 I met the kind and comical JD Park on Goodreads and we became quick friends. JD is a busy wife and mother who writes sweet, clean romance novels. Her debut novel Coming Home was like taking a trip into a Hallmark movie. It was such a cute and endearing read that I wanted to know more about what inspired it and her Home series. Here's what she had to say: Me: Hi JD, tell me a little about yourself? When did you know you were going to be a writer? JD: Hey Shanna! I am a stay at home mom with a 6yo boy and 3yo girl. I’ve been married to my husband for almost 8 years but have been with him for nearly 17. When did I know I was going to be a writer? Probably when my first book was published, haha. Really, though, I started reading a lot when my son wouldn't sleep at night. I read mostly romance and found that KU and .99 books were my jam. But with that came some not to thought out or edited books. I found myself saying “I think I can do this” and “I might be able to do it with fewer errors”, so I tried. Me: LOL! That’s how it goes, you don’t know ‘til you know, right? So, what inspired you to write Coming Home? JD: By the time my daughter arrived, I needed an outlet. Something that was just mine. Coming Home came from an idea I had. It ended up totally different than when it started. It just grew from there. The characters decided where their story would go and I was just along for the ride. It took over two years to get Coming Home finished and published. Me: LOL! It’s so true, the characters kinda take the story away how they see fit, don’t they? (Shrug) Writers are the only ones who can say, “I do what the voices tell me to,” without being committed LOL!!! So, which character in your Home series is your favorite? Why? JD: This is a tough question. I love so much about each of the characters. I guess I would say, Cole. He’s just good. Not because he has to be but because he can’t be any other way. It doesn’t hurt that he's a dreamboat ;) Me: Haha! Yes, he is! ;-) Now, did anyone in real life inspire your characters? JD: Bits and pieces of my friends and family are in each one. They aren’t based on any one person. I have a lot of myself in my MC’s but they are not. Me: Agreed. We can’t help but put ourselves into our characters… What are you working on now? JD: Well, Finding Home is just about ready for publication, so I’ve switched my focus to Kira’s story. It doesn’t have a finished title yet, but I am leaning towards Building a Home. Me: Aww, that sounds cute! How many books are there going to be in the Home series? JD: There will be three. Coming Home, Finding Home and Building a Home. I never intended to have these books become a stand-alone series. Heck, I never intended to write more than one! But the characters took on a life of their own in my head and demanded to have their stories told. Me: Ha ha, yes, they tend to do that! Now, I have to ask: As a busy wife and mom, how do you get any writing done? JD: It’s not easy. I am not a morning person, so I don’t get up before the kids. I am a night owl but find it hard to get into the groove once the kids are in bed. I do a lot when my daughter goes to my mother-in-law's house to play. I can do it some afternoons when the kids play outside. It’s very sporadic. My dad is also ill and that took most of my December through early February. The first draft of Finding Home was done in November, but here is it April, and I am just now able to get to the publishing step. Me: Aww, yes life tends to get in the way. I remember that about your dad, I hope he’s doing better. Tell me a bit about your new book, Finding Home, when is its debut? JD: Finding Home is Jo’s story, who we met in Coming Home. She has a very cynical view of marriage since her mom has been married seven times! She believes in happily ever after just not the traditional way for her. This is a problem since the man she has chosen to build a life with is the marrying kind. Struggles arise, inner turmoil ensues, girlfriends come to the rescue. You know, a Hallmark movie. I have a release date set for April 26th barring any issues! Me: Oooh, SO exciting!! It’s coming up soon! Now, what drew you to the romance genre? JD: I love a happy ending. I’ve always been a huge sap. And the Hallmark channel is the greatest thing ever. It was a no brainer for me. Me: Yes, happily ever after is so heart-warming!! Who are your favorite authors/books? JD: When I was younger I read all the Nicholas Sparks book. Now that I’m older, the stories are a little too close to home. Once I started reading all the time, Maggie Shayne was a favorite for a long time. I love Lauren Blakely, Addison Moore, and Erin Nicholas. I don’t think I will ever be able to write the style of books they do, but I love reading them. The biggest bonus to becoming an indie author is being around so many great authors and finding their work. I love your books and can’t wait for Escape From Abundance! And of course, JK Rowling. Me: Aww, well thank you! I’m excited to share Dallie’s story! It will be premiering soon! (Squeee) So, what do you love about writing? JD: I love that it’s just mine. As a mom, there is almost nothing that isn’t shared. My husband, my food, and most importantly, my time. Writing is just for me. I also love being able to show my kids they can do anything. I’m a firm believer we lead by example and I want my kids to have a love of books and a drive to succeed. Me: Aww, that’s so inspiring! I LOVE it!!! Now, what are you looking forward to in 2019? JD: I’m looking forward to a lot! The release of Finding Home this month! Finishing up with Kira’s story and getting it published sometime this fall. But mostly, summer vacation! My husband is an Organic Farmer and the summer is our busiest season; It’s nice to have the freedom from school and the luxury of seeing dad when and wherever possible. Shanna, I want to thank you for this interview and all the others you’ve done. It is such a great way to learn more about our fellow indie authors and the inspiration behind their characters. I also want to thank you for your continued support of the indie author community. You have been an integral part of my journey, and I know that many out there can say the same. Me: Aww, well, I certainly try and thank you, JD. We are all in this together after all. Supporting one another is as vital as any other aspect of our process, I believe. It’s truly been a pleasure getting to know all you wonderful authors and your works. I have made lasting connections and discovered some amazing books. I look forward to continuing these interviews and reading lots more indie books this year. I’m already up to 13 now. That’s gotta be a record for me as I’m a slow reader! I can’t wait to see how many I end up reading before the end of the year :-D You can find Coming Home on Amazon in Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and in paperback formats. Finding Home, book 2 in the Home series, comes out on April 26th, so be sure to catch up now!!! JD Park is the author of Coming Home and Finding Home (set to premiere on April 26th). She is a stay at home mom and wife of an organic farmer. She started writing to prevent her brain from turning to mush as the ABC’s, colors, and shapes weren’t stimulating enough. Her stories became her outlet. You can find JD on Twitter, Goodreads and Facebook. You can also email her at: jdparkauthor@gmail.com and be sure to visit her website for all the latest! Shanna Swenson, Author of the Abundance seriesShanna enjoys a good book that thrills, chills and warms her heart. She also enjoys supporting her fellow indies. Categories All
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