It’s such a pleasure to welcome Jenn Langston to the Blue Rose Writing Room today!
Let’s learn a little more about Jenn, shall we?
Tell us, how long have you been writing?
I have been seriously writing for 5 years now. Before that, I tried writing a book, but it wasn’t very good, and I never could get through more than a chapter. Then after my second child was born, I found the urge to write again, and haven’t stopped yet.
What’s one thing you absolutely can’t tolerate during your writing? One thing you can’t write without?
Wow, that’s a hard one. Although certain things, like a cat chewing the corner of the page or one of my kids climbing in my lap, create obstacles, I can overcome them. The phone however, makes writing impossible. When someone calls me, I’m stuck with my pen poised over my pages, waiting for the moment I can say goodbye.
The only thing I can’t write without is my pen and notebook. You could drop me in the middle of a crowded street, and I could write. Considering I bring my writing supplies with me everywhere I go, I’ve actually written in some unusual spots. I have a God given ability to tune everything out when a pen is in my hand.
Boy do I wish I could do that. I can’t even have my hubby in the same room. He distracts me.
What’s the funniest thing anyone has ever said to you about your writing? Or the unkindest? Or the oddest?
The first reaction I received from some family members after allowing them to read my book was priceless. They looked at me with disbelief in their eyes and said “Wow, it sounds like a real book.” I’m not sure what they were expecting, but it made me laugh anyway. Then, of course, I have some who won’t even read it because they claim they don’t read ‘smut.’ I just shrug and bite my tongue from telling them that term dates them.
Oh, yeah, we’ve all heard that.
What’s on place you absolutely want to visit before you die?
Before I die, I want to visit England. I’ve held a love for England for many years, which is why I minored in European Studies in college. But being able to walk the streets I’ve studied over maps and researched would be incredible.
I’ve been to England twice, and I will go back. It’s absolutely amazing!
Why did you choose to write in this genre? Have you ever written any other genre? Do you plan on doing so in the future?
As I mentioned before, I love England and I’m enamored with the 1800s. Historical romances are primarily what I read as well, so writing them came naturally. I have written a paranormal romance, and dabbled in a couple of other genres, but historicals are my true love.
Well, as a fellow historical romance writer, I know exactly how you feel.
Can you tell us, what are you most proud of about your writing?
My characters. I have been complimented many times on them. I don’t spend hours perfecting their individual personalities; I just let the characters ‘speak’ to me. Sometimes I find they even surprise me.
Chuckling here. My characters like to take over my writing once in a while.
What’s one new thing you’d like to try?
I’ve always wanted to go skydiving. I’ve never been, and my husband says I’m crazy for wanting to jump from a perfectly good airplane, but I can’t help my desire. The thought is a little frightening, but one day I’ll muster enough courage.
I’m with your hubby on that one, though one of my critique partners has skydived and two other authors I’ve interviewed want to try it. Shudder.
Tell us something unusual, quirky, or odd about yourself?
I pace when I’m on the telephone. I know it’s really odd, but something about that phone in my hand pushes me out of my seat. I really can’t say why, but when I answer a call, I will instinctively stand and before long I realize I’m doing it again. I look at it like my own personalized exercise plan. Perhaps I should buy a treadmill…
Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Cinderella
Favorite Fruit? Kiwi
Favorite Hero? Batman
Favorite Eye Color? Blue
Best Vacation destination? Hawaii
Food you can’t stand? Eggplant
What annoys you? Bad drivers
Coffee, tea, or something else? Definitely coffee
Nightgown or Jammies? Jammies
Prefer dogs or cats? Cats
A bit about Jenn
Jenn Langston is a writer and a lover of historical romances. She developed her love of reading romance novels at a very young age. What began as the simple joy of reading developed into a passion to write.
She lives in the beloved state of Texas where she was born and raised. With her husband, three beautiful children, and three cats, she has a full house. There is never a dull moment, but always time to read and write.
Greyson Thorpe, Viscount Merrick, wants respectability above all else. Knowing the fastest way to achieve that state comes through marriage, he challenges Hammond Everett, the Duke of Donetic to a card game. After winning the match, the duke agrees to exchange his daughter’s hand in marriage for the forgiveness of his debts.
