Tell us a bit about yourself.
HJ grew up in Bricktown New Jersey, less than an hour away from New York City. As a teenager and early twenties, she loved hanging out in the glamor of NYC. She was a "City Brat" so it was pretty difficult for her to pack her stuff and three cats in 2005, for a life changing road trip, moving to California. She's travelled around the country until she met her better half in 2005.
After serving twelve years in the Air Force, the man of her dreams ended his military career and they moved to Georgia in 2007. Since then, they've settled down in Leesburg GA, and had their first child.
No place has ever come close to replacing the magic of New York City for HJ. So when it was decided to try this romance writing gig out, naturally her first book 'Finding Jordie' would be set there.
HJ enjoys reading, and spending time with her family. Reality TV is a guilty pleasure and she's a sucker for romantic comedies and Robert Pattinson. HJ is a pro at goofing off, She talks with her hands, (She's Italian!) She drinks way too much coffee, and gets too little sleep. Oh, and she has a thing for Jackie-O sized sunglasses. HJ's has five furry kids and most importantly, one beautiful daughter. HJ is always striving to be the best Mom possible.
HJ's very passionate about the things she loves, that's why she was outraged when they cancelled SMASH and Southland! It should be considered a small miracle if you ever get to see a serious or pic of her posing all nice and pretty...She's not that girl. She's a spontaneous goof and believes the best things in life come naturally. Yes, that includes random no make-up selfies during a 2:00a.m. writing marathon.
What inspired you to write a book about a successful woman who must come to terms with her past?
I’d moved from New Jersey to South West Georgia. There isn’t very much to do here so I began writing again. Jordie has a lot of heart and she wouldn’t have been able to make it through it without her bestie Rachel. Which was a huge part of me because Rachel is based on an actual person. You’ll get to see who inspired Rachel on the cover of the third and final book of the Love Lies Bleeding series: "Finding Rachel."
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| Author H.J. Harley |
Tell us a bit about the protagonist, Jordie.
She is one tough broad. She keeps to herself, raises her kid alone and owns a very successful NYC hot spot that her hilarious best friend Rachel helps her with. The two of them are a comedic tag team. Never a dull moment.
After Jordie was widowed, she moved to NYC and became a successful business owner. What gave her the strength to overcome the tragedy in her life?
Jordie is a ‘Suck-it-up-butter-cup’ kind of woman. She doesn’t pity herself nor will she allow anyone else to pity her so succeeding was her only option. You find out a lot about Jordie and her deceased husband Jason’s relationship before he died.
Is there an author who has influenced your writing style?
Not really, I sort of have a style of my own. I really don’t want to be stuffed in a category box neatly on a shelf. I don’t do well in boxes. LOL
Are there any aspects (e.g. character building, world building) of your writing that you've been practicing?
Believe it or not the least of my troubles were world and character building because I wrote it exactly as I saw it in my head. If there were three steps with a crack in the middle and a wad of melted gum, I would put it in there. Now, my editor (Salome’ Jones) will most likely tell you I was overly descriptive and and I have a blatant disregard for commas. LOL As far as too much detail? I’d much rather have to take out than add.
What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
My goals are pretty simple. Write stuff people will love and hope they keep coming back for more. With out readers there are no writers.
Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?
Oh yes… The fear of putting it all out there. The fear of rejection. The fear of failing, essentially.
Have you ever had writer's block? If yes, how'd you deal with it? If you have not had writer's block, why do you think you haven't?
I experience writer’s block Every. Single Day. I have a seven year old. LOL How do I deal with it? After she goes to bed! :D
Do you write with a computer, typewriter, or pen and paper? Why do you use this tool?
Even though I’d love to use a typewriter, I use my Mac. All that ranking and changing after every sentence would wake up the sleeping seven year old and my fiancé. Then where would I be?
What do you have in mind for your next project?
It’s the continuation of a series I began this past Christmas. It begins with the start of London and Pratt’s story then will go on from there. It’s titled The Love & Sacrifice series.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
It’s an emotional rollercoaster. There’s a lot of best friend banter and a really book boyfriend worthy. A lot of readers say that he reminds them of Rob Pattinson. I say who knows. Maybe maybe not. :P He can be whoever you want him to be.
Book blurb:
Jordie has lived through the worst. Widowed at twenty-three and left to raise a child alone, she packed up, moved to NYC and beat the odds. Now, a successful business owner, nothing can shake this indomitable woman. Nothing until a chance at love arrives in the form of handsome movie star, Nathan HarperMore Information
Buy "Finding Jordie" on Amazon
Check out all of H.J. Harley's books on Amazon
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