What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Taming J (High Society Series #1)?
Taming J has been a labor of love for me. It took several years to write it to my satisfaction and several more to get it ready for release. My loyal readers who’ve been with me for the last ten years were definitely my source of inspiration while writing it. The hero of the story, Jackson, has been a fan favorite since he was introduced in Conflicted. He’s a very charismatic character and I enjoyed writing him throughout the Secrets and Lies series.
I wanted to go deeper with him and his backstory and matching him with the kind of woman he needed to balance him. Many readers also asked for his story over the years and that was something I always wanted to deliver on, but the timing needed to be just right. It took longer than I wanted to write and release it, but I’m very happy with how it turned out and I hope all of the readers who waited so long for Jackson and Jenn’s story are too.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Taming J (High Society Series #1), what would they be?
The song that really resonates for me that I tended to always listen to or really felt was such a reflection of the journey Jackson and Jenn went on to get to their second chance is 10,000 Hours by Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber. There’s a ton of other songs that I listened to while writing, but that one is definitely one I would direct readers to because of how well it fits Jackson and Jenn.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I enjoy reading Romantic Suspense as much as I love writing it. I also like a good romantic comedy and sports romances.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
My TBR is pretty steep, but the authors I gravitate to first when I’m trying to catch up is Colleen Hoover and Helena Hunting. I don’t read and write at the same time and I’m working on Saving Us, which is the following up to Taming J. There’s a lot to wrap up in that book so I’m taking my time with it. My reward when I’m finished will be a long vacation that includes a lot of reading on the beach!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
There’s a scene at the end of the books where all of the characters are together that I thoroughly enjoyed writing. They all come together to celebrate a birthday and catch up before life gets hectic again. There’s a lot of shenanigans and laughs throughout that entire chapter as well as a very big milestone for Ethan and Mia. Ethan is normally very in control of everything around him, but with what occurs, he unravels like a ball of yarn and it is pretty hysterical as it all unfolds. I love instilling a little comedy in between all the suspense and that chapter definitely has a lot of that from all of the characters.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I don’t think I have any habits while I write. I like to be in my comfy chair and have a good station streaming in the background. If I’m not listening to music, I throw on one of my favorite movie series. That’s about as close to habitual as I am when it comes to writing my books.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
I believe in living life to the fullest. I’ve watched a lot of people I love die at very young ages and it’s served as a healthy reminder that our time on this earth is not guaranteed so you better make the most of it while you’re here.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Given the nature of how I write books, I like to remind readers that I always leave clues in my books as to the direction things are ultimately going in and that I always wrap up the loose ends. I may leave you on a cliff on occasion, but I will come back and give you every answer you need to have a full heart when you’re done with my books.
M. M. Koenig is the author of the new book Taming J (High Society Series #1)
Connect with M. M. Koenig
Sign up for our email and we’ll send you the best new books in your favorite genres weekly.
