have you ever
thought it is time to head somewhere cooler, or is the heat ideal for
you?
JML - We usually go back and forth every three months. It's sort of
like having two identities. Summer is my favorite time of year, so I
figure, why not live where it's like summer all year around? But I
have to say that there are definitely seasons in Hawaii, too. I'm not
comfortable with cold weather or houses that are closed up, so I tend
to shy away from snow country. We do go skiing once a year or so.
Tracy - One of the things I love most about your books are the
incredibly rich, strong characters, especially the women. Do you
pattern them after people you have met, or are they strictly developed
from your imagination? Do you ever have problems keeping your focus on
a tough woman without taking from her femininity?
JML - Actually, I have to work to keep them strong. I'm sure we all
admire heroines who are not wimpy, who eventually end up doing the
right thing and saying the right thing (the way we'd all like to), but
the key to good characters is to show all their sides, to make them
strong and yet vulnerable, to give them a broad depth of emotion.
Tracy - SUMMER MOON was just released as a paperback. This book was
special in the fact that it was your very first hardcover, instantly
it flew of bookstore shelves. Did the overwhelming demand for the book
surprise you? It must have been a thrill to be nominated for RITA’s
long historical.
JML - I'll say it was a thrill. I am really pleased to have SUMMER
MOON nominated for RWA's RITA, and now that it'll be out in paperback,
more readers can enjoy it. I was pleased with the results when I wrote
the book (a rarity), and so I'm glad the response was so great.
Tracy - MAGNOLIA CREEK is such a touching story. I admit I was
enchanted by Jamie and his quest to find his place in the world now
that slavery is abolished. I would love to hear him make it in New
York and find his own love. Is there any possibility of that happening
in the future?
JML - There's always a possibility that special characters will
live again in another story.
Tracy - Two of my favorites, SUMMER MOON and COME SPRING revolve
around Mail-Order Brides. The research for this common occurrence must
have been fascinating. How do you research your subject matter?
JML - I tend to use primary sources, which are accounts and diaries
written during the time period I'm writing about. I also try to put
myself in the heroine's place. Can you imagine being married to
someone you've never laid eyes on before hand?
Tracy - You have been writing now for over twenty years. Your first
book, SUNFLOWER, won the RITA’s Golden Medallion. What does your
typical day entail?
JML - First and foremost, coffee and CNN Headline News. Then maybe
a swim or a walk, then check emails, then I get to work. I try to
write ten pages a day (in theory anyway). Then around 3:30 or 4:00 pm
I stop for the day and walk or run an errand, make dinner, watch TV.
And I fit in reading, too.
Tracy - With your writing, kayaking and traveling, do you often
have the time to read? What is currently in your TBR pile?
JML - I read in the early morning with the coffee and CNN, and at
night. I read on the beach, too, getting most of my reading done when
I'm in Hawaii where there is less to do. Right now I'm reading Tess
Gerritsen's THE SURGEON. Terrifying. Can't put it down. I've got an
advance copy of Kristin Hannah's latest, DISTANT SHORES, that I can't
wait to read, and a new John Sanford "Prey" paperback.
Tracy - What is up next for Jill Marie Landis?
JML - I'm excited to say that I've just finished my first
contemporary novel. No, not romantic suspense, either. It's a very
romantic family drama that Susan Elizabeth Phillips generously quotes
as a "heartwarming, sexy page turner." So I'm thrilled about
that and eager to see how readers respond. Right now we are planning
two books with the same setting, a small California tourist town with
a cast of characters. It's been a lot of fun to write without having
to look up every little detail as with historicals.
No titles to tell you yet, but I can say I'm excited and will let
you know when there's some news.
I hope everyone has a great summer and enjoys MAGNOLIA CREEK. I've
had three booksellers call me crying on the phone when they finished
the book! Wow. No response greater than being able to move someone.
Tracy - Thanks so much for fitting time into your schedule! This
was a real honor for me. If there is anything you would like to
mention, please feel free.
One note I want to make to readers, definitely visit Ms. Landis’s
website. (
