Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Author Jeannie Moon

Jeannie Moon stopped by to share intimate details of her writing life and to tell us about her latest book. Then Came You, a contemporary romance was released on September 26, 2017. Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.  

Jeannie- Then Came You is a contemporary romance that celebrates second chances. Set in a small coastal town on Long Island’s north shore, it’s the first book in the Compass Cove series. The book, and the series, focus on characters finding their true north—their place to belong. Filled with colorful characters, and a centuries-old romantic legend, the town is as memorable as each of the romances.

In book one, Mia and Adam appear to be polar opposites, but they both landed in Compass Cove for a fresh start.

Nancy- I just got back from Long Island, visiting relatives and the 'old family homestead' in Huntington! This sounds like a book for me. Back on topic: when did you start writing toward publication?

Jeannie- I started writing in 2000 and it took me 12 years to get my first contract.

Nancy- Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold? If so, did you send them out yourself?

Jeannie- I had three books finished, but I sold a proposal for a new series to NAL’s digital imprint, Intermix. The editor knew my work and wanted to work with me so she asked me to take a stab at an idea.  I did send some out on my own, but I have also worked with agents, some good, one not-so-good.

Nancy- Why have you become a published author?

Jeannie- The reason I achieved my goal is because I didn’t give up.

   

Nancy- "Never give up, never surrender" are the words I live by. What is your writing routine like?

Jeannie- I have a full time job, so I write at night, usually an hour or so, and I do a lot of writing on the weekends. If I’m close to deadline, I’m up at four in the morning.

Nancy- Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?

Jeannie- The romance community is the best thing. I’ve met great people, from authors, to readers to bloggers….I love the people.   

Nancy- Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?

Jeannie- I’m a member of Long Island Romance Writers and CT-RWA, both chapters of RWA. I’m published because I’m active in my local chapters. They’ve given me knowledge and resources I couldn’t get on my own.

Nancy- I love my local chapter, and the on-line RWA chapters I belong to. Wonderful, diverse, and helpful people. Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract?

Jeannie- Don’t give up. It can take years sometimes, but if you keep learning, keep working, you will find success.  

Nancy- Please Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.

1)  I keep a stash of Nutella in the house. I’m the only one who knows where it is.

2)  I can sing.

3)  I’ve been in more than one pro-sports locker room.

Nancy- What’s next for you?

Jeannie- Book two in the series is with my editor and comes out in the spring. It’s called You Send Me.

You can read an excerpt here, and there are links to all booksellers.

http://jeanniemoon.com/books/compass.ph

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeannie Moon has always been a romantic. When she’s not spinning tales of her own, Jeannie works as a school librarian, thankful she has a job that allows her to immerse herself in books and call it work. Married to her high school sweetheart, Jeannie has three kids, and three lovable dogs and lives in her hometown on Long Island, NY. If she’s more than ten miles away from salt water for any longer than a week, she gets twitchy.

Connect with me on my WEBSITE  

All my social media links are there.

My Trip North, Chased by Hurricane Jose

I am back from our annual 9 day trip to New England and managed to put 1,890 miles on the car. We ate lakeside in the Poconos, helped friends in Salem, New Hampshire, worked up a sweat volunteering at the NH Highland Games (it has NEVER been so hot & muggy!), then traveled by ferry to Long Island. 


While Hurricane Jose made the Long Island Sound a bit choppy, and managed to dump rain on us while visiting my cousins, it did pause long enough for me to take photos of relatives' graves. Thank you, Jose.

Due to having moved to Raleigh, North Carolina several years ago, visiting family and friends we see once a year is a treat. Some have aged (as have I) and some are no longer able to party until dawn (yep, that's me, too). I am happy everyone had a good time and I think my volunteers under the Information Tent did a whiz-bang job helping the approximately 40,000 people that enjoyed the 2017 New Hampshire Highland Games.

'Thor' was a big draw. The Mountain/Sir Gregor from Game of Thrones is also a weight-lifting champion and gave a great show. Did I mention he lifted a car?

Now that I am back home I need to get back to work, writing, especially since I sold a manuscript to SoulMate Publishing! I am again a published author, but will continue to share my self-published novels with my readers. Have you checked out my latest series?

Amazon    Amazon UK  

Amazon CAN   Amazon AUS  

Nook     iBooks   NOOK    Kobo 

Amazon PRINT    B&N Print

B-A-M Print   

 

EARTH DAY 2011

In high school, back on the first Earth Day-April 22, 1970-I remember a class or two meeting outside and reading about this new 'holiday' and it opened my eyes. We were recently allowed to wear jeans in school, and spring blouses were sheer and colorful. Flowers were everywhere. Spring came a bit late on Long Island, about 30 miles west of New York City, but I had a feeling something good had begun.

Many years later, while working at a hardware store in New Hampshire, I organized an Earth day celebration in the local schools. Our store advertised a coloring contest and asked schools to prompt the kids to color the page and have them posted in our store windows. Then we chose three prize winning schools. I personally delivered a wheelbarrow filled with planting supplies to the to three schools.

The contest motivated the kids and teachers to get invloved in every step AND they learned that winning something that helped everyone-not just themselves-was a great feeling of accomplishment. The contest made our small hardware store a part of the community as well.

Earth Day might be filled with hardship for others.

Plant some flowers or, as in our area, help a family pick up trash after the tornado. Whatever you do, give back to family, friends, neighbors, or Mother Earth. Taking part and helping others will make you feel good. I promise.

Nancy