Q&A with Author LJ Evans

There are still days I wake up wondering, “How is this my life?” Because as an avid reader, my entire life has been spent looking up to and idolizing the authors whose books I love. And it still boggles my mind that I communicate with my favorite authors weekly, sometimes daily. That I’ve had a chance to meet, hug, chat with, and form solid friendships with the extraordinarily talented writers who pen my favorite words, create my favorite characters, and gift the world with my favorite stories. 

One such author is LJ Evans. I swear, if I were to go back into teaching and was allowed to teach elements of writing such as figurative language, artistic prose, authentic dialogue using romance novels, LJ’s would be among the top of the list. Not only do I always get lost in the stories and characters within the pages of LJ’s books, I get lost in language—pulled into emotional connections created within and because of the artistry of her words. 

And not only is LJ a writer of stunning contemporary romance and romantic suspense (sometimes with a touch of the other, the paranormal built in), but she is an incredibly kind and wonderful human. One of my sounding boards when I’m feeling overwhelmed, as well as one of my biggest cheerleaders when things go well, LJ has become a close friend as well as a cohort. She’s someone I can trade stories with, run ideas by, and reach out to for a quick pick-me-up. And she seriously gives the best hugs!

I’ve been fortunate to get to hang out with her in person as well as on-line, and I look forward to every opportunity to do that. Whether it’s a virtual chai meet-up or a real-life snack session at Charm City Romanticon, I never turn it down. And I loved reading through LJ’s Spotlight Q&A answers. Her willingness to share her life in her group and with us brings me so much joy, and I hope it encourages you to check out everything she’s written.

How did you get started writing? 

My 5th grade teacher had us write a story based on magazine pictures. I wrote a haunted house story which she read to the class, and I was hooked. I’ve written everything: poetry, fan-fiction, screenplays, romance, historical fiction, fantasy, chick lit. You name it, I’ve probably dabbled in it. Romantic suspense is my ultimate favorite thing to write these days.

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

The Last One You Loved which can be read standalone but kicks off my fan-favorite Hatley Family series. It’s a grumpy-cowboy, single-dad, small-town romance, and it has a bit of all the things I love: childhood friends-to-lovers, redemption and resilience, slow burn sexy times, incredible found families, and suspense.

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

Okay, it’s not my favorite, I can’t pick a favorite, but for some reason, when you asked the question, this is what flashed in my mind: Have you ever seen the movie Romancing the Stone? The part where Michael Douglas’s character jumps off the wall after the crocodile? Well… yeah… I wrote this scene in Royal Haze that totally gave me all those vibes. Plus, that story has my made up island in the Mediterranean with this cool history and lore behind it that made it the perfect place to end my Painted Daisies rock-star books.

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

Honestly, I thought being online and “sharing” myself with others was going to be the hardest thing because I’m a very, very private and quiet person. Not many people get beyond the walls to understand what makes me tick, and while sharing on social media is still really hard for me, the support I get in my little reader’s group, LJ’s Music and Stories, is unbelievable. The folks there make me feel like a rock star every day, and I’m so grateful for them.

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

From my debut on, all my books deal with resilience in some way. My characters overcome huge challenges to reshape their lives and make new dreams for themselves all while finding love. When I started publishing, I don’t know why, but I didn’t combine my love of mystery with romance right off the bat, but now that I’ve found the genre, I can’t imagine writing anything but romantic suspense.

What is your favorite part about being an author? 

The people I meet! Hands down. So grateful for the readers, bloggers, and other authors who’ve changed my life simply because I hit publish.

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

I can’t listen to audiobooks. AT ALL. My brain just isn’t wired for it. I’ve tried all the tips and tricks others have told me, and it still hasn’t worked. So I mostly read on my phone. I LOVE LOVE LOVE all my author friends like Kathryn Nolan, Stephanie Rose, Lucy Score, Aly Stiles, and Erika Kelly, but I’m a huge Nora Roberts fan. For contemporary romance, I also adore Nisha Sharma and Abby Jimenez. In the romantic suspense area, I also love Laura Griffin and Jane Casey.

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

I have a handful of people who changed the trajectory of my career in multiple ways. This is long, and random, but here we go: the narrator for my debut series, Sarah Puckett, opened new doors for me while partnering with me on the books. Lucy Score invited me into a group of authors who helped me find my writer people. Bryan Cohen helped me take the risks I needed to market my stories. Erika Kelly, Stephanie Rose, and Kathryn Nolan support me every single day and keep me going when I think I might give up. I’ve also been realllllllly lucky to have some amazing editors like Jenn Lockwood who edited my first few books for free just because she loved them so much, Evyn Evans who took what they learned in college and bettered my stories, Karen Hrdlicka and Michelle Fewer who have gone over and above to edit and grow my stories. And then there are Leisa Cook, Rachel Robison, and Stephanie Feissner who were my very first super fans and have never, ever given up on me.

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

First off, I come from a very talented, creative family. We have artists and musicians and crafters and storytellers galore. Growing up, sitting around the table at the holidays, there were always amazing stories being told. I’ve also been really lucky to have traveled a lot as a kid (and adult) as well as having had three incredible careers in very different industries that allowed me to experience a variety of jobs and people and places. All of those things, on top of having an incredible husband and being a mom, have given me a wide set of experiences to draw from when writing. I’m very grateful I’ve had all these opportunities to learn and grow and become the person I am, writing the stories I do today.

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

Kindle or Paperback - Kindle. Well, really, I read on my phone. I don’t own a Kindle. LOL 

Beach or Mountain Vacation - Beach, but I don’t go in the water. I just want to hear the waves and see the sunset over the ocean.

Dogs or Cats - I love both and have had both, but right now, we have cats we call the 3 terrors.

Ice Cream or Cake - Neither? Ha. Ice cream (if it’s non-dairy) if you force me to choose.

Action Flick or Rom-Com - It depends on my mood. I seriously can’t pick because today it’s one thing and tomorrow another.

Tea or Coffee - TEA!!! I hate coffee, even coffee flavored candies.

Road Trip or Air Travel - Air!! Do NOT lock me in a car for more than an hour or I go a bit batty.

Connect with LJ Evans:

You can find more information about LJ and her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:
https://www.ljevansbooks.com/