My Book Release Day and a Small Tribute to a Publishing Icon

Photo by Riss Design on Unsplash

My new book comes out tomorrow. It’s called The Reluctant Flirt. It’s a spicy romcom set in the Outer Banks. It’s published by Blue Box Press and the second in the Outer Banks series. Book of the Month was the first but each one can be read as a standalone.

Those are the facts. Behind the scenes, there was something else happening while I wrote this book.

It felt like a good time to write this post for myself and anyone who loved MJ Rose—partial owner of Blue Box Press and 1001 Dark Nights, a publishing/marketing veteran, and advocate to authors.

When an author releases a book, the public doesn’t see the actions or emotions that brought the story to life. It’s an individual process to each author, and like the crazy roller coaster this career is—each book is completely different. We’re always forced to learn new skills or conquer blocks we didn’t think existed. Fun, right?

I began writing this story as a fun surprise. Book of the Month was never supposed to be part of a series, but when Kane Masterson stormed into my world and onto the page, I had no choice. I was lucky enough that my publishers, Liz, Jillian, and MJ, agreed we needed to tell this next story. They were enthusiastic and we signed another contract immediately. I began writing the book without a break, happy to stay in the new world I created.

Book of the Month had an interesting back story of how it came to life. You see, I’d originally planned to sell the story to another publisher, and almost went to contract. But right before I signed, my gut was screaming that it was the wrong move. Everything looked great on paper. It was a good deal. But this book was very special—I wanted to protect it. I wanted it to have a home where it was cared for, loved, and marketed in the best way.

When I attended a meeting with Liz, Jillian, and MJ, I told them about the book. Immediately, MJ yelled with excitement, joined by Liz and Jillian. They said, “We want to publish this book!” And I knew, in my soul, that was where I was meant to be.

We signed the contract and every step to publication was a joy. My vision became my reality. And through it all, MJ was one of my loudest supporters. She told me how she read romcoms nonstop, and was passionate about my writing. She LOVED the book like a reader first, a publisher second.

We had fun conversations about the characters. She helped me brainstorm. She did the cover. I felt such a big part of a team that only wanted the best for my book baby.

Book of the Month came out last October but never made the BIG splash we all expected. We’d done everything right and knew that timing and a bit of luck also propelled a book’s success. And then when we decided to do The Reluctant Flirt, we all had that second chance for more exposure and sales. I remember sitting with Liz while MJ was on speaker phone as we brainstormed for the perfect title; trying out different themes and plays on words, until we settled on The Reluctant Flirt, which we all immediately loved.

We were all hopeful and excited.

And then a few months later, we were hit with the news that MJ Rose had passed.

Her death affected everyone in the industry, but especially the ones who loved her. It was a fall-out that rippled into the new year and beyond.

I remember staring at the blank pages of my story, unsure where to go. I’d always assumed I’d brainstorm with MJ if I got stuck, and believe me, I got STUCK. That book sat for a long time while I was tortured and kept writing myself into a corner on a plot point. I ended up asking a trusted editor first to help, then my publishers got me through that second draft to shore up the cratered holes I’d left behind during construction.

When I reached the end, it was a bittersweet victory. I kept wondering what MJ would think. What she’d change. What scenes she’d love or laugh about.

I knew she was a fashion icon, like my heroine Sierra, so I decided to include shoe quotes headlining each chapter. Many small details showed up as I wrote the story, and I imagined MJ over my shoulder, laughing or whispering when I got things right.

So, this release is for all of us. Me, Liz, Jillian, and MJ. Her beautiful spirit and memory shone through each word that I wrangled onto the page, even though sometimes it wasn’t easy.

Because other times?

God, it was fun to write this book. And that’s exactly what she would’ve wanted. When I specifically asked her about what careers my characters should focus on, she gave me a brilliant piece of advice.

She said, “Jen, write about what makes you happy. If you love fashion, incorporate that. Or bring in another writing/publishing character. Or real estate, renovation, or home design. If it lights you up, that’s what your readers will want to read about.”

Thanks, MJ. I hope you love the book as much as we do. I think you’d laugh at the grumpy cat, Mo, and tell me I finally nailed the emotional notes between the sisters because of Liz and Jillian’s feedback. I think you’d adore the cover, and be happy about the reviews streaming in.

As Barry Manilow would say:

This one’s for you.

Buy The Reluctant Flirt here.