Good Morning, Booklovers!
Let’s gather around the fireplace and welcome romance writer Jill Piscitello, featuring her sweet, holiday romance, TINSEL AND TEA CAKES.
Please join us, Jill. How do you take your coffee?
JP: I drink one large mug of coffee every morning. Only the slightest bit of sugar and cream are added. I prefer my coffee steaming hot but will partake in the occasional iced coffee during the summer.
Ally: One large mug coming right up. While I pour, please tell readers something about yourself.
Let’s gather around the fireplace and welcome romance writer Jill Piscitello, featuring her sweet, holiday romance, TINSEL AND TEA CAKES.
Please join us, Jill. How do you take your coffee?
JP: I drink one large mug of coffee every morning. Only the slightest bit of sugar and cream are added. I prefer my coffee steaming hot but will partake in the occasional iced coffee during the summer.
Ally: One large mug coming right up. While I pour, please tell readers something about yourself.
About the Author:
Jill Piscitello is a teacher, author, and an avid fan of multiple literary genres. Although she divides her reading hours among several books at a time, a lighthearted story offering an escape from the real world can always be found on her nightstand.
A native of New England, Jill lives with her family and three well-loved cats. When not planning lessons or reading and writing, she can be found spending time with her family, trying out new restaurants, traveling, and going on light hikes.
Something unique/unusual that isn’t in your regular bio: “I am a card-carrying, dollhouse enthusiast. Due to my day job and writing at night, progress moves slow on a large house picked up at a yard sale. But I’m proud to say that each room is spruced up enough for young family members to enjoy when visiting. My goal isn’t an untouchable work of art displayed in a glass case. I hope to create a pretty canvas for whatever story worlds current and future generations dream up.”
Social media links:
Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ GoodReads ~ BookBub
Jill Piscitello is a teacher, author, and an avid fan of multiple literary genres. Although she divides her reading hours among several books at a time, a lighthearted story offering an escape from the real world can always be found on her nightstand.
A native of New England, Jill lives with her family and three well-loved cats. When not planning lessons or reading and writing, she can be found spending time with her family, trying out new restaurants, traveling, and going on light hikes.
Something unique/unusual that isn’t in your regular bio: “I am a card-carrying, dollhouse enthusiast. Due to my day job and writing at night, progress moves slow on a large house picked up at a yard sale. But I’m proud to say that each room is spruced up enough for young family members to enjoy when visiting. My goal isn’t an untouchable work of art displayed in a glass case. I hope to create a pretty canvas for whatever story worlds current and future generations dream up.”
Social media links:
Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ GoodReads ~ BookBub
INTERVIEW:
Ally: Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision?
JP: Tinsel and Tea Cakes was traditionally published by The Wild Rose Press. I understand the many reasons authors choose to self-publish. But at this stage in my writing career, the expertise and guidance offered by a seasoned editor is invaluable.
Ally: What is the easiest—or the hardest—part of writing for you? Explain.
JP: For me, the easiest part of writing is dreaming up story ideas and plots. I have a long list of “to be written” books. The hardest part is the final edit. I could edit forever and never be satisfied. A close tie is marketing. As an introvert, putting myself out there on social media is beyond challenging. But after a few years of pushing through online stage fright, the process is becoming, if not easier, more routine.
Ally: Do you write from an outline?
JP: My writing always begins with an information dump. I feel compelled to write down (yes, in an old-school notebook) the first ideas, characters, conversations, settings, conflicts, etc. that pop into my head. Once I’ve captured everything remembered (ideas rarely arise when I’m home with paper and pen handy), the next step is an outline. The outline is in a constant stage of revision until the first draft of the manuscript is complete.
Ally: Are you a speed reader or do you settle in and savor a book?
JP: I am usually in the middle of reading an average of three books. My mood for genre changes on any given day. As a result, it takes me far too long to finish each story, but I do savor each one.
