12.10.2017  Sophie Jordan’s versatile talents span genres and generations

Houston author Sophie Jordan has published more than thirty books in the romance genre. Her latest launches December 26, about a heroine from the wrong side of the tracks who has nothing in common with the town hero. Jordan was interviewed by Lone Star Lit this week via email in advance of the book’s release, to talk with us about how she achieved and maintains her success.

LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE: Where did you grow up, Sophie, and how do you think your birthplace influenced your writing?

SOPHIE JORDAN: I grew up in the Texas hill country. Thirty-five miles from any major city. No Internet. Maybe three channels on TV. Suffice to say my imagination was all I had. Books were the only entertainment available and (ultimately) my writing.

What kinds of books did you enjoy reading when you were growing up?

When I was in middle school and high school, the young adult genre was virtually nonexistent. It was a tiny fraction of the bookstore. I can still remember visiting the Book Stop in San Antonio and how small the “Teen” book shelf was. Needless to say, I went through what was available in YA quickly, jumping from Judy Blume and Christopher Pike to adult authors like Stephen King and Victoria Holt. At the age of fourteen, I discovered romance, and my love of the romance genre was born.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer yourself?

I fell in love with writing as a teenager, but I didn't seriously consider it as a viable career option until my late twenties.

What was your first big break as a writer?

I acquired my agent after two-plus years of querying agents. This was a major break-through for me. A few weeks after signing with her, I was offered my first multi-book contract with HarperCollins.

How many books have you published?

Oh, at my last count it was around thirty-five.

How has the publishing business changed since you started?

This could take pages to answer! Some people will point to changing trends within genres, but that ebb and flow has always existed. The rise in popularity of one genre or subgenre over others is nothing new. The most significant change has been the arrival of digital publishing and, subsequently, self-publishing. That has changed the landscape of publishing completely.

If I'm a reader and have never read a Sophie Jordan book, which book or series should I start with, and why?

It depends on your taste. Are you a romance reader? If so, would you prefer to read a historical romance or contemporary? For historical romance, I would suggest Sins of a Wicked Duke It’s a fan favorite. For contemporary romance, I’m very proud of my upcoming Beautiful Lawman Or do you read young adult fiction? If so, then I’d suggest you start with my first young adult novel, Firelight It’s also a fan favorite and currently under option for a TV series.

Tell us about your latest book.

My upcoming contemporary romance release (Dec. 26), Beautiful Lawman, is the fourth book in my contemporary romance series. The series is set in Texas and deals with very gritty, realistic slice-of-life characters. There is a nearby penitentiary (fictional) that features largely in the books. Characters either work there (as law enforcement or medical staff) or are inmates/ex-inmates, relatives of inmates, etc. Are you a fan of Sons of Anarchy or Prison Break? It has a similar fast-paced edge with complex characters that walk the line between right and wrong.

Here’s the summary for Beautiful Lawman:

From the wrong side of the tracks and with most of her family in jail or dead, Piper Walsh is used to everyone in town thinking the worst about her. It doesn’t seem to matter that she’s worked hard to build a good life for herself. So she isn’t surprised that when she comes into contact with Sweet Hill’s wildly irresistible, arrogant sheriff, Hale Walters, they’re instant adversaries. Piper has nothing in common with the town golden-boy-turned-lawman—and she refuses to be a notch on his bedpost.

Despite rumors, Hale avoids fooling around with the women of Sweet Hill, many of whom are hoping to get him to the altar. But staying out of Piper’s path is proving near impossible. The infuriating troublemaker clearly has no respect for his badge. As she continues to push his buttons, it becomes clear to Hale that he must either arrest Piper—or claim her as his own.

I have a great deal of respect for authors who write historical fiction. It involves so much research. What’s your research process like?

I’ve been writing in the genre for quite some time. Even before that, I was an avid reader of historical romance. I'm comfortable writing in the genre, but that said the need to research does come up, but I research as I go — otherwise I would never finish a book!

As a romance author, you must have a personal definition of the most romantic place in Texas. Could you share it with readers?

In college, I went horse-packing in West Texas. It was such raw and rugged terrain; it felt untouched by civilization. We camped out under the stars. There was a certain romance to it all. I’ve never forgotten it even after all these years. Another place (and totally different!) is the San Antonio Riverwalk! Especially at Christmastime. It’s beautiful and speaks to my romantic soul.

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