Today’s Author Chat guest is Jodi Payne. I met Jodi a few years ago at a writing convention, since then I feel we’ve gotten to be better friends. We share some things in common, both friends, and live experiences, and I always appreciate her opinion. Jodi, as you will see from the interview, isn’t bound by one sub-genre. Her books are vibrant and fun. She works that whole city/country vibe so well. Toss children into the book, and it right in her wheelhouse. It’s always great when I can relate to an author as both friend and writer, and Jodi fits perfectly into that description.
With that, let’s chat with Jodi.
ACwA Guest: Jodi Payne
- How did the first story you ever wrote influence your career as an author and how do you feel about that story now?
The first story I ever had published was a short story called The Good Life in 2007 for an F/F anthology called Under This Cowgirl’s Hat. It was an important book for me, because almost no one was publishing queer romance back then. Torquere Press (the original incarnation owned by BA Tortuga and Julia Talbot) was bravely breaking into the romance industry, and the industry itself (led by RWA) was doing everything they could to push them back out again. I really embraced the activism in what Torquere was doing, and I wanted to be a part of that.
In retrospect, it was an awful story for many reasons, not the least of which that it was set on a New Mexican ranch and I’m a Jersey girl, but I was excited to be asked to participate and proud of it at the time. I knew very little about the craft of writing romance then and broke all kinds of “rules” (cheating! ugh!), but I got the bug, I devoured a bunch of books by authors that knew more than I did, and that was that.
- Which of your characters is most like you (or someone close to you.)
I think there’s something of me in all my characters, but there’s something about Beckett (from Wrecked) that I really identify with. The need to be reliable and support his family, the loyalty to his husband and wanting to “fix things” and get everything “right”. I’m very like that and it has it’s benefits and its pitfalls. But mostly he just wants to do the right thing, and I can relate to that.
- What is your favorite trope and why?
I love an opposites attract trope. Show me two characters that are meant to be together when they really shouldn’t have a damn thing in common and I’m a happy girl. Add in a second chance scenario and I’m even happier.
- How many half-written stories are on your hard-drive and what do you plan to do with them?
Is this a serious question?? I have at least four million, like most authors do! But I do have a stack of previously published shorts that haven’t seen the light of day in a few years and I am considering having them re-edited and then releasing as an anthology.
- What are you working on next?
Right now, I am writing the first in a “series” of standalone novels set on Cape Cod. The first book is called Not Over You. I am also writing a book with BA Tortuga that doesn’t have a title yet that falls right into our sweet spot–opposites attract, kids, fish out of water, all the good stuff.
Jodi Payne’s Newest Release
Mergers & Acquisitions
New York attorney Teague Whitaker is so close to making equity partnership he can taste it. He’s spent two years cultivating a relationship with the Avenstone Group and he’s finally landed them, bringing in a big-money deal in a big-money industry.
Jason Kovacs is…from Jersey. He’s been a barista, a bike messenger, a third-shift stocker at D’Agostino. He tries out new jobs and quits them all the time, not because he hates them, but because he doesn’t love them. But that changes when he lands a job dancing at The Wiggle Room.
When Teague bellies up to the bar, Jason can tell he’s had a bad, bad day. Jason also knows money when he sees it, so he swoops in on the polished hottie, hoping to make bank. Stunned by the unexpected loss of his career-making deal, Teague is there to drink. He’s looking for a distraction, and chatting up the buff and pretty boy that just swiped the cherry from his whiskey sour is a damn good start. Neither expects sparks to fly with one unplanned kiss, but that’s just the beginning of the unexpected for Teague and Jason. They’re from the same city, but they’re living in two different worlds. Their relationship may be unconventional, but if they can meet in the middle—halfway between Wall Street and Jersey—they just might make it work.;
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About Jodi Payne
Jodi Payne takes herself way too seriously and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after. For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila any way you pour it.
Where to Find Jodi Payne
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Jodi admits that her first story wasn’t very good and I’m sure she’s not the only one. It’s why I usually give new authors more than one chance before deciding they’re not for me. It can take several books for authors to figure things out.