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
JP: My upcoming release is a cozy mystery. The manuscript is in the final stages of editing. My last two books were holiday romances, so I’m excited to leap into a beach setting with an amateur sleuth on a mission to figure out whodunit.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose to answer?
JP:
Ally: Are you self-published or traditionally published? How did you make the decision?
JP: Tinsel and Tea Cakes was traditionally published by The Wild Rose Press. I understand the many reasons authors choose to self-publish. But at this stage in my writing career, the expertise and guidance offered by a seasoned editor is invaluable.
Ally: What is the easiest—or the hardest—part of writing for you? Explain.
JP: For me, the easiest part of writing is dreaming up story ideas and plots. I have a long list of “to be written” books. The hardest part is the final edit. I could edit forever and never be satisfied. A close tie is marketing. As an introvert, putting myself out there on social media is beyond challenging. But after a few years of pushing through online stage fright, the process is becoming, if not easier, more routine.
Ally: Do you write from an outline?
JP: My writing always begins with an information dump. I feel compelled to write down (yes, in an old-school notebook) the first ideas, characters, conversations, settings, conflicts, etc. that pop into my head. Once I’ve captured everything remembered (ideas rarely arise when I’m home with paper and pen handy), the next step is an outline. The outline is in a constant stage of revision until the first draft of the manuscript is complete.
Ally: Are you a speed reader or do you settle in and savor a book?
JP: I am usually in the middle of reading an average of three books. My mood for genre changes on any given day. As a result, it takes me far too long to finish each story, but I do savor each one.
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
JP: My upcoming release is a cozy mystery. The manuscript is in the final stages of editing. My last two books were holiday romances, so I’m excited to leap into a beach setting with an amateur sleuth on a mission to figure out whodunit.
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose to answer?
JP:
- Ebook or print? When reading at night, I prefer to read an ebook. On vacation, I need a print book to read by the beach or pool.
- Most watched tv show: Gilmore Girls, Gilmore Girls, and did I mention Gilmore Girls?
- Favorite accessory (jewelry, scarves, shoes, etc.): Large, soft scarves – I’m always cold.
- Pie or cake? What kind? White cake with sugary, vanilla frosting smothered in roses.
- Favorite holiday song: We Need a Little Christmas, by Johnny Mathis
Ally: It was a pleasure to meet you, Jill. Before you go, please show us your featured book.
TINSEL AND TEA CAKES
Genre: sweet, holiday romance
Hair stylist Scarlett Kerrigan lost her job and her apartment. To alleviate a touch of self-pity, she succumbs to her stepmom’s pressure to attend a wedding in the New Hampshire White Mountains. Unfortunately, she runs into the vacation fling who promised the moon but disappeared without an explanation. Months have passed, but she is not ready to forgive and forget.
After a chaotic year, executive Wes Harley settles into his family’s event venue, The Timeless Manor. His carefully structured world is shaken to its core when Scarlett arrives for the Victorian Christmas wedding weekend. The feelings he never quite erased flood to the surface.
When secrets are revealed, will a magical chateau and a sprinkle of tinsel be enough to charm Scarlett?
Purchase Links:
Amazon Nook Apple IBooks
Genre: sweet, holiday romance
Hair stylist Scarlett Kerrigan lost her job and her apartment. To alleviate a touch of self-pity, she succumbs to her stepmom’s pressure to attend a wedding in the New Hampshire White Mountains. Unfortunately, she runs into the vacation fling who promised the moon but disappeared without an explanation. Months have passed, but she is not ready to forgive and forget.
After a chaotic year, executive Wes Harley settles into his family’s event venue, The Timeless Manor. His carefully structured world is shaken to its core when Scarlett arrives for the Victorian Christmas wedding weekend. The feelings he never quite erased flood to the surface.
When secrets are revealed, will a magical chateau and a sprinkle of tinsel be enough to charm Scarlett?
Purchase Links:
Amazon Nook Apple IBooks