Author Jordana Ryan is on the blog!

1: Dahlia: Welcome to the blog Jordana! Would you tell us how your writing career took off?

Hi Dahlia, My writing career took off with an unfortunate personal circumstance. I had back surgery and was unable to return to my job with adolescent offenders in a maximum security facility. I was bound and determined to not let the time pass unproductively. I searched my heart for what I really wanted to do and that was write. I started with a book called Loving Dakota. But after joining many critique groups I found that this was not the novel that really called to me. I started writing No Matter What and it really just took a hold of me. When I finished writing it, I started submitting and was given my contract on No Matter What at that point.

2: Dahlia: Your book No Matter What is a compelling story. Could you tell us more about it?

No Matter What is the story of Brenden and Cassandra. Cassandra left Indigo with a big secret when she was seventeen years old. After living a sordid life for four years, she’s ready to own up to her mistakes. She comes back to Indigo with her 3 year old daughter. When Brenden sees her, he is torn between loving her and hating her. Although, she is the love of his life there is a lot that needs to be forgiven. Cassandra and Brenden fight their demons but will there be a happily ever outcome in their future?

3: Dahlia: The story line is different to what we are seeing in books lately. It deals with more real world issues like pregnancy and HIV. How did you come up with the story line and what message were you trying to get across to the readers?

I think the message I wanted to give was that everyone deserves a second chance. People do things every day that maybe they are not proud of, or they feel can’t be taken back. It’s true that the action can’t be taken back but it is possible to be forgiven. I also really wanted to make this realistic. Brenden and Cass faced a lot of obstacles that are very real in this world. I wanted to send a message that love and persistence can help a person to overcome even the most horrible of circumstances.

4: Dahlia: Do you have any upcoming releases we should know about and where can we find them?

My book of poetry title Uncensored Emotions is coming very soon from Amira Press. This is a book that is close to my heart because I started with writing poetry and it has been my passion for many years. The title reflects the poetry, it really is an uncensored look at me as a person and my feelings. I tackle a lot of tough issues in my poems and I think that makes them really stand out. You can get this book at www.amirapress.com Hopefully in the next week or two. Also, I have a short story in the Amira Press Meant to be Anthology called Summer Fling. It was my first short story and something I am really proud of. You can pick that anthology up in June at www.amirapress.com. Finally, my erotic short story, The Wrong Woman is undergoing edits now and should be available through Amira Press Simply Erotic by Summers end.

5: Dahlia: Jordana give us a sneak peek to what you are working on now?

My next novel is called Perfect Game and this is a novel that is very close to my heart. Jessie Kirk has never had love. Her mother was a self-centered woman who had a hard time putting others above herself. When she passes away Jessie makes the decision to get to know her father who has been absent most of her life. Trevor can’t believe she’s there. The last time she came to Santa Fe for a visit she had caused nothing but trouble. But he had seen behind the little girls antics to the lonely person inside. At twenty years old, she’s more mature and she’s beautiful. When he faces a career ending injury, Jessie and Trevor find themselves thrown together. With her he can show her a side of him that other’s don’t see. When he falls in love with the coach’s daughter, will he find that love means more to him than chasing that Perfect Game?

6: Dahlia: Where are you from and are any of your books based in your home town?

I am from St. Louis Missouri and as of yet I have no novels based here, but I haven’t counted out my hometown yet!

7: Dahlia: What are some of the goals you have set for yourself in your writing career?

My first goal is to write because I love it. To fulfill my passion I will write regardless of what happens in my career. Second, my goal is to touch people with my novels. I will always be true to myself and who I am with my writing and give my readers a story that comes straight from my heart.

8: Dahlia: What scenes in your books that you find difficult to write?

Love Scenes are difficult for me to write. I want to write what is appealing to my readers so sometimes I over think the love scenes.

9: Dahlia: What would we find you doing behind the scenes Jordana to relax and get away from writing for a bit?

Playing with my daughter usually. I have a 5 year old that is very active and kicking back to relax usually means doing something special with her. If it’s just Jordana Time you can find me baking, exercising, scrapbooking, reading or playing my playstation. I have a lot of hobbies and I try to give them all some attention each week J

10: Dahlia: I have read your books and they are very romantic and expressive. Plus it lets you know that they are a lot of bumps in relationships. Will all your books be based on this style of writing?

I think that all of my romance novels will be based on this style of writing. I tend to write reality. Though I am a fan of happily ever after and smooth roads, life isn’t like that so I find it hard to write that. But I do also have a few other genres I write so I think readers can get a little of everything from me.

11: Dahlia: What do you think is the sexiest spot on a man’s body?

LOL that is a good question. I think it’s the belly button. There’s nothing sexier than a man’s tummy!

12: Dahlia: If you could have one hot guy for a day to do your bidding who would it be and what will he be doing?

Elvis Presely (I know he’s dead) LOL if it were a live person it would have to be George Clooney. I think breakfast in bed would be a great start! Then a nice massage followed by a day at a theme park riding every ride with me LOL Lame I know but I’m easy to please.

13: Dahlia: Who are some of your favorite writers? Do you find it hard to get personal time for reading between your writing schedule?

My favorite Writers are Rosanne Bittner, Cassie Edwards, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Johanna Lindsey and Sandra Brown. It is definitely hard to read sometimes but when I get writers block that is a great way of pushing past it. I try to take time to read at least a chapter a night. Even if it is at 1 in the morning. Reading is as essential to me as writing!

14: Dahlia: Jordana tell us three things that you could not live without?

My Daughter, My Computer and My Ipod

15: Dahlia: Tell us where we could find out more about, any contest you have going on and your books.

I have a Yahoo Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JordanaRyan/ And also my myspace. It’s www.myspace.com/PrincessCheygirl. Once I know that I have some readers out there active in those lists I will be doing at least weekly update posts and contests as well!

Thank you for having me Dahlia!

That guys and dolls was the author of “No Matter What” Jordana Ryan. This lady is bringing romance back with a worldly feel that everyone can relate to. Check out her books and you won’t be disappointed!
Until next week luvvies!
Smooches ~*~Dahlia Rose