Interview: Jude Ouvrard, Author of "Under the Sun"

Jude Ouvrard's debut release, "Under the Sun," is part of the Heat Wave anthology, Book Two of the Summer Beach Reads from Renaissance Romance Publishing. I got the chance to interview Jude and learn a little bit about her and the story itself. Q: Tell us a little bit about how the idea for this story got started.A: Well, I knew it had to be a summer/beach romance. I went to Cuba a few times and I also spent my childhood vacations in Wells Beach, Maine. I decided to go with Wells Beach, Maine because I know the area well and I am actually missing this place. Both of my characters have a rough past and I just wanted to tell my readers that sometimes life is not easy, you have to remain strong and get through it. You even learn form it and grow as a human.Q: What do you feel is the biggest lesson your main characters learn from their experiences in this story?A: Tracey learns that it's okay to be sad and emotional after the lost of a love one. It wouldn't be normal if she wasn't. She also learns that she has to let go and start living her life again. I don't think it was easy for her and Jackson was there for her. He went through hell with his life prior to meet Tracey. His pregnant fiancee was killed tragically and he lost everything. He started over, worked really hard and became a successful businessman. Nothing is impossible!Q: How important was setting to the plot of the story?A: There is no drama or tragic event during the story. It is a smooth story to read. There are happy, sad and steamy moments. I just had to get everything in order. I had to work with the evolution of Tracey's journey. I wanted the story to be believable too. Q: What is the significance of the title? What prompted you to choose it?
A: It wasn't my first choice but now, I'm glad I had to change the title. Under the sun because there isn't a biggest place you can be on Earth. When you are meant to meet someone, there is nothing you can do about it. I also liked that since it's a Beach Read, Under the Sun seemed to fit well too.

Q: What element of the romantic relationship between your main characters did you enjoy bringing to life most?A: Their attractions for each other. It's immediate. He remembers her from few years back. He remembers how pretty she was but he now sees how beautiful she became. I just loved writing about their interactions. How much he cares about her and how willing he is to help her out. I liked writing their little make out session too! Ha! Ha!Q: Which secondary character was the most fun to write?A: His little niece. She doesn't play a big part in the book but it was my first time writing a young character. There aren't many secondary characters in the book. There is only one paragraph, I think, where Tracey and Jackson shares their spotlight with other characters. Q: What was your biggest challenge in writing and publishing this story?A: My English. I'm learning something new every day. I'm a French Canadian and writing in English is a very big deal for me. It's exciting. I love it. I don't think I would have as much fun if I was writing in French.I'm very happy that my publisher gave me the opportunity to publish my novella. It means a lot to me. I will forever be thankful.Q: What is your next planned project? What can you tell us about it?A: My next project will be out in October 2013. It's part of a Fall Anthology. It's a M/M romance. I incorporated poetry in the story. It was my first time writing poems in English and I think I did well. Well, I hope I did. It's called Wonderland and I can't wait to share it with you.I'm also working on my first novel. I'm half way through the writing process. It's called Body, Ink, and Soul. It's a new adult story. The main character is a girl named Nix. She is living in an apartment with her best friends and for the first time in her life, she isn't living under her mother's strict rules. The story is about Nix finding her way, falling in love and learning to live with the consequence of her decisions.I'm at the very early stage of writing my third novella. Lia is the main character. She is in her twenties and has lost her parents in a tragic car accident. Her father was a well known classical pianist and he taught her everything he knew. She is trying to get used to her new life as well as finishing writing her father's symphony.

Summary of "Under the Sun"

Tracey Howard has put her life on hold for years to care for her grandmother. Now that her grandmother is gone, Tracey decides to spend summer at the beach and reflect on where she wants life to take her next. Jackson Phillips is her new neighbor, and he dazzles her from the first moment they meet. Will Jackson be able to show Tracey how to let go of old pain and embrace future happiness?  Thanks to Jude for stopping by and sharing her thoughts about "Under the Sun." If you'd like to learn more about Jude and her books, please see the following links.



Jude lives in Montreal, Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful four year old son, and has spent the last twelve years with her partner, Cedric. French is her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English. Besides working full time for a title insurance company and being a mother, Jude has a passion for books, both reading and writing them.  FacebookFacebook Author ProfileTwitterTwitter Author Profile WebsiteGoodreadsAbout.MeFacebook Authors Group