Q&A with Author Jay Fields

The more new authors I meet, the more I love how freaking amazing the indie romance author community is. Think about it. Not too long ago, if you wanted to be a published author, your journey typically involved years of sending manuscripts to multiple faceless, big-name publishers hoping someone found your work (work you put an incredible amount of heart, hours, and often tears into) interesting enough to move to the next step. It took years to go from typing “The End” to seeing your book on a shelf somewhere. Now, dreams are often realized and attained in months. But beyond that, the support system created around self-publishing is vast and encouraging and wonderful in its uplifting efforts. How cool is it to watch a reader friend go from “I wish I could do that” to “I’m a published author”!

Personally, I love it. And no industry does it better than the indie romance community. So when I read Jay Fields’s answer to my first Q&A question, I got chills- the best kind, the happy kind! Moving the needle on a dream can be terrifying, but having the encouragement of someone already doing it is often the push most people need. It’s that unique blend of “I believe in you” and “You are worthy of this endeavor” that often makes the impossible possible. And for aspiring and new authors, that support is priceless.

I’m so glad Jay made the leap from reader to writer, that she listened to herself and her friends. I’ve loved watching her confidence grow with each new title and am so excited to meet her in April 2025 at Charm City Romanticon!

How did you get started writing? 

I’ve always been an avid reader, but never really thought about writing. It wasn't until I was talking to my author friend, Emily Silver, about needing something just for “me” outside of all of my roles that I even thought of writing. She encouraged me to try it, and once I finished, to move on to publishing. I will forever be grateful for her suggesting I give this a shot.

Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist? 

I’d say the first book I wrote, Rescue Renovations. All of my books to date take place in the small town of Sparrow falls.

Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you've written? 

Um, not that comes to mind. Honestly, once I've written a book and it's published, it's almost as if it's wiped from my memory. I'll see snippets that readers use in reviews or graphics and be like, huh, because I don't remember that specific part.

Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful? 

Writing as a whole. You hear about writer's block or words not coming, but I've been very fortunate to not have this happen. Sure, there have been instances where I've put down a WIP and gone a few weeks without writing then dread diving back in, but once I do and get in a groove, it's usually smooth sailing. Knock on wood, hopefully it stays that way!

Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or listener?

I'll always be a huge small town romance fan. I just love the intimacy and sense of community. That being said, I read all tropes for the most part but am very much a moody reader.

What is your favorite part about being an author?

Making new friends, both authors and readers, and seeing how supportive the community as a whole truly is.

What do you like to read/listen to?  Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to? 

Oh man, where to begin? Some of my top authors are Jessica Peterson, Kathryn Nolan, Jacob Chance, Janice Whiteaker, Alexandra Hale, Amy Alves, Marika Ray, Cara Dee, Claire Kingsley, Catherine Cowles, Pippa Grant, and the list could keep going on and on.

As far as music, I'm all over the place. One day it might be Paramore, Taking Back Sunday, and Hawthorne Heights, the next country, followed by 2000s hip hop into pop, and then round it off with some awesome acoustic or folk bands like Lucero or City and Colour. I'm just as moody with my music as I am with my books.

Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career? 

Emily Silver first encouraged me and really helped out when I was just starting. Alexandra Hale is also a huge inspiration to this day whether it's telling me she's proud of me for a book milestone or because I folded my laundry. Author J. Laine who started out as a baby author with me and has been by my side since day one encouraging me to keep pushing even when I feel like I have zero fight left.

How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?

I work in sales, so if nothing else, I've been able to be diplomatic even when I've been hurt or angry about a situation in the book world.

This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related: 

Kindle or Paperback- Kindle to read, Paperbacks as trophies

Beach or Mountain Vacation- Mountain

Dogs or Cats- Dogs

Ice Cream or Cake- Cake

Action Flick or Rom-Com- Action

Tea or Coffee- Tea

Road Trip or Air Travel- Road trip 

Connect with Jay Fields:

You can find more information about Jay and her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:
https://linktr.ee/jayfieldsauthor