SECRETS OF THE HEART - Jillian Kent - 2 Free Books

I'm thrilled to introduce fellow Charisma House/Realms author Jillian Kent with her debut novel. Welcome, Jillian. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I know that two aspects of my personality come out in my writing and those are humor and counselor.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Many years ago at a camping event I was hypnotized and I wouldn’t have believed it but for the fact that I couldn’t pull my index fingers apart from each other. Go figure. J

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In seventh grade I wrote a piece about an ant watching Julius Caesar’s assassination. I think the thought that I could write occurred then.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love historical romance with a heavy mystery/suspense element. I like romantic comedy but can’t say I’ve read any lately. Love Sherlock Holmes. Enjoy some of Julia Quinn’s books as well as Amanda Quick, Liz Curtis Higgs, Francine Rivers, Nancy Moser. Mike Dellosso has me reading his books: Scream, Darlington Woods. Love James Scott Bell and many, many more.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Sanity? What’s that? Just because I’m a full time counselor doesn’t mean I’m sane. Sanity’s not all that’s cracked up to be. J That’s why there are lunatic asylums in my novels. Let’s see. I do enjoy a massage now and then and I’m joining a LifeSteps group to get my body in shape again and taking a new look at nutrition.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I love choosing character names. Really. I use Character Naming books, Baby Name books, Telephone books, and name generating spots on line. Great fun!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

It would have to be getting my three book contract with Charisma House.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A wild horse. Run free and play with your friends. J

What is your favorite food?

That’s my problem. I love everything. Probably pasta.

Tell us a little about your journey to publication.

I’ve been studying the craft for a good twenty years. Writing for the past ten a lot more than I did the first ten. When Debbie Marrie posted on our loop at ACFW that she was looking for historical romance I  sent her a proposal. Alas, she wrote back that she meant they were only looking for Prarie Romance and I write during the Regency era. Many months later she e-mailed me and asked, “Have you sold your book yet?” I said there was some interest but no one had made an offer yet. Debbie said that fifteen folks at Charisma had read my book and they decided to offer me a contract after much positive feedback. I think I went a bit numb. J Then I e-mailed James Scott Bell who had mentored me at Mt.  Hermon and he suggested I contact Rachelle Gardner. Rachelle kindly took me on and that’s my story. Thank you, Jesus!

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I fall in love with my secondary characters and have learned I can’t let them take over.

What advice would you give to others who are trying to get their first book published?

Don’t work on one book too long. Write it and gain more experience and have more than one book when you get that long awaited for call or e-mail. Go to conferences and learn.

Tell us about the featured book.

An English noblewoman rescues a runaway from an insane asylum which changes her life forever. My protagonist, Lady Madeline Whittington, has come out of mourning her siblings and more recently her father. Ah, but there is a connection to the death of her father and our hero. What I  love about my hero is that, Devlin Grayson, Lord Ravensmoore took a huge risk. He’s a nobleman training to become a physician. His father and brother died at sea and left him with the title. However, he wants to be the doctor he feels God called him to be. When he and Maddie meet, LOOK OUT!

Please give us the first page of the book.

You can read the entire first chapter at my website which I hope you will visit often. http://jilliankent.com/books.html

How can the readers find you on the Internet?

I’m at www.jilliankent.com and  my blog is at: http://jilliankent.blogspot.com/
You can also find me at  http://justthewritecharisma.blogspot.com/  where Lena blogs as well with our other Realms buddies.

Thank you, Jillian for sharing your journey and book with us.


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