Q&A with Author Jessica Lemmon

Join me in welcoming debut author Jessica Lemmon to the hot seat. Jessica is discussing her brand new book, TEMPTING THE BILLIONAIRE, which has just released this month, and she is giving away a free copy to one lucky reader!

Crickitt Day needs a job . . . any job. After her husband walks out on her, she's determined to re-build her life and establish a new career. When swoon-worthy billionaire Shane August hires her as his assistant, she jumps at the chance to prove herself. Despite her growing attraction to her boss, she vows to keep things strictly professional. No flirting. No kissing. Definitely no falling in love...

Shane August is all business, all the time. He's a self-made man who's poured his heart and soul into his company, and he'd never allow himself to get involved with an employee. Then he hires sweet, sexy Crickitt-and he can't keep his mind or his hands off her. But no matter how much he wants Crickitt, Shane fears that painful secrets from his past will always come between them. With fate working against them, can these two lonely hearts learn that sometimes mixing business with pleasure is the perfect merger?

AMAZON || B&N


Hi Jessica, and thanks so much for joining us today. Can you tell us a little about your debut novel, TEMPTING THE BILLIONAIRE?

Hi, Olivia! Thank you so much for having me! Here’s my one-liner: An all-business billionaire learns there’s more to life than a bottom line when he hires his sweet and sexy personal assistant.

What was your inspiration behind this book? 
After forgetting to wear my wedding ring, I spent the entire day rubbing my fingers together (have you ever done that?). I was at such a loss without it! I envisioned a woman, divorced, and crying in a bar. Crickitt Day was born.

Is there a scene or character in your book that you are particularly fond of?

I love the scene where Shane stumbles upon Crickitt crying in her office. Like when he approached her at the bar, he simply can’t help but console her. He’s trying to convince himself to walk away, then thinks, “Ah, hell” right before he embraces her. This, I think, is who Shane is. He’s kind; he cares, and no matter how hard he tries, he can’t deny his feelings for this woman. 

Can you describe your writing process? Do you have a daily routine?

My writing process is like me: consistently inconsistent. ;-) I love to write, and tend to become obsessed with whatever project I’m immersed in. As far as routine goes, even though I don’t do “exactly” the same things each day, I know I’m fresher in the morning. I like to be done by dinner and unwind at night.

How do you balance social media and promotion with your writing schedule?

I’m working on that! I have an iPad so it allows me to hop on Twitter and Facebook several times a day. I check in at mealtimes and have my phone close by for responses. I love to interact, so I probably check it too much!

Can you tell us about your journey toward publication?

It started in January 2010 when I was sure the (first) manuscript I’d finished was going to sell. It didn’t, so I kept writing and learning. Two and a half years, and seven manuscripts later, I received an offer from my agent. I was so surprised to get a yes! I was ready to hustle for another two and a half years if that’s what it took.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring writer, what would it be?

WRITE. Write, write, write, write, write! I didn’t get better by beating one manuscript into submission. I started new stories, I wrestled with plots, I found critique partners, I attended workshops... When I did find an agent, I had several books (while not perfect) in my arsenal to rewrite and submit. Nothing is ever dead…well, except for that first manuscript…oy…so bad. LOL

Can you tell us about your next release and what you are working on now?

I’d love to! Hard to Handle is book #2 in the Love in the Balance series and follows Aiden and Sadie’s journey to happily ever after. And if anyone deserves happiness, it’s these two! I’m also working on a series in a town called Eternity Bay. The first book is about a bad boy mansion owner who comes back to town only to find his first love right where he left her…

Thanks so much for joining us today, Jessica! To learn more about Jessica and her debut book TEMPTING THE BILLIONAIRE, visit her website at www.jessicalemmon.com.

Jessica is giving away a free copy of her book to one lucky recipient, so be sure to leave a comment for your chance to win!