About Jerrie Alexander
A student of creative writing in her youth, Jerrie set aside her passion when life presented her with a John Wayne husband, and two wonderful children. A career in logistics offered her the opportunity to travel to many beautiful locations in America, and she revisits them in her romantic suspense novels.
But the characters went with her, talked to her, and insisted she share their dark, sexy stories with others. She writes alpha males and kick-ass women who weave their way through death and fear to emerge stronger because of, and on occasion in spite of, their love for each other. She likes to torture people, make them suffer, and if they’re strong enough, they live happily ever after.
Jerrie lives in Texas, loves sunshine, children’s laughter, sugar (human and granulated), and researching for her heroes and heroines.
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Veronica! Thank you for having me as your guest today. I brought scones to go with the coffee. I get one question asked of me often – “Why I write romantic suspense.” I thought I’d explain it here, and answer a few more questions as well, just so you all can get to know me.
1. I remember running into you from the PRO Loop through Romance Writers of America (RWA). That was a little over a year ago. At that time you were working on getting that first book published. Now you have three, right out of the gate. Give us a little description of how that fell into place?
The Green-Eyed Doll sold in 2011. While I waited for edits on it, I polished The Last Execution and wrote Hell or High Water. Not believing in having all my eggs in one basket (cliché alert), I submitted them to two different publishers and was fortunate enough to receive contracts on both. The Green-Eyed Doll has a release date of 12-07-12.
All that sounds like it happened quickly, but I’d been writing for five years before I signed a contract. There are two books hidden away where no one will ever read them. Yes, they’re that bad. 🙂
2. Where are your three books set?
The Green-Eyed Doll is set in a fictional county in Texas during the longest drought and hottest summer on record.
The Last Execution unfolds in Atlanta, Georgia. We lived outside of Atlanta for a few years and I loved the area and people.
Hell or High Water is set in Dallas, Texas. While we don’t live there, we’re in and out a lot. The rush of the big city just fit the story line.
3. Tell us if these titles are your originals, but if not, what were your picks?
They are the original titles. Oddly enough, I title the book before I actually start writing.
4. Yesterday you were scheduled to speak at the American Business Woman’s dinner in Burleson, Texas. Tell us what you spoke of at the dinner, and what is most important to you?
It was such an honor to be invited! They wanted to know about my writing career and then left the rest to me. Even though their career path may be different than mine, we all have one thing in common. Rejections and criticism are two things in life we all experience. I shared some facts and examples of people who dealt with those experiences and became successful.
5. What are you passionate about as a writer?
My research! Writing romantic suspense requires realism in double doses! I don’t rely on the internet alone, I’ve questioned police officers, spoken to an FBI liaison over the phone, and have a Navy SEAL who helps with weapons, etc. I think the reader is too perceptive to just throw out unrealistic situations and expect them to believe. I love that my reader is smart and I respect that when I blow something up!
6. Tell us how you usually come up with story ideas?
I wish I could say there are tons of stories rolling around inside my head waiting to get out. The story idea is the hardest part of writing for me. Searching for an original idea, I wind up wondering if I’ll ever write another book. I read, newspaper, FBI case files, do the old ‘what if’ until an idea strikes a chord. Then I’m off on a new adventure.
7. Other than writing, what are you favorite hobbies?
I read when I have a few minutes. Love to cook for my family, sweets in particular! I belong to a wonderful book club, and I paint flowers from time to time.
8. Give us a break down of how you split your time between social networking and writing.
It’s a time drain for sure if I don’t police my time. I love chatting with people on line and the safest way to concentrate on writing is to log off.
I’m an early riser, so first thing in the morning over coffee, I’ll work through emails, blogs, facebook and twitter. Then a few minutes at lunch and before supper. (Yes, we say supper in Texas instead of dinner. 🙂 )
9. You said, you’ve been writing for five years. Tell us how you got in to writing?
I studied creative writing many, many years ago. But life presented me with other plans, marriage, family, and a great career in logistics. I wouldn’t trade all of that for anything in the world, but when I finally slowed down, and took time to reflect, my writing was still waiting for me. So with my husband’s support, I retired early and got down to writing.
10. Why do you write Romantic suspense?
The tension, suspense and passion in romantic suspense all wrapped up in one book keeps me reading and writing. Give me a dark, sexy story with alpha males and kick-ass women who weave their way through death and fear only to emerge stronger because of, and on occasion in spite of, their love for each other. These novels are fast paced, rollercoaster rides that can leave the reader breathless and looking for more.
The Green-Eyed Doll “Blurb”
Coming 12/7/12
Catherine McCoy is on the run. For the past year, she’s been on the move, hiding the secrets and guilt in her heart. When she lands in small-town Texas and meets Sheriff Matt Ballard, he ignites a flame she thought lost forever.
Matt has scars of his own. He left the big city after an undercover operation went bad and his partner was killed. Now, as Matt hunts for a serial killer who paints his victims’ faces like porcelain dolls, Catherine becomes a safe haven for him. Two tortured souls finding comfort in each other’s arms—until he uncovers her secret, and their bond of trust is broken.
When Catherine disappears, Matt races to find her, fearing the murderer has found his next green-eyed doll. But the killer has a surprise coming. Catherine will fight to the death before she’ll be a victim again. Will her determination be enough?
Excerpt
Catherine paced and argued with herself. Should she stay or go home? She’d told Matt he’d need a friend after the first woman went missing and now this. She couldn’t imagine the pressure he must be under. Her plan was to have a hot supper waiting for him. She’d basted and basted until the roast withered and fell apart. The once firm potatoes? Mush. The gravy was a light brown paste.
Benedict Arnold stood and trotted to the back door before Catherine heard Matt’s pickup. The dog was glad to know Matt was home, too. She leaned back against the kitchen counter and waited.
“Hey.” A lame greeting, but seeing him stunned her speechless.
Dark circles and cold, weary, blue eyes marred his Michelangelo face. His black hair fell in disarray and looked like he’d raked his fingers through a number of times today. His chiseled jaw and chin were dark with a long day’s stubble. With a couple of long strides, he pinned her between him and the counter. He framed her face with his hands, closed his eyes, and lowered his forehead to hers. They stood in silence for a long time, unmoving, their bodies not touching. Fear for the missing woman radiated off him.
His anguish, more than she’d planned for, hit her hard. His dedication and concern, traits she admired, shook her conviction that no man could be trusted. His tenderness, something she’d never had, touched a long-neglected place in her soul.
The Last Execution – release date pending
Want to Catch up with Jerrie
Thursday's Child 
Good morning, Veronica. Thanks again for having me as your guest. I’m happy to announce The Green-Eyed Doll is available for pre-order at The Wild Rose Press and Amazon. I’ll be around all day!!
Hey Jerrie! So excited for your release of The Green Eyed Doll! Can’t wait to read it! Did we ever talk about you living outside Atlanta?
Great interview! Can’t wait to get my copy of The Green-Eyed Doll and for the other books to hit the market. Thanks for the showcase, Veronica:)
Great post, Jerrie. I loved reading the excert! Can’t wait to have the book in my hand. I’ll probably actually read it on my Nook, but I want to wrap my fingers around the “real” book. Glad the presentation with the business women went well. 20 Days before Doll is here!