Finding Jordie
This morning I’m very excited to play hostess for HJ Harley, a fellow Crimson Romance writer whose first novel, Finding Jordie, looks like a whole lot of fun. Ms. Harley is the kind of girl who says what she means and means what she says. Check out the interview and see…
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Thank you for having me Liv.
Well thanks for visiting, Harley!
LR: Finding Jordie has been getting tremendously positive reviews, and most seem to comment on the main character’s voice. How did you get to know Jordie? Were you inspired by something specific?
HJH: It’s funny to me when I hear people mention Jordie’s voice. This isn’t only my first book; this is my first anything writing, aside from educational essays and what not. So when I was working with my editor Salome’, from flourish editing, she kept telling me the fact that I was a spaz when it came to commas was okay because I had a great voice. For the longest time I was like, what is she talking about? I’ve never even spoken to her, and if I had, that’s just weird. I’m writing, who gives a flying doughnut what I sound like? Then as I started reading blogs and reviews it clicked. I was like “Ohhhhh so she isn’t that crazy after all!” I wrote as if I was sitting there telling the story out loud. I’ve been told I’m a very animated person. When I moved to Georgia I had to learn how to dial it down a few notches. So Jordie was just an outlet for me to let loose again.
LR: For a first-time novelist, what has been the most challenging part of the process?
HJH: Hands down the most challenging part of this so far is letting go. I feel like this is my baby and I want everything perfect. You combine control freak and drama queen and you’ve got trouble. I have to remind myself on an hourly basis to breathe sometimes. And lord help us all when that first bad review comes in…LOL. All part of letting go…I’m learning I can’t control mishaps, bad reviews or anything else that pops up when it comes to this business.
LR: What drew you to romantic suspense? Have you thought about other genres?
HJH: I have no clue, honestly. I just began writing the story and went with what worked. After I was done I said to myself…People are going to think I’m seriously twisted in the noggin. LOL
Other genres…hmmm…I’m pondering a YA right now. All the parts are there…I’ll just have to put it together at some point.
LR: This might not be a fair question for the mother of a young child, but do you prefer clutter or quiet? Describe your perfect writing situation.
HJH: I wrote most of Finding Jordie on my lap top in my living room or at the coffee shop while my daughter was at school. I prefer some sort of background noise like the TV or music, but I can’t write when my daughter is around. I have zero attention span as it is. She isn’t the kind of kid to just relax and watch TV. She’s always doing something so I can’t concentrate; besides I’d much rather play My Little Pony with her instead of work. 
LR: How to you juggle all your responsibilities (spouse, parent, worker-bee, housekeeper, writer)?
HJH: I sort of lucked out in this department. I’m a domestic coordinator (stay at home mom LOL) and my daughter’s father works. So, I have a bit more free time to get the household stuff done during the day, leaving my evenings pretty free.
LR: What’s your favorite non-writing activity? Or maybe I should ask, what’s your favorite cheesy reality TV show? 
HJH: Ha Ha Ha! I love the Jersey Shore (Sniffles it’s over) and Snooki & Jwoww. Look, I’m a Jersey Girl through and through…they may act like idiots (that aren’t even from NJ) but everywhere you see on that show I’ve pretty much been. My aunt had a summer house in Ortley Beach, which is on the outskirts of Seaside. I spent every summer at that beach house before my family decided to move from North Jersey to The Shore. This allowed me to be in Seaside almost every weekend of the summer in my teen to young adult years. Plus, I love Snooki LOL Don’t judge me!
LR: I saw some of your Facebook updates during the Super Bowl. Did the right team win? Are you a hard-core football fan, or is there another sport you prefer?
HJH: I’m a NY Giants fan. Always have been always will be. Hell yes the right team won! LOL Have to root for the north. Besides, San Fran is just a bunch of forty-whiners.
LR: What’s next on your horizon? Describe your current WIP(s) or other upcoming project.
HJH: Currently I’m working on the follow up to Finding Jordie. We’re in the middle of purchasing a home so between moving and some other life changing events going on around here I’m not sure if I’ll get much done in the next month or so. I’ll try but I have books to read and stuff too. I’m thinking reading a book will be much easier to handle after a day of unpacking boxes and getting the new house situated.
Well, I certainly hope you get organized soon, because I know people are going to want to read the sequel. Thanks so much, Ms. Harley, for the fun interview!
Peace,
Liv
Blurb:
Jordie is a survivor, tough, and independent. She’s had to be, since her husband was killed in Iraq. For the last eight years, raising her daughter and owning a popular New York City bar has kept Jordie plenty busy, leaving her no time for much of anything else. Aside from her sassy yet squirrely best friend Rachel, Jordie’s social life is bare bones and her love life nonexistent. Truth be told she wouldn’t change a thing; she’s never been happier.
Then she meets Nathan, and he changes everything with one crooked smile, triggering a chain of life altering events for the two of them, filled with romance, chaos and deadly peril. Neither of them could ever imagine their relationship would resurrect an unknown darkness from Jordie’s past, lurking in the shadows, just waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Jordie has never needed to be stronger for all of them to make it out alive.
Finding Jordie will be released 2/11/13, and is available for pre-order from Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
You can find HJ Harley on her website (www.hj-harley.com), on Twitter (@HJ_Harley), and on Facebook (Facebook.com/authorhjharley).
