Novel: No Matter What
Genre: Romance
Site: www.jordanaryan.tripod.com
1. What prompted you to write this book? How did you come up with the idea?
I wrote this book because it had been a lifelong dream to do so. After I had surgery, I wanted to be productive while I was off work so I chose to focus on writing a book. I came up with the idea while I was in Florida sitting on the beach. I was a counselor and I've worked with a lot of different people. I think mixing some of the elements of people I've worked with and known in my lifetime really gave me the basic idea for this book.
2. Does this book have a special link to something that happened to you in your life?
Not something that has happened to me, but it does deal with a lot of elements I have dealt with in my professional life.
3. Who did you dedicate this book to and why?
I dedicated this book to my daughter Cheyenne because she is what keeps me going. I wanted her to know that she can fulfill her dreams to so I was determined to finish this for her. I also dedicated this book to my family because without their love and support I'd not be where I am today. Finally, I dedicated it Christina, JR Mitchell, Beth and Kris for supporting me through the process of writing my first book.
4. Who is your favorite author and why?
Rosanne Bittner. I've never read a book of hers that didn't make me feel something. Her books are touching and so well written. She has a series called Savage Destiny that I read every year just because it's so good.
5. How many books have you written and were they based on events in your own life?
No Matter what is my first, and it wasn't based on my own life, but it was based in part on people I've known at one time or another.
6. If you could pick out anyone to read and comment on your book, whom would you pick and why?
I would pick Rosanne Bittner because she is my favorite author and I really admire her work.
7. What would you like to have your readers get from this book?
That people can make mistakes and it's never to late to go back and say you're sorry and try to make things right.
8. What is your favorite part of the book?
My favorite part of the book is the 4th of July picnic. There are some really good scenes in there that show Brenden's love for Cassandra. At the end of the picnic Brenden's father Hank talks to the two of them and I thought it turned out really good. It was a scene that touched me.
9. Where can readers buy No Matter What?
Readers can buy No Matter What at www.amirapress.com www.amazon.com www.fictionwise.com www.target.com or they can go into any book store and order by my ISBN # which is 978-1-934475-04-1
10. Have you received any special comments back from any of your readers and can you share them with us?
One of my readers took the time to tell me that this book was something that had her laughing, crying and really taking the time to forgive people in her life. That meant a lot to me because that is what I wanted people to get out of this book. Also here is one of the reviews of my publishers site: Get ready with your tissue! This story will make you cry and then fall in love with the hero. You'll love it.
11. We'd love to have a 2-minute commercial about yourself so our audience can connect with you.(background - current life)
Jordana Ryan is a single mom in St. Louis Missouri. She received her Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Much of her life has been spent working with the mentally ill, adult and juvenile criminals. Her passion has always been writing and she is one to follow her dreams. There is nothing that means more to her than her family. Jordana hopes to touch her readers with the realism in her books that she derives from her life experiences.
12. What message would you give anyone who may be thinking of buying this book?
There really is a lot of depth and emotion in this book. It is a story that anyone could find themselves in the same circumstances. It's the ultimate the love story.
13. Our readers love to hear success stories. Would you share you road from inception to publication?
When I started this book, I was recovering from surgery and really unsure of where my life was going to go. Writing a novel had always been a lifelongdream, so I decided to take the time I had and fulfill that dream. I joined a lot of writing groups and got started. The group of authors and Aspiring authors I worked with was amazing. They really helped to motivate me and give me ideas for improving my work. I remember telling everyone I had just written my last chapter and the pride I felt in myself was amazing. I'wrote my synopisis and query letter and started submitting. I submitted to numerous people and got ready for whatever was going to happen. A lot of people encouraged me, saying "Don't let rejections get you down, we all go through it.; And I did get two rejections I dedicated myself to not giving up. I would make changes to the story if needed, but I wouldn't give up. When I got the contract with Amira I was excited to say the least, but most of all I felt accomplished.
14. Do you have a daily writing schedule or goal? Thank you for discussing a little about your own writing routine.
I don't have a schedule. There are days where I'm really on a roll and can write 3-5 thousand words in a day. Other days I'm really stuck and can only eek out 1 thousand. The most routine that I use is to sit down with my work for at least 2 hours. If nothing comes after two hours, I'll read or edit but I don't force it with my writing. If I'm on a roll I can spend 12 hours at my computer writing. I really love those days. I am disciplined about having at least that two hours a day though.
