Interview with author J. B. Heller

1 – Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

I had no idea I wanted to write until I was in my early 20’s. 

2 – When you start a series of books – do you know in advance who the couples who will appear in the following books will be? Do you know what the plot will be?

Nope. I’m what is called a pantster. It means, I write by the seat of my pants. I ver rarely have a plan before I start writing. I’ll have a couple in mind, and a genral plot in my head, but I let the characters take the story where they will.

3 – In the Awkward series, you wrote about endometriosis – since there are not many writers who write about the menstrual cycle of the heroine, you gave it a very significant focus in the book – was it intentional?

Yes, it was very intentional. I had no idea how endometriosis effected so many women around the world until I was diagnosed with it myself. It is a horrible disease that 1 in 10 women suffer with. I wanted to bring awareness to it, and the devastating effects it has on so many aspects of the sufferers life.

4 – Where do you get your inspiration for books?

Everywhere. I’m a people watcher, so if I go to a café or even out grocery shopping, I watch the people around me, and they can sometimes inspire different characters looks or personality traits. I take a lot from my own life and blend it into my books too. 

5 – In the book What If It’s Right? You wrote a taboo topic. Usually, in taboo books, the man is the adult, and the woman is the youngest – what made you do the opposite here?

I don’t know exactly what inspired this story. It was in my head for a long time before I wrote it. It just felt right, I guess. To me, my characters are real, and Tory and Weston’s story deserved to be told.

6 – In the Unexpected Lovers series, you changed both the names of the books and their covers – why?

So, this was a very recent change. When I started writing this series in early 2020, the titles and covers I chose were what suited the market. But over time, the market evolved and to make sure these books were seen by the kinds of readers who enjoy this genre, I had to update them.

7 – When you start writing a book – do you already know how it will end?

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. I mean, I have a general idea. But I don’t know the specifics of their happily ever after. 

8 – Who is your favorite couple you have written about?

Oh, this is a hard one. Umm, I know for sure that Dax and Adley from my most recent book, Wooing His Accidental Wife, were the hardest to write, even though I loved them. I think my favorite couple has to be Rhett and Reagan from Pink Bits. They were fun,  and just so cute together. They made me happy while I was writing about them.

9 – How long does it take you to write one book?

I’m a classic procrastinator, even when I have months to write a book, I still don’t actually sit down and do it until about two weeks before my deadline. I’m terrible. My writing process is very stressful, but I’ve come to accept that it is my process and I just have to deal with it. So, I generally write my books in about 14 days.

10 – What is your favorite genre to read?

I read and listen to audiobooks a lot. I go through phases of only reading epic fantasy or all M/M books or romantic comedy. I don’t really have a favorite. I love them all.

11 – Who are your favorite writers?

I adore Amy Harmon, she is such an incredible story teller. Her words draw you in and wrap you up in the world she’s created. I feel the same about Sarah J. Mass. I wish I could write the way they do. I’m also a massive fan of Penelope Douglas, Abbi Glines, Krista and Becca Ritchie, R.L. Mathewson, Tijan and Helena Hunting. There’s so many more. I could make a list as long as my arm.

12 – If you could turn one of your books into a movie – which one would you choose?

Ohhh, great question! I think I’d have to go with What If It’s Right? It’s emotional, romantic, and has its funny moments.