I’m thrilled to have my pal Juliana Stone on the blog today. Juliana writes in several genres, including critically acclaimed paranormal romance and young adult. But she also writes fantastic contemporary romance that’s sexy, entertaining, and also incredibly emotional. Her new book, The Summer He Came Home, just came out. It garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly and was also named one of their top ten picks of Spring 2013.
Let’s have a little chat with Juliana, shall we?
You write both paranormal romance, YA, and contemporary romance. Did you find it difficult to switch between genres? Do you prefer one over the other?
Good question, Vanessa! For me, this is something I don’t have a problem doing and that’s probably because I have a lot of voices and ideas in my head that need to get out! LOL. That being said, not every writer can write in multiple genres; you have to have the voice to make it work, but fortunately for me, I was able to get it done.
As to whether I prefer one genre over another, it’s hard to say. They’re different beasts for sure. I find that paranormal can be a little exhausting. The world building is incredibly intricate, so at the moment I’m finding writing contempt are somewhat soothing to the soul and when I dive back into the paranormal world, I’ll be really excited to do so.
You’ve called your new book, THE SUMMER HE CAME HOME, the book of your heart. Why is that and what can you tell us about the story?
The Summer He Came Home is a book that I’d been dreaming of writing. It features a hero who is a rocker, and I had so many people tell me I’d never sell a romance with that kind of guy, that I was determined to make it work. I love everything about my hero, Cain Black. He’s a combination of my love of Jon Bon Jovi and Nikki Sixx, and because music is such a huge influence in my life, when I found out I’d sold this series I was over the moon!
This book is about family, healing, redemption and the power of love.
You’ve got another contemporary romance coming out in May, and other projects on the burner. How do you manage to be so productive and not go insane?
Oh my God, I am busy but I love it. I think it’s more the question of, how keeping busy keeps me sane. I have so many stories inside me, that I’m grateful to be able to get them out there for my readers. The Barker Triplets have been a blast to write, and the third book, CONCEAL releases in late May. Along with the YA and my Bad Boys books, those voices and stories in my head are getting some mileage!
What’s up next in the Bad Boys of Crystal Lake world?
Book 2 in the series, THE CHRISTMAS HE LOVED HER, will be out October 1, 2013. It features Jake Edwards, brother to the twin whose funeral in book 1 was the catalyst for all the boys returning home to Crystal Lake. He’s dealing with a lot of demons and boy does he need an HEA! The third book will be released in April 2014!
We’ll be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series! Readers, Juliana is graciously giving away one of her books today – one commenter will win either a digital copy of one of Juliana’s Barker Boys books, or a signed copy of The Christmas He Loved Her when it comes out in October. Just tell us what you love about contemporary romance – or what you don’t love – for a chance to win.
What I love about a contemporary romance:- the hot scenes
What I dont love: when the scenes are described so fast, without passion. It seems own author didnt want to write that
Vania, I like hotter, too, but I know not everyone likes to write that way.
What I love about contemporary romance is there is nothing off limits. I guess I just love reading about romance. And always a happy ending.
Gotta love the HEA, Lisa!
Makes you believe in romance and that its still out there!
Agreed, Dawn!
I always feel that contemporary romance seems to run at a faster pace then say Historical. It might just be the books I’m reading or it could be my imagination. We may never know.
Actually, I agree with that, Mary. There’s a feel and pacing to most historical novels that’s quite different from contemporaries!
I like contemporary in that it’s a slice of today’s world with an HEA. Although I do wonder what the next generation of writers will find romantic about constant texting and tweeting..
LOL! I guess we’ll find out, Cate!
I like the fun dialogues and wit of contemporary romances. What I don’t like is that it’s usually not as much of an escape as historical romance.
Very interesting, May. I think you’re right!
The realistic plot and the characters that are compelling.
Anne, I find contemporaries a bit easier to write than historicals. It’s neat to write about more realistic situations.
I love contemporary romance because it feels comfortable, familiar. You can relate to it a little better because you understand everything in it and the characters feel more like your friend or neighbor. Don’t get me wrong, I love Historicals too! All eras and different genres. But sometimes contemporary just fits your mood, life, frame of mind better than a historical can.
I totally agree, Kylan!
like the different types of situations
Me too, bn!
I like the snappy, realistic dialogue in contemporary romances. Also the feeling that the characters could actually be people I know.
Yep, it’s fun to write dialogue for contemporaries, Marcy!
I guess what I love about contemporary romance is it is set in modern times and anything goes. I love a good historical to though.
I do find contemporaries easier to plot out, Quilt Lady.
I love that it’s normal people, normal settings– but the couple still finds there HEA. No superpowers or time travel needed 🙂 Which, of course, I also love, haha 😉
I love it all too, Chelsea!
I like that the characters are real people and they have HEAs.
Me too, Chey! Juliana’s books are great that way, and so are ones by authors like Jill Shalvis.
Thanks for the fun post and congrats to Juliana on the newest release! I love losing myself in a story that is set in “real life”. Makes the HEA more engaging and believable 🙂
Agreed, Erin!