Noodler of the Month - Jill Monroe

Q. Tell us a little about your writing journey so far.

A. For as long as I can remember, I've always written. In high school, a local college even performed one of my plays. Once I had children, I became serious. I joined a critique group and slowly learned the craft of writing. I entered many contests, won a few, lost a lot. 2003 was a banner year for me - I finaled in the Golden Heart, met the Wet Noodle Posse and sold my first book.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received from another author?

A. The best piece of advice I've ever received came from Sharon Sala. She said to finish the book you're working on, then move on and write another. Don't spend a lot of time writing and rewriting the same book over and over again. For me, her advice was dead on. There's a temptation to keep working on that first book, probably because those characters and storyline are so close to your heart. But the truth of the matter is, my first book was just downright terrible. In fact, so were the second and probably even the third. It's a process. As I wrote and completed each book, I grew and learned as a writer. I've written eight books now, and my seventh book is the one that sold. If I'd kept working on that first book, trying to make it perfect, I'm positive I'd have never sold.

Q. If you could spend an hour picking the brain of anyone, who would it be?

A. Man, that changes a lot!!! When I was learning to create my own Web page, it would have been someone with just a little more experience than simply reading a "how-to" article on the Internet (sure, I can do this<g>).

College Russian nearly ate my lunch, so at that time it would have been anyone who could speak the language.

I'd like to crawl into my grandma's head and then write down all the stories she has of coming to Oklahoma in a covered wagon and growing up during the Depression.

Half the time, I'd like to pick the brain of most men and ask what they are really thinking.

Now, it's probably Stephen Hawking. I have an intense curiosity about everything, and he seems to be the man with the most answers.

Q. What do you feel is your best strength as a writer?

A. I think being able to see the humor in any situation has really helped me in my writing. Most people comment on the humor in my books. As a writer, I think my strength lies in being able to take constructive feedback well. I have a degree in journalism, and after that experience, believe me, you just don't get bent out of shape over revisions or suggestions.

Q. Is there a type of book you'd love to write that you haven't?

A. My first love after category is paranormal romance. I've penned one very light paranormal, but someday I'd like to really explore this type of book.

Q. What, in your opinion, are the three writing books that no writer should be without?

A. Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon

Scene and Structure by Jack M. Bickham

Creating Character Emotions by Ann Hood

Q. What is your writing process like?

A. I get up every morning at 5:30 a.m. and write until the children wake up in the morning. This is the perfect time for writing because the house is quiet, and it's dark outside, and with it being that early in the morning, my internal editor isn't awake yet. When my children were really little, I would read over my writing during Sesame Street and take a nap when the children did. Now that my youngest is in kindergarten, my routine is a bit different. It's taken me awhile becoming adjusted to writing during the morning, but having 2 1/2 hours alone to write has been fun getting used to.

Q. Other than writing and reading, what other activities do you enjoy?

A. Okay, I'm just going to admit it - I'm not the most exciting person on Earth. There. It's out. So with that out in the open, I'll tell you I'm a football fanatic. All my friends and family know never to call while my team is playing. I enjoy taking walks with my children and going camping as a family. I also really, REALLY like to eat chocolate, and now that the kids are in school, I don't have to sneak eat it in the utility room (although the evidence is there for anyone to see on my hips).

Q. What is your dream vacation?

A. That's an easy one - a cruise. My husband and I took one for our honeymoon, and it was wonderful. We always said we'd do it again on our fifth wedding anniversary, but I was pregnant. At this point, the Disney cruise looks more in our future (just not in our pocketbook<g>).

Homepage: Jill Monroe- Romance Author

Click here to see Jill's page on Wet Noodle Posse.com

To read last month's Noodler of the Month article, click here

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