Meet Jill Kemerer, Author of Small-Town Bachelor

I’m so excited to have dear friend and agency-mate, Jill Kemerer, join me on the blog today. *waves*

Jill is one those sweet souls who immediately puts others at ease and makes the world a whole lot brighter… and funnier! 🙂

I got to meet Jill in person when we roomed together during the 2012 ACFW conference in Dallas. Let me just say—Jill is the real deal. What you “see” online is how she is in person. And I knew I loved her immediately when she asked which bed I’d like. See? Thoughtfulness right off the bat. (Of course, the fact that she offered to share her magazines and chocolate cinched the deal.)

Today I’m beyond tickled to chat with Jill about the writing life, some personal funsies, and her Small-Town Bachelor début.

Ready?

Set?

Let’s go, Jill!

As I’ve read your blog during the past several years, something that’s always resonated is your perseverance and tenacity. Do you think those are key where the writing life is concerned? How would you say you developed those characteristics?

First, thanks so much for having me today! Yes, perseverance and tenacity have been vital to my writing life. I wrote twelve books (and had nine rejected by publishing houses) before getting the contract for Small-Town Bachelor. Don’t worry! My journey isn’t typical! But it is my journey. I wanted to give up several times over the years, and I’m so thankful I persevered. I’m living my dream and couldn’t be happier.

Prayer, a need to share the stories in my heart, and the support of my husband and kids had the most impact on keeping me strong and motivated.

How important is routine in your life? Do you find it’s beneficial for writers to have a set routine and then stick to it? Or do you believe that stifles creativity?

I am all about routine! It really depends on the writer. I’m blessed to be a stay-at-home mom who made the transition to full-time writer. Mornings aren’t my thing, so I do busy work, like checking blog comments, posting on Facebook and catching up on emails. Around 11am I’m ready to write, plot or revise, whatever the day calls for! I tend to work until 5 or 6pm with a few breaks in between.

If I tried to fit myself in someone else’s ideal routine, I would get nothing done. Experts usually say to write first thing in the morning, but I’m NOT creative until early afternoon.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d offer new writers?

Focus on the actual writing, not on getting published. Yes, your goal is to have readers, but it’s more important to write a good book than to rush into submitting and publishing. It took a lot of daily practice, studying and critiques to get my work to a publishable level, and even then it took a few more years before a publishing house would take a chance on me.

A writer’s life can be a hard one. A little birdie tells me, (and I know firsthand, too) that you like to giggle and have fun. What are three things that make you giggle? What’s your favorite way to have fun?

Well, Cynthia, we giggled a lot at the conferences we’ve attended together! Good friends like you make me giggle. Gossip magazines do, too! And that Awkward Family Photo site—I’ve laughed so hard over those pictures! I’m pretty laid-back. I love walking outside or getting a pizza.

Do you have a go-to meal or menu when you’re facing deadlines?

Yes. Pizza Hut. Or my crockpot. 🙂

Let’s talk about Small-Town Bachelor. How did the story of Reed Hamilton and Claire Sheffield initially unfold in your mind?

My stories are usually sparked by something small, in this case a tornado ruining a wedding. Any single lady who has been the maid-of-honor in a wedding appreciates a hunky best man. I had so much fun watching Claire and Reed fall in love. I hope readers do, too!

In Reed and Claire’s story, they face a natural disaster, which leads to self-discovery and a wellspring of emotion. Did you draw on personal experience to lend realism to your story or is it purely your own writer’s imagination?

I’ve never been caught in a tornado, but I’ve cowered in basements many nights because of them. Five years ago a tornado touched down two miles from our house, so I’m very familiar with their devastation.

Without giving away any spoilers, do you have a favorite scene in Small-Town Bachelor—something that makes your heart beat a little faster or brings a smile to your lips?

I have a few, actually. When Claire introduces Reed to her otters, I always smile. And now that I think of it, I could list eight more scenes. I’m terrible! My characters feel so real to me.

What can we expect next from you, Jill?

Unexpected Family, the second book in the Lake Endwell series, comes out in September, and it follows Claire’s oldest brother Tom Sheffield as he adjusts to the reality he has a child and that his ex-wife is back in his life, for better or for worse.

Ohh, I can’t wait! Thanks for visiting today, Jill!

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About Jill ~

Jill Kemerer writes inspirational romance novels with love, humor and faith. A full-time writer and homemaker, she relies on coffee and chocolate to keep up with her kids’ busy schedules.

Besides spoiling her mini-dachshund, Jill adores magazines, M&MS, fluffy animals and long nature walks. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.  Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website www.jillkemerer.com and find her on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Small-Town Bachelor ~

A Place to Call Home

When Reed Hamilton arrives in Lake Endwell for a family wedding, he expects to do his part as best man then head back to the big city. But when a tornado postpones the wedding, the town is in shambles and Reed is injured. Thankfully maid of honor Claire Sheffield offers him one of her cottages to recuperate in.

Dedicated to her family and her dream job at the zoo, Claire is all about roots. She’s this city slicker’s opposite, yet as they help the town rebuild, Reed is captivated by her stunning looks and caring ways. He can’t ask Claire to leave the life she loves for him, but he also can’t imagine ever leaving her behind…

Interested in buying Small-Town Bachelor? Click on https://jillkemerer.com/books/small-town-bachelor/ for links to purchase!

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My Review:

As someone who has experienced tornadoes first-hand, the opening scene in Small-Town Bachelor immediately grabbed my attention. While a weather event is not your typical matchmaking catalyst, this unexpected circumstance is what brings Claire Sheffield and Reed Hamilton together and forever forges an emotional bond.

I was drawn to Claire and Reed’s story as their lives intertwined and connected on a deeper level first because of the storm, and second because of the realization that nothing is happenstance with God.

Initially, the relationship that unfolds between Claire and Reed is sweet and uncomplicated. As their feelings for one another blossom, however, the couple’s inner turmoil is evident as they each grapple with issues from their past.

In Small-Town Bachelor there was a nice balance of conflict, self-discovery, and personal growth. There was a particularly poignant scene between Reed and his dad in Chapter Seventeen, which was pivotal to the storyline.

And of course there’s the sigh factor—happily so—as Claire and Reed finally recognize their love for each other, despite some changes on the horizon.

What changes?

You’ll have to read the book to find out!

My rating of Small-Town Bachelor: 5/5 stars

(I was provided with a copy of the book for review, and I purchased an additional copy of Small-Town Bachelor for today’s giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own.)

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Today I’m giving away one copy of Small-Town Bachelor.

GIVEAWAY RULES

• Must be 21 or older to enter
• Must leave a comment by Thursday (5 pm) 04/16/15
• Must live in the U.S. due to mailing restrictions
• Void where prohibited
• One winner only drawn at random
• Winner announced on Friday’s blog 04/17/15

(If your comment doesn’t show up right away, no worries! I’ll continue to check back.)

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PLEASE SHARE THE LOVE

Writing encouragement and a chance to win Small-Town Bachelor by Jill Kemerer.

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Grins and giggles with a few otters thrown in!

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A fun chat with author Jill Kemerer and a giveaway.

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What’s the most interesting pet you’ve ever had?

Have you ever experienced a natural disaster (tornado, flood, hurricane?)

How did YOU meet your special someone?

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Here’s to love, chocolate, and COFFEE! *clink*

Blessings Always,