Willimena Abigail Everett had no desire to marry after experiencing the violent nature of men at her father’s hand. When Viscount Merrick arrives, she has no choice other than to obey her father and marry him. Will she be able to set aside her previous beliefs about men and judge her husband by his own merits?
After obtaining good social standing, Greyson sends his bride to the country; however, he finds himself missing her. Following her to the estate, he discovers she had been living a double life. Will he discover her secrets and control his burning desire for her at the same time?
Willimena Abigail Everett had no desire to marry after experiencing the violent nature of men at her father’s hand. When Viscount Merrick arrives, she has no choice other than to obey her father and marry him. Will she be able to set aside her previous beliefs about men and judge her husband by his own merits?
After obtaining good social standing, Greyson sends his bride to the country; however, he finds himself missing her. Following her to the estate, he discovers she had been living a double life. Will he discover her secrets and control his burning desire for her at the same time?
Enjoy an excerpt from His Perfect Game
“I see your father has no thoughts on propriety.”
“He’s always had his own way of looking at matters.”
Greyson nodded. He could not think of anything to add. His experience with women didn’t stray beyond his mistresses. When Lady Willimena’s focus fell to his mouth, his heart sped. Desire was something he was accustomed to, but certainly not from an untried lady. He sat silently, waiting to see what she would do next.
Her chest slowly rose and fell as she took a deep breath and stood. Being a gentleman, Greyson followed suit. This situation was already unconventional enough without her attempting to seduce him as well. She advanced, but her steps faltered when he shot her a disapproving glare.
Her cheeks turned red as she wrung her hands.
“Would you mind if I kissed you again?” she stammered.
“Do you plan to do it properly this time?” Angered by her attempt, the question slid from his tongue before he thought twice.
Her eyes widened before falling to the ground. The honest reaction confirmed his suspicions. She was as innocent as he first believed. He resisted the urge to show his relief as he could not understand why it should matter to him.
“Forgive me, my lord. I have never been instructed on how to kiss.” Her fists balled up, and when she looked back at him, her shame melted away as her resolve stiffened. Contrary to what he’d heard of her, she was no weak miss. “Will you teach me?”
Although surprised by her question, he kept silent and unchanged. Despite the unconventional circumstances, they were betrothed, so kissing her would not cause harm, nor would it alter any arrangements. He committed himself to seeing this through regardless if the duke found him in a compromising position or not.
His lack of reaction must have been encouraging, for Lady Willimena began to walk toward him again. She held her head high as her ample body pressed forward. Her gaze didn’t waver even after she stood inches from him.
“What is your determination, my lord?” Her eyes once again centered on his mouth.
Wanting to see her face, to look into her eyes, he reached up to remove her glasses, but she shrank back. Confused, Greyson stood still with his hands raised in the air.
“I’m not going to hurt you,” he promised.
She offered a small embarrassed smile as she regained her determined stance.
This time she remained motionless as he removed her glasses. He could see fear lurking in her green eyes, and he wondered why she was afraid of him. Surely the whispers of his being a bastard didn’t include false accounts of cruelty. Instead of reassuring her with his words, he gently cupped her face with his hands, tilting her chin up.
He brushed his lips against hers once, twice, then a third time before she softened her rigid position and slid her hands against his chest. The small contact sent flames licking at his body. It wasn’t enough, he needed more of her.
While keeping one hand on her face, he wrapped the other around her to draw her against him. Although her generous curves were soft, her body didn’t emit warmth as he expected. The poor girl must have been literally frozen with fear. Using his lips to comfort her, he coaxed and teased as desire built within him.
Not wanting to push too far, he didn’t deepen the kiss and instead pulled back. Seeing the dazed expression in her eyes made his chest nearly burst with satisfaction. Unaccustomed to interacting with innocents, pleasure filled him at the thought he could do something right.
“That was rather pleasant,” she admitted, a little breathless. After he took several paces back, her pink tongue darted out of her mouth and licked her lips.
Greyson followed its slow tracing of her mouth as his body went rock hard. His breathing increased, and he desperately wanted to take her back in his arms. The room felt as though the temperature increased ten degrees. With the way she looked at him, he could not stay. He had to leave now.
“Thank you for the lovely evening.” He bowed then turned and left her standing in the middle of the room.
Here’s how you can contact Jenn:
Website: www.jennlangston.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.langston.58
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JLangstonAuthor
Thanks again, Jenn, for joining me here today.
