Author Spotlight: Jo-Anna Walker

The Admins at Pretty Little Readers would like to welcome Jo-Anna Walker to the page today! We look forward to introducing her to you all, as well as getting to know her a little better ourselves. We will also be posting throughout the day on our Facebook page so be sure to check it out but clicking the tab at the top labeled Facebook Home. Be sure to like the page if you have not already so you can see all of out spotlight posts for Jo-Anna!! 

    Jo-Anna is from a small city in Ontario, Canada -- born and raised. She lives with her husband, Michael and their two furbabies (cats), Ziggy and Oreo.
   She just started writing in 2013 and loves it! She absolutely loves her characters and cannot wait to share their stories with the world.

Be sure to check her out at the following links;
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Goodreads

   Jo-Anna recently released her debut erotic romance, Break Me (Shattered book 1). It is available at the following outlets;

Amazon (US) 
Amazon (Canada)
Smashwords

Paperbacks coming soon!
Author Jo-Anna Walker with her first proof of paperbacks

The Author is giving away 2 eBook copies of her book! Be sure to enter the contest at the end of this post.

Running is always easier.

Tori McLeod moved to the big city to get away from her mother—and her past. Her new routine is destroyed when she meets a mysterious stranger who won’t take no for an answer. Sebastian intrigues her, but his eyes hold secrets she would rather avoid.

Sebastian Chelios, a hard-as-nails enforcer, is a new-in-town loner. He has to have her. Control her. Possess her. But he can’t—won’t—lose control, even though Tori’s innocence fascinates him. The last thing he’s going to do is love her, even after he gets her in his bed.

Losing control is dangerous, especially when someone from Sebastian’s past covets Tori, putting more than just her heart in danger.

Can Sebastian protect Tori from Jose’s sadistic obsession? If he gets his hands on her, will she make it out in one piece?

Interview

PLR: What books/authors have influenced your writing? 

 I try not to read anything that’s in the genre I write in just so I can keep my books fresh and with my own ideas. I wouldn't say that there’s one specific author or book that has influenced my writing but Sylvia Day is definitely one of my inspirations.

PLR: Do you ever experience writer's block? 

 Honestly? No. I just sit in front of my computer and let the words flow through my fingers. If I have to sit at a blank screen for a little bit, I will. Eventually the words start coming.

PLR: Do you write an outline before every book you write? 

Ha. No. If I did that, my characters would change things on me just out of spite.

PLR: Have you ever hated something you wrote? 

I wouldn't say I've hated anything I've written. I've definitely learned from the past things I've written that I wasn't a huge fan of that’s for sure. 

PLR: What is your favorite theme/genre to write about? 

As long as it’s romance-y, I’m good.

PLR: How long have you been writing? 

I just started this year actually. 

PLR: What inspired you to write your first book? 

My aunt inspired me to write my first book. She put the idea in my head and I just went with it.

PLR: Do you have a specific writing style? 

Come back to me on that one. I’m still learning what my style is. 

PLR: How did you come up with the title? 

As I finish each book, you’ll realize that all of my titles are from my males perspective. So for Break Me, it’s what Sebastian wanted so I went with it and it worked. 

PLR: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

There is such a thing as love at first sight.

PLR: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? 

Nope. They are all made up. 

PLR: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? 

Many have helped me in this short time but C.A. Szarek has helped me the most.

PLR: When you get a chance to read, what type of books do you enjoy? 

Ugh. Romance. I love it but I try to stay away from it. Lately, I've been doing that anyways. *sob* I miss my romance.

PLR: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? 

DC Hall. Started his book Cuspian. I still need to finish it. I’m a horrible reader. Anyways, I love his book so far!

PLR: What are your current projects? 

How much time do you have? Lol. Seriously though, I’m working on the third book to the Shattered series, a new book (title TBA but I’m so freaking excited for this one), a NA serial novel that’s due out the beginning of next year if I can’t get it out before then and that’s about it so far. 

PLR: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members?

 – Entity? Well if you mean a spiritual type being then my answer would be God. I’m a religious person but I don’t like preaching to people. I’m trying to instill good morals in my characters but that can be hard to do. If you don’t mean a spiritual type being then just the support from everyone amazes and astounds me. 

PLR: Do you see writing as a career? 

No. If I looked at it that way, I would put more pressure on myself and me under pressure doesn't mix well with my lack of patience. Writing for me is relaxing. It’s my way to escape. Not that I have anything to escape from but sometimes escaping reality is needed. Right now, I write as a hobby. If it turns into something more, great. If not, that’s fine too. As long as people read my work, I am happy.

