Interview with J Rose Black, Author of Vengefully Yours

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Vengefully Yours?

This is a collection of stories spanning several years’ worth of work. I started out thinking that I could provide a variety of works short enough to enjoy while on a quick break or waiting for kiddos (which is why there’s an audiobook coming soon!) – in the romantic mystery/suspense genre. And then as I tried to arrange it into some order…I realized that each one represents a “beat” in a story of two people drawn together by fate, made for each other in a way. But the world tries to get in the way – especially where the MMC is concerned. As he feels like he’s too tainted or not enough for the FMC. But, he can at least protect her. And he would do anything to keep her safe.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Vengefully Yours, what would they be?

I have six heroes and six heroines, so that’s a lot of theme songs. For some reason “I am a Stone” by Demon Hunter comes to mind for a couple of the male characters. At least, their view of themselves before their heroine shows up in their life. (Ha!) As for the heroine(s), hm, something like “Ignite (Rebel Hearts)” by Startisan.

I admit to making playlists for my stories. lol

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Mysteries. Give me anything from cozy Miss Marple to streetwise Marlowe. But, I’m also a huge Jane Austen fan. As a kid through my teens, I read everything. We would read “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” for school. And I would have to read all the sequels. We’d read “A Wrinkle in Time”, and I would read all the sequels. Ditto: “The Three Musketeers”, “The Hobbit” and so forth. And I tried very hard to read every Nancy Drew that was ever written (up until my teens).

Is it the same as my favorite genre to write? Well, I think the trick is that because I love mystery / suspense, there is that element in all of my writing. I think it’s my way of keeping stakes (and drama) high for the characters.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I have at least 10 ARC’s I’m reading for Indie authors. Everything from YA fantasy to a non-fiction book on communication. I’ve got paperbacks of Lucy Foley’s The Guest List, and Roderick Thorp’s Nothing Lasts Forever sitting on my nightstand, as soon as I can catch a breather. Oh, and The Second Murderer by Denise Mina is on preorder!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I think it was Maxen and Aveline (Watson), where Maxen gets to tell Aveline the famous Sherlock Holmes’ line: “The game’s afoot.” Basically, that whole scene was a little like how I imagine Sherlock Holmes’ mind would have worked: seeing something and knowing something was out of place before his mind caught up. But, Maxen’s a very different person. It was just showing that aspect of his intellect.

I also had a ton of fun writing Stellan’s more neurotic perceptions of his world. I really could have written a whole set of sessions where he was visiting his therapist… Plotting all the ways he could make the old man’s death look like an accident – while on some level really hoping the old guy could help Stellan improve his mental health. lol

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I’m a total pantser. Like most writers, powered by caffeine. I probably get most of my ideas by turning on a Spotify playlist I’ve been cultivating (of songs that ‘speak to me’) – and driving around.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

When the whole world’s gone crazy, I’ll believe in myself. Never give up.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That love wins. Even in darkness. Love is forgiveness and faith, and it will always win.

J Rose Black is the author of the new book Vengefully Yours

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