Interview with Jolene Perry

I'm excited to be a part of Jolene Perry's blog tour for her young adult contemporary romance NIGHT SKY, a new release from Tribute Books. She's clever and funny and I know you'll just love her.

Welcome, Jolene. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm pretty much just like Wonder Woman, so picture her and you'll be good . . . KIDDING. I grew up in Alaska, and then HAD to get out, which led to all sorts of adventures in Washington, Utah, and then in Las Vegas. I taught myself to play the guitar, built two houses (one of which I live in) and am back in Alaska with my husband, two kids, cat, and the moose who wander into my yard. I go sail-boating whenever I can, and snow-machine as close to the sound-barrier as I can get.

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing in some form or another since I could write. In the fall of 2009 I wrote down a scene, just for fun, just because I was bored. I loved it. I wrote a few more random scenes, in a few different story lines, and one grabbed me. A few months later, I had over 100 pages, and more story left to tell. The second time I sat down to write, in the spring of 2010, I knew I was going to write a whole book, it took a lot less time, and was published in 2011 - The Next Door Boys.

Let's hear about NIGHT SKY. What’s the story about?

Night Sky is about my beloved Jameson. He's been in love with his best friend for three years, and never told her. At the beginning of the book, she's found someone else to be with, and he's destroyed. Fortunately he meets Sky soon after, and she provides him with a lot more than distraction. In Night Sky, I want to be as sexy as Sky, and I love how Jameson fumbles around desperately trying to keep up with this very seemingly self-assured Native American girl.

How did the idea of the story come to you?

I actually REMEMBER this one!
Mike (husband) and I were waiting in line at the Taco Bell drive-through a few days after Valentine's Day in 2011, and we were talking 80's movies. (A little before our time, but so much that we don't appreciate them) and I still think that Duckie should have gotten the girl in Pretty in Pink. So I wanted to write a story about the jilted friend of the girl who's moved on - only the girl might change her mind . . .
Giving Sky Native American roots came later, but is a part of the story that I just love.

I totally agree. Duckie should have gotten the girl. Are you a planner or a pantser?

Pantser. Also - I can almost never even write one SCENE in order. I skip around in my MS all the time. I do have to have a general idea, but the story doesn't unfold itself until I really start writing. And the smaller threads usually get woven through last. My favorite is when I know how a scene will turn out, and something unexpected is said or done in the scene that gives the whole story a new twist.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?


Narrowing ideas and possibilities as I write. I don't get writer's block - I get writer's indecision. When I can see that more than one path will get my characters to where they want to be, I have a hard time deciding which way to go. This is when I plug myself into music and go for a run. It usually sorts itself out then.

Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?


All I HAVE to have is my laptop. I canNOT write fast enough longhand. What I LOVE to have around is Pellegrino from that really cold spot in the back of the fridge, and dark chocolate almonds . . . or a salty dog chocolate bar. They're the best.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?


Either the ability to go without sleep - can you imagine how much I could get done?? OR the ability to eat whatever I want without gaining any weight. That would be awesome.

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?


Parts for a 75 Corvette. College hockey schedules. Myself . . .

Hehehe, okay, I'll admit it. I've googled myself too. Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: damp, consult, and borderline.


I can consult the guidelines, but the damp feeling from the milk on my oreos is borderline delicious
;-D This didn't have to be a serious sentence, right?

Of course not, it was perfect! Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

My daughter was really bent out of shape when her name wasn't in the acknowledgements of my first book. So, thanks to my kids - Emma Rose and Jack.
Also - my friend and fellow author, Kelley Vitollo, and her love of guy POV books, which definitely pushed me to write this one.

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

The easiest place is the website for Night Sky that the publisher set up. You can find it HERE

Thanks so much for chatting with us, Jolene. Your book sounds great and I wish you lots of success with it.

Thanks a ton for having me!!!!