Meet Jules Bennett

This morning we're having coffee with Silhouette Desire author Jules Bennett.

In addition to being a successful writer, Jules is also a wife and mom with 2 toddler girls. As if that wasn't enough to keep her super busy, she works full-time in a bustling beauty salon. Whew! Now I know why she told me that when she "has a moment to breathe, she enjoys the simple things like eating dinner and going to the bathroom."

How To Find Jules & Her Book

He faced the toughest decision of his life - love...or money? Ah, yes, that's the age-old question that faces Jules hero.

From Boardroom To Wedding Bed?
ISBN: 9780373730599
by Jules Bennett

You can find her book at eHarlequin,on Amazon, or at your favorite bookseller.

In case you'd like to ask Jules a question, email her at authorjules at gmail dot com.

Let's Get Comfy

Joan: Let's start with a fun question about celebrities to break the ice. Which celebrity is your guilty pleasure, the person you just have to read a gossip tidbit about? Why?

Jules: I always want to learn more about Sandra Bullock. It's hard because she's so private, but that's what I admire about her. She is so classy and seems like her common sense for reality keeps her grounded.

Joan: While we're talking about guilty pleasures, tell us if you have a fave TV show that you just can't stand to miss? What about it draws you in?

Jules: I have to watch Dancing with the Stars! I make no secret that I want to be on there, but, first, I guess I have to have the one requirement: I need to be a Star. I want to dress up in cool costumes or lavish ball gowns, not to mention the rigorous workout they get!

Inquiring Minds Want To Know

Joan: A lot of people say they're going to write a book one of these days, as if time were the only element required to complete the task. Of course, you and I know there's a lot more to it than that. Why don't you tell us how long you've been working at your craft and something about your first published book, the journey from the idea that you wanted to write a book to finally writing one for which you received a publishing contract.

Jules: I started writing in 2003, got my first contract in 2005 with The Wild Rose Press, then Samhain Publishing. In 2008, I got a call from my agent that my Silhouette Desire had sold! I never would've thought I could do it, but my agent assured me that my voice was perfect for Desire. (Guess she was right.)

Joan: The book, about which we're talking today, was what number book for you? 1st, 3rd, 7th?

Jules: From Boardroom to Wedding Bed? is my 9th if I add in my 3 novellas.

Joan: Tell us something about the book from its inception to its birth. Do you have a 1 sentence blurb or log line to tease readers? What do you think accounts for the popularity of your book?

Jules: This book holds a special place. It's the start of a series set in South Beach/Miami, and it's a reunion story. I LOVE reuniting couples!

Here's my blurb.

He'd been faced with the toughest decision of his life—a future full of wealth and power, or the love of Tamera Stevens. And self-made billionaire Cole Marcum had never regretted his choice. Until now, when circumstances forced him to work as partners with the woman he'd left behind.

The brilliant CEO was determined to keep their relationship strictly business. Even so, working so closely with the only woman he'd ever cherished had Cole rethinking his priorities. This time, was he prepared to choose love over money?

Joan: If they made a movie of this book, who would you cast to portray the characters?

Jules: LOL! I always think of that while typing. That's my own little daydream. Who would play my characters? Hmm...good question. For the female, I think Carrie Underwood would be the perfect heroine, if only she acted. For the hero, Gerard Butler or George Clooney just for their sexy persona.

Joan: What do you think distinguishes you from the other writers in your genre?

Jules: That's hard to say when there are so many wonderful imaginations out there. My agent and some reviewers have said I have a sexy voice with that emotional, realistic twist that makes me fresh.

Joan: We know this business is rife with rejection. Sometimes, it's hard to take. What keeps you going when you get rejected?

Jules: Hmm...I always took a rejection as, "Oh, yeah? What do you know?" They always propelled me to do better just to make that person sorry they turned me down.

Joan: What's your favorite "oh crap I got a rejection" food and/or drink to soothe the savaged ego?

Jules: My hubby takes me to Cheesecake Factory for any occasion. Happy, sad, anything in between!

Joan: Who are your writing influences?

Jules: Every author who paved the way before me and set the bar for me to be a better writer. I love Roxanne St. Claire and Catherine Mann. Those two have been so sweet and generous of their time to a newbie like me. Not to mention they are awesome authors!

Joan: What are you working on now?

Jules: I'm working on book 3 of this series.

Joan: What's the best thing about writing?

Jules: Everything. I love that the "fake" people in my head get a real life with a happy ending, I love chatting it up with readers, I love brainstorming with other authors. I'm thrilled this is my career.

Joan: What's the worst thing about writing?

Jules: Sleepless nights, but even those don't bother me too much.

Joan: If there's someone in the audience who's interested in writing, what advice would you give them if they're just starting out?

Jules: Never give up. I would never tell my children to give up on a dream, so I felt that I couldn't, either. No matter how rough the road, keep going. It wouldn't be rewarding or worth it if everything came easy.

Joan: What's the one thing no interviewer has ever asked you that you'd really like to talk about?

Jules: No one has asked if they can find me a chef. Maybe you read my chaotic schedule? Yeah, there's no time for cooking around here unless hubby does it. I'd like to know some easy recipes or just an in-house chef;)

Joan: Do you have any final thoughts you'd like to share or is there anything else you'd like to tell us about anything?

Jules: I'm just grateful to all the readers who keep buying books in this shaky economy. I know we all want to get away from day to day drama and a good romance is certainly the way to do it! I'm also running a contest on my website to give away a Kindle, so make sure you check it out!

Takeaway Truth

Thanks, Jules, it was a pleasure. Good luck with your Silhouette Desire series.