As I mentioned in my last post, I've decided to embark on a new project. In the Summer of 2021, I'm going to build a book from scratch, and take you along with me on the journey. Before I start to tell you about the project I have in the works, I wanted to share … Continue reading You’re seeing more of my face. Who’s to blame? (Or, why I decided to “show my work”)
Build-a-Book Step 2: Character sketches, book boards, and playlists
When beginning a new book project, it's important to get to know your characters better. I do that through character sketches, vision boards, and playlists.
Build-a-Book Step 1: Imagining the initial dynamic
So, how do you start a romance novel? To me, a romance novel is ultimately the story of how two people's lives clash, and so in the earliest days of imagining a new book, my creative energy is really focused on the the couple at the heart of the book. To use a construction metaphor … Continue reading Build-a-Book Step 1: Imagining the initial dynamic
Romance novel types, tropes, lengths and formats
Learn more about romance novel tropes, romance novel categories, romance novel formats and romance novel lengths!
Something new for this summer…
It's been a long, quiet stretch here in Jess Vonn land, and like everything else in my life (the messy house, the extra weight, the feral children) I'll blame it on general pandemic stressfulness! BUT, my creative spark is back and this summer, I'm embarking on a new journey. I'm going to build a contemporary … Continue reading Something new for this summer…
Alphas and Aces Series, writing as Jessica Vee
About the 'Alphas and Aces' series Every Thursday night, the Alphas of Arlington gather in a converted barn for a weekly poker game, where they drink beer, talk shit, and try their hardest to steal each other's money Week after week, ten sworn small-town bachelors -- a firefighter, a cop, a rancher, a veteran, a … Continue reading Alphas and Aces Series, writing as Jessica Vee
Sweetness meets spice in “The Summer I Saw You”
The Summer I Saw You, Book 4 in Jess Vonn’s ‘Love by the Seasons’ series (a novella), is now available on Amazon and all other major retailers. Evie Finnegan’s marriage has officially imploded, and though no one is surprised about this given her soon-to-be-ex husband’s lack of character, that doesn’t exactly help her know what to do … Continue reading Sweetness meets spice in “The Summer I Saw You”
What Snapchat taught me about meeting my goals
In a college-level media literacy course I taught last semester, I challenged my students to alter their social media routines in a significant way for three consecutive days and then reflect on the experience. Many of them chose to give up a platform that they felt addicted to, and for many of them, this was … Continue reading What Snapchat taught me about meeting my goals
Why I’m Inviting You To a Reader Group
Odds are, you're probably already part of an online group. Maybe it's for your favorite brand of leggings or health shakes that a friend sells. Maybe it's an interest group related to your hobbies or your profession. Maybe it's a small, secret group of friends that provides one safe corner of the internet where you … Continue reading Why I’m Inviting You To a Reader Group
First comes loathing, then comes lust…
Spring Me Ahead, Book 3 in Jess Vonn’s ‘Love by the Seasons’ series, is now available on Amazon. Given his history with addiction, and the pain it brought to the people he loves most, Wyatt Clayton has convinced himself he is thoroughly undeserving of anything resembling a normal life. He works endlessly in his wood shop, … Continue reading First comes loathing, then comes lust…