Q&A with Author Gracie York
I will never get tired of author origin stories. How and why someone chooses to take the stories from their brain and get them into the minds of others fascinates me! I am definitely grateful every day for the plethora of adventures, gigglesnorts, and happy-sigh moments I’ve enjoyed over the decades thanks to those authors. Getting to know the people behind those words is truly glorious. Because every author definitely seems to have a reason and method, and no two ever seem to be the same.
And then you have authors who not only write their own stories, but collaborate with others to write even more wonderful tales. And with that decision comes its own unique origin story, process, and reason. Gracie York is a cowriting duo of Jenni Bara and AJ Ranney. Each romance authors in their own right, they have this lovely collaboration that has resulted in multiple delicious romcom novellas that bring the heat and the heart within a haven of humor and hijinks.
Their Q&A gives some wonderful insights into them as individuals as well as their collaboration as Gracie York. I love spending time with AJ and Jenni and am so excited they are returning to Charm City Romanticon in 2025.
How did you get started writing?
Jenni and AJ had already started writing individually. But then when AJ fell in love with Morgan’s pen name, Gracie York, from Jenni's More than a Hero she talked her into co-writing the hilarious stories.
Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist?
If you’re new to Gracie York, you can start with any of her books. Although Jenni’s favorite is Tumbling Head Over Heels and AJ’s favorite is Peter Pumpkined Out. If you want to start AJ’s she suggests grabbing Bravely Yours, because her next project in 2025 is to write all the hot firefighters of Half Moon Lake. If you’ve never read any of Jenni’s you definitely need the Boston Revs series. Start with The Fall Out, and if you’re an audiobook listener it just came out on audio with great narration.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/part in a novel you've written?
Jenni found it hilarious to write the scene with Christian and Avery because of a bird pooping in his hand. AJ really enjoyed writing a female character that freaked out over a bat.
Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
Jenni thought the editing process was going to be more difficult than it has been. She has a great editor that she finds it easy to work with. AJ being more introverted was worried she would struggle with promoting her work, but finds connecting with readers to be fun and uplifting.
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author,reader, or listener?
Jenni and AJ both love a brother's best friend trope. Jenni loves fake dating too. More generally she loves a good sports romance. And anything that makes her laugh. AJ’s favorite subgenre is romantic suspense and anything filled with angst.
What is your favorite part about being an author?
Jenni enjoys getting to write the stories and creating the worlds. It’s so much fun. AJ loves it when her readers message her to tell her all the things they loved or when she reads an amazing review.
What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?
Jenni’s answer: Some of my first favorites were Susan Elizabeth Philips and Sophia Kinsilla. I also loved Meghan Quinn and Pippa Grant.
And of course I love Brittanee Nicole, Aj Ranney and Daphne Elliot. Not only are they talented authors but amazing friends.
AJ’s answer: K. Bromberg, AL Jackson, Lexi Blake, Brittney Sahin and Corinne Michaels were a few of my favorite authors. I also love anything Jenni writes— She’s so talented.
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
Jenni’s answer: My author friends. This job can be lonely and draining and I love getting to talk ideas through and plot with them. And even complain together.
AJ’s answer: I have to agree with Jenni. It reminds me of when my kids were little and I just needed someone to listen who understood what I was going through.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?
Jenni’s answer: Everything. I steal all kinds of crazy moments from life and turn them into a part of a story. So be careful if you hang with me it might end up on page.
AJ’s: I’m laughing because she has such crazy things happen to her and I’ve stolen a few of her experiences (with permission of course) and I do the same thing. And not even with just the crazy stuff but the everyday things too.
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback -
Jenni: depends. I love paperback but I read a lot of kindle at night in bed.
AJ: Kindle.
Beach or Mountain Vacation -
Jenni: beach. Sunny and 75 is my jam.
AJ: Either as long as it’s warm.
Dogs or Cats-
Jenni: Either. Although I don’t have any bc with four kids I have no time to take care of one more thing.
AJ: BOTH. I have one of each and probably always will.
Ice Cream or Cake -
Jenni: neither I’d pass on dessert.
AJ: Ice cream.
Action Flick or Rom-Com -
Jenni: romcom I love to laugh.
AJ: Depends. If it’s a good action movie then I’m down. But I would pick a good romcom over a mediocre action flick.
Tea or Coffee
Jenni: coffee it’s my life juice.
AJ: I love both. But coffee if I had to pick one.
Road Trip or Air Travel -
Jenni: both. I love to fly and get there quickly but I love a family road trip.
AJ: Road trip. I get motion sick (flying too) but not if I’m driving.
Connect with Gracie, AJ, and Jenni:
You can find more information about Gracie, AJ, and Jenni, their books, and how to connect with them on social media here:
Gracie York: https://linktr.ee/gracieyorkromcoms
AJ Ranney: https://www.ajranney.com/
Jenni Bara: https://www.jennibara.com/
