Special Guest Post: WHY I DO THIS JOB by Jess Michaels, author of THE OTHER DUKE

Why I Do This Job

 by Jess Michaels

Hi everyone, and a big thanks to Amy for having me here today at Unwrapping Romance! I’m slightly scattered today because yesterday my 49th book was released. THE OTHER DUKE, the first book in the Notorious Flynns series is a historical romance about Rafe, (Raphael Flynn) who inherits not only a dukedom but also a bride, Serafina McPhee! It’s also my first step on a new journey of being completely indie after many years of traditionally publishing. It’s a scary, exciting, wonderful time, and I just hope it works.

Today I thought I’d talk to you about why I do this job. I don’t really remember a time when I didn’t write. I have boxes of stories at my parents’ house in Idaho that I wrote in elementary school. I even once said I wanted to be a writer in one of those when I grow up essays you’re required to write at various times throughout school. But honestly, I never thought I would actually do it. I didn’t think you did artsy things for a living, you had to have a back-up.

My back-up career was psychology. I was going to be a marriage and family therapist. A funny thing happened on the way to a Master’s degree in family counseling…I realized my empathy, which is awesome as a writer (and hopefully as a human), was not that good as far as being a counselor was concerned. I brought home other people’s pain; I didn’t have the ability to turn that part of the job off at night. So it turned out I wouldn’t be a good therapist after all.

BUT I had started working on a book I wrote during college at night, and I was in love. My husband pointed out this discrepancy and suddenly, BAM! I was not going to go back to school; I was going to be a romance novelist. And that’s what I did.

So why do I still do it, even after fifteen years of being a writer full-time, and a published author for ten? Well, because I’m still in love with telling stories, first to myself, and then to my readers. I love that connection I make with someone who reads my book, and is moved by my stories. I also love the freedom my job has given me. I’m very lucky to be able to support myself and my family through my books, which means I am able to make my own schedule, and I am able to hang out with my best friend (and husband) any time I want. We travel the world thanks to books and those who buy them. Thanks to you my wonderful readers.

The world of publishing is often a high wire act but in the end, I wouldn’t have it any other way! Thank you and I hope you read THE OTHER DUKE and enjoy the Notorious Flynns.

THE OTHER DUKE

by Jess Michaels

For years Serafina McPhee has been engaged to marry the heir to the Duke of Hartholm and for almost as long, she has been struggling to find a way out of that engagement. When he suddenly dies, she does not mourn but thrills at the idea that she will be free. Unfortunately, best laid plans go awry when the next in line for the title, her intended’s cousin, Raphael “Rafe” Flynn is forced to take over the engagement. But Serafina knows Rafe’s reputation as a libertine and wants nothing to do with him, either, even if he is devastatingly handsome.

She proposes an arrangement: she will agree to the marriage and provide Rafe with his heir and spare. Once she has done her duty, he will let her go. Rafe is intrigued both by her beauty and by her utter disgust with the idea of being his bride. Women normally fall at his feet, not cringe away from him. However, since their arranged marriage is not something he can escape, he agrees to her terms.

But when he finds out on their wedding night the truth about her torture at the hands of his predecessor, he finds himself driven not just to fulfill his bargain with his new bride, but to introduce her to desire. While they move closer together, surrendering to wicked pleasures, dangerous emotions may violate every agreement they’ve made.

About the Author:

Jess Michaels began writing full-time in 1999 after being encouraged by her husband to follow her dream. In 2003, she sold her first novella, an erotic historical romance about an Egyptian tomb and a very sexy curse. Since then she has published nearly 50 novels and novellas under three different pen names with several major publishers, small presses and via self-publishing. Her erotic historical romances have been national bestsellers and won awards from booksellers and readers.

She and her awesome husband live in Tucson where she enjoys playing video games, exploring the beautiful desert, reading and spending petting her two old lady cats.

Jess Michaels always loves to hear from her readers! Feel free to visit her website or as Jess says:

“You can email me or follow me on both Facebook and Twitter! Also be sure to sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know when I have a new release out as well as chances to win some very cool prizes.”

To find out more about Jess Michaels writing historical romance as Jenna Petersen go here.
To find out more about Jess Michaels writing snarky, urban fantasy as Jesse Petersen go here.

Happy Reading Everyone and Jess, thank you for visiting. xoxo
Be sure to check out my review of THE OTHER DUKE, if you haven't already.

THE OTHER DUKE, a Notorious Flynns novel by Jess Michaels, the Passionate Pen, available now in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links above or cover below for purchasing information, remember even pennies per sale using my links help keep this blog alive. Thank You.