PLR: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

 I think for every author, there will always be something that they want to change in a book they've released so yes, there are a couple of changes I would make but I think Break Me is a good intro for what is to come. I just hope people are patient with getting the answers that they are looking for once they read the first book.

PLR: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? 

A lot of my friends are authors. My bestie is an author. I've been surrounded by it for the last couple of years. Also, going to RT twice now has peaked my interest also. 

PLR: Can you share a little of your current work with us? 

Sure. I can do that. Here’s a little snip it from the early stages (so that means very unedited) of Remember Me (Shattered #3). 

Before he knew what he was doing, he grabbed her shoulders and pinned her against the door. Her beautiful green eyes so responsive to him, dilated, going wide at his abrupt movement. Her pink tongue peeked out, licking her bottom lip.
Garrith’s heart thumped a mile a minute as his gaze traveled down her body. Her dress had ridden up to her thighs, revealing tanned legs that he itched to have wrapped around him.
He cupped the back of her neck and leaned down, his mouth mere inches from hers. He stared into her eyes, letting out a breath and watched her lips part. The control it took to not dive into her at that very moment, made Garrith’s body vibrate.

PLR: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? 

Just learning the craft but I know that that will come with time. 

PLR: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? 

Well the ladies that run this blog already know what my answer is since that’s how I “met” them but I’ll answer for the rest of you. JR WARD baby!!!!! I traveled 9 hours by bus to see her last year and I freaking love that woman!! What strikes me about her work? Hello? Have you met the brothers?? Need I say more??

PLR: Who designed the covers? 

Once Upon a Time Covers – Thanx to a very special person for referring me to them. You know who you are. ;)

PLR: What was the hardest part of writing your book(s)? 

Editing. Ugh.

PLR: Did you learn anything from writing your book(s) and what was it? 

Yes. My males are controlling.

PLR: What advice would you give to other authors? 

Keep writing. As long as you have the art of storytelling, you’re on your way to something great. Don’t give up.

PLR: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? 

THANK YOU! Thank you for reading my book, believing in me and again, reading my book! Even if it wasn't your favorite, or you were confused or even had questions at the end, just thank you. Thank you thank you. And don’t worry, all of your questions will be answered in Always Me. Promise.

PLR: What are your expectations for the book? 

Just for people to enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

PLR: Which of your books is your favorite? 

Well it’s not out yet but I have a NA serial novel (four parts) due out in the next couple of months. I don’t know if it’s my favorite book but it holds a special place in my heart as they all do. I can’t wait for you all to read it.

PLR: Which of your characters is your favorite? 

Um…I can’t really say that out loud. Have you met my males? Haha. I love them all but I’m really looking forward to writing Lucas’ story. You don’t meet him until the end of book 2 but he’s just amazing. 

PLR: Which of your characters is most/least like you, and in what way(s)? 

I think my girls all have bits of me in them. If you know me really well, you’ll see the hints in the books. 

PLR: Which of your characters would you most/least like to invite to dinner, and why? 

Well for the least like to invite to dinner would probably be Jose. Lol! Most like to invite to dinner would be everyone in my books. They’re all awesome in their own way. But if I had to choose one, it would be Lucas. He’s super smart and I would love to chat with him. I am so excited for you to meet him.

PLR: Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing? 

Yeah I shouldn’t really. I’m forcing myself not to read them. I was paying attention to them but after talking to several people, I’ve stopped. I think I’m good now and don’t need to read anymore but no, I don’t let them influence my writing unless it’s helpful critique.

PLR: Have you ever been surprised by a controversy among fans or reviewers - for example, you created a character without thinking too much about what people would think of him, and found some readers loved him and some hated him? 

Well some people aren't a fan of my heroine in Break Me. Apparently Tori makes some stupid decisions but don’t we all?

PLR: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

JR WARD cause she’s freaking awesome and she rocks my socks!

PLR: If you could work with any author who would it be? 

Again, JR WARD!

PLR: Who is your favorite author and is you writing style similar to theirs? 

Really? I think we know this answer already. Lol! But JR WARD for those that don’t know! And no, my style is definitely not the same. Lol!

PLR: What's your favorite part of a book? 

The sexy and lovey scenes. Those are my favorite to write too. Haha.

PLR: When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning? 

No. I usually let the characters tell me their names.

PLR: What is your favorite thing to write? Characters, A certain type of scene etc.? 

Oh, I answered this already above. Oops. Lol! I enjoy writing the sexy, tender, hot, raunchy, lovey scenes the most. 

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