JN Welsh is a native New Yorker. She writes entertaining, often humorous, and provocative tales about strong, career-driven, multicultural heroines looking for love. Her punchy, flowing dialogue and big-city stories are heartwarming and stick to your ribs. Most of JN Welsh’s books are contemporary romances with many characters in different ages of life. This Indie Author has something for everyone.
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Question 1: Where did you find the inspiration for your main character?
I always love this question because it brings me back to when I was reintroduced to dance music. One late night, a few years back, I’d been channel surfing and stumbled on a live concert. The DJ, Kaskade, was coming to the end of his set, so the music felt full and high energy–like it was coming to the crescendo. Well, he plays an encore of his song I Remember, a song he did with another famous DJ, Deadmau5. It moved me in profound ways, and I found myself dancing alone in my apartment like I was at the club. It was great! It was a time when I was brooding over my life. The writing career I wanted yet being in a corporate job. And the age-old question that starts the creative process–the new beginnings of a story–popped into my head. “What if…” And DJ Luke and Leona Sable were born.
Question 2: Can you share a snippet that isn’t in the blurb or excerpt?
IN TUNE – Taken from Chapter 14
The French Quarter was alive with tourists taking in the sights, and the sound of New Orleans jazz filled the air. Leona sped down the streets toward her destination. Luke trailed behind with his hand in a bag of beignets, wearing a baseball cap to camouflage his identity. She and Luke arrived at the old French-style building. When they entered, they were greeted by rustic décor. An aged tapestry hung from the wall and luxurious velvet couches, trimmed with gold, sat on antiqued carpeting. The small lounge, before entering the theater, was reminiscent of a burlesque show. As if on cue, a woman in skimpy burlesque-wear, complete with silver tasseled nipple covers and red garter, greeted them. “Allo, chéris! I’m Mademoiselle. Are you here for the show?” “Yes?” Luke chuckled at her uncertainty. “Right this way.” Mademoiselle, with her creole French accent, sauntered closer to Luke. “You’re so handsome.” “Thanks.” Luke’s whole face smiled. “Are you two together? How long are you staying in New Orleans, mon chéri?” Mademoiselle pawed Luke’s strong shoulders. “Well…” Luke squatted to sit on the couch. “Come on.” Leona tugged him toward the theater. His laugh tickled the hairs at the back of her neck. She had no idea what to expect having her ex-boyfriend and her current client in the same room. The scenario had her clenching and releasing her fists. Based on previous conversations, Luke and Paul were ingredients that did not make for a good stew. She stopped Luke before they entered. “Look, you don’t have to come in. You can stay out here with Mademoiselle.” The thought of him staying outside with a near-naked, aggressive woman didn’t thrill her, but it was better than a possible confrontation with Paul or Abe or the artist they were meeting. “I’m coming in. I’m sure my presence will help speed this along,” Luke said. “Good point.” Leona hadn’t thought about it that way. “But…behave.” “Oh, I plan to.”
Question 3: What is the key theme and/or message in the book?
I always think there are two themes to this book. “It is never too late….” and “You can always try again…”
Question 4: Are you working on anything at present you would like to share with your readers?
Yes! I’m tackling a women’s fiction novel. I’ve been told that my stories offer more than romance, so I’m leaning into that. I’m excited for readers to see what’s coming next.
Question 5: What books or authors have most influenced your own writing
From the most popular to the most obscure authors, the list is too long to name them all because I’m influenced by all books and authors I’ve ever read. If it’s good I gobble up the lessons. If it’s bad it shows me what I don’t want in my books as well as pitfalls to avoid in my stories. It also keeps my writing fresh and current to read new to me and debut authors. However, if I had to give an answer on true influence, I’d have to go back to the beginning and say, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by the late, great Maya Angelou because, respectively, it was the first novel I read by a Black female author, who showed me that maybe I could be that, too. Anais Nin threw me into the world of erotica when I was very young and I wanted to read more but also write my own stories like that. Writer/filmmaker Zalman King’s work inspired my writing as well.
Question 6 Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.
I love projects. Whether it is baking or building a greenhouse. I love a good project. Something I can learn, do, and complete.
Question 7: What is your kryptonite as a writer?
Time. It moves so fast and sometimes when I have it, I don’t use it as well as I’d like. Give me more time! 🙂
Question 8: Do you write listening to music? If so, what music inspired or accompanied this current book?
In the past, yes, but nowadays, I write in a writer’s room and embrace the quiet mornings, but I still get a ton of inspiration from music, especially on my daily drives.
Question 9: When you’re writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc) scene, how do you get in the mood?
Music and memories. However, by the time I get to scenes like this, the characters are well-established and I don’t have to really get myself into the mood. The characters are already there emotionally. Sometimes I have to do a little research or introspection or say, “How would I feel if…,” and go from there. Music and memories can help make it easier.
Question 10: What advice do you have for writers/authors?
Write, write, write. Read as much as you can. This can be challenging, and surprisingly, there are a lot of writers who aren’t huge readers. Still, read, listen to, and chat books. The good, the bad, and the ugly as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to have an opinion and to know the rules about your genre. Don’t be afraid to break some of those rules in your drafts, as well. You may have fantastic results, and you can always edit, but you have to write something, anything, first.
Question 11: If you could only have one season, what would it be?
Long Answer: The perfect one where I can have sunny days and perfect temps to grow a huge vegetable garden and flowers, and also have snow to frolic in, and also have starry nights and northern lights above. Short answer: Winter. Because I can’t take off my skin if I get so hot that I’d want to, but I can always layer to warm up in the cold temps. Plus I love fluffy, white snow.
Question 12: What is the best part of your day?
The first sip of perfectly made coffee (or tea). It’s the first time of the day. Besides, when I open my eyes and take my first breaths, I smile, and I think about how grateful I am for being alive.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to read In Tune as an arc and share my review, as well as this very insightful author interview with you all. I love supporting Indie Authors, and I hope you will give this author some love and check out her books.
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