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URL:
http://jroseallister.com
ABOUT J. ROSE
Ever
read a book or watch a film and think to
yourself, "No! It should end this way"?
That's a good theme for my writing
career. To me, writing is like watching
any other story unfold, but with the
advantage of being able to tweak the
circumstances the way I want (usually).
In my versions, you'll never find out
everyone dies at the end, that's for
sure. I'm a sucker for Happily Ever
After, which is probably why I gravitate
toward romantic fiction.
Besides my fanaticism for writing, I'm
an avid movie buff, reader, and am
interested in paranormal pursuits and
mysticism. These themes do show up from
time to time in my writing, though I'm
always exploring new things to add to my
fictional universe.
INTERVIEW
Q: Do you have a favorite line or moment
from your books?
A: I have a favorite line or moment from
each of my stories, but one right now
that plasters a special grin on my face
is the final sex scene at the dojo in
KATA SUTRA. I won't give it away, but it
was the culmination of a rather naughty
fantasy that formed the basis for the
entire book. If I could replicate it in
person, you bet I'd try!
Q: What writing habit of yours
would readers find most bizarre?
A: Perhaps the sheer randomness of it.
You can guarantee I'll write in
November, which is National Novel
Writing Month, but otherwise I've got no
writing schedule. Inspiration strikes at
odd times and places. When the Muse
phones it in--typically when it's least
convenient--I'm his slave until
completion. (Yes, my muse is a gorgeous
hunk, though quite the smart alek.) I
took a course in fast drafting, so I can
usually complete a concept in a matter
of weeks. Then the Muse may leave me
alone for a bit, or demand the next
project immediately. He's like that
relative who disappears for a while,
then shows up for a surprise visit as
though they'd never been away. Still, I
can manage several titles per year this
way, so I'm not complaining. Much.
Q: Do you have your family or
friends read a manuscript first, to see
if they like it?
A: Gave that up years ago, as my spouse
tends to find too much wrong, and other
friends/family too little. The latter is
awesome for my ego, but not necessarily
best for the process. I stick with
trusted author/editor colleagues to work
me over, er, I mean give my work the
once over.
Q: You've said, "Writing for me is
another form of reading." How so?
A: I find this true for most authors,
but especially those like me who don't
do a lot of “plotting.” I tend to come
up with a concept, set the stage, then
let my characters tell me the story
rather than vice versa. So a lot of
scenes and revelations are as much a
surprise to me as they are my readers.
Q: What's the weirdest/funniest
assumption people make about you?
A: That I--and all authors--are
fabulously wealthy and lead decadent,
glamorous lives. Even my closest
friends, who should be able to take one
look and know better, seem to think this
way. A fellow author once told a group
of us that we must always dress to the
nines with hair and makeup perfect, even
to go to the grocery store, because
there's this expectation of us we don't
want to disappoint. While I'd certainly
hate to disappoint readers with a poorly
written story, I think they'll forgive
me showing up to the market in flip
flops and jeans. |
