Friday, January 17, 2020

COVER AUTHOR: Jayci Lee





Jayci Lee writes poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud romance every free second she can scavenge. She lives in sunny California with her tall-dark-and-handsome husband, two amazing boys with boundless energy, and a fluffy rescue whose cuteness is a major distraction. At times, she cannot accommodate real life because her brain is full of drool worthy heroes and badass heroines clamoring to come to life. Because of all the books demanding to be written, Jayci writes full-time now, and is semi-retired from her fifteen-year career as a defense litigator. She loves food, wine, and travelling, and incidentally so do her characters. Books have always helped her grow, dream, and heal, and she hopes her books will do the same for you.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

www.jaycilee.com, FB-Twitter-Instagram handle @authorjaycilee, FB readers group "Goddess Leegue," Newsletter "Pampered Hearts" (please sign up through my website.)

Tell us about your manuscript to published author journey.

I took a hiatus from my day job as an attorney, and wrote TEMPORARY WIFE TEMPTATION. The first draft took me two months to write. Revising and polishing it took about two years. Once I felt the book was ready, I made several cold submissions, journeying to the slush piles. I got many wonderful feedback but ultimately, everyone passed for this round except for one publisher. I worked with the editor there for nine months to the point of going to the acquisition board. Ultimately, due to a change in direction the publisher was taking, they passed on the book. At that point, I had a thoroughly edited, highly polished manuscript, so I decided to hit the slush piles again. This time Harlequin Desire offered me a three book contract for TEMPORARY WIFE TEMPTATION. My journey to that point (because the journey continues) took me around two and a half years.

How did it feel to see your manuscript in print?

It was heart wrenchingly beautiful and I was overcome with tears of joy. Holding my book in hands felt like a dream, and it was. It was a lifelong dream come true. 

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned that I have to write the book of my heart. Suppressing what you know you need to write only makes you stumble. When you're writing a book, you can only think about writing the book. Fears about it being marketable or popular have no place in the creative space. 

What did you hope to accomplish with this book? 

I want to give my readers a few hours of escape where they get to laugh, fight, and 
love along with my characters. I want it to be a time for self-care for them. A warm, happy moment to help fuel their journey in real life. 




What was your greatest roadblock in publishing your first book and how did you overcome it?

Waiting. The waiting was torture, but the continued support of other romance authors helped me hang on. To continue to hope. 

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

That patience and persistence are almost as important as talent. Rejections hurt. Criticism hurts. But even when your heart is bleeding, if you believe in your dream, you have to keep fighting. If you don't give up, it will happen. 

What advice would you offer to someone whose first book is about to be released?

I'm not sure. I'm a debut author and I feel like I need a lot of advice from more established authors. But I know that it is important to celebrate every small step. Even when things get overwhelming, take a moment to look around you and appreciate all you have accomplished.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I interact with my future readers through social media, my readers group, my newsletter, and through my website.

What would you like readers to take away from your book?

That everyone deserves a happily ever after. To recognize that diversity doesn't make minorities "others" or "less American." That Asian-Americans are Americans, too. That Asian-Americans are part of the fabric of American culture just like all other minorities. 


Which character did you have the most fun writing about?

That's a hard one. I love all of my characters. But I had a lot of fun writing about Mrs. Song, the heroine's neighbor and friend. Everything that comes out of her mouth is so refreshing and slightly shocking, but always, always true and wise.

What do you believe makes your stories stand out?

I believe my voice is what makes my books stand out. I open my heart up when I write, so when my readers read my book, I think they hear how much of myself I pour into it. I believe they truly connect with my truth.

What three literary events would you recommend a writer in your genre attend?

I haven't been to many literary events, and with the recent implosion of RWA, I'm not sure which events to recommend. I've heard good things about NINC and RAM. 

Who was the first author you ever met?

Tessa Dare. I adore her and I shamelessly fangirled her.  

What’s the most interesting change in your life as a result of being a published author?  

Everything is still so unreal. I'm under contract for six books, so I'm consumed with writing on a deadline. But I think the real, excited changes will happen when my first book comes out on February 4, 2020. 

What has surprised you most about being a published author?

How many steps it took until you get to hold a printed book in your hands.

Revisions, first/second round edits, copy edits, last tweaks, proofreading, etc., etc. It is a lot of work, but every step is so exciting because it brings you closer to having your book out in the world. 

What about writing do you wish non writers would understand?

It's a real job. It's a full time profession for me. It's not a hobby or something I do in my spare time. It is a lot of work, sweat, and dedication.

Can you give us one do and one don't for those aspiring to be an author?

Do finish your book. Even if the first draft is not as good as you want it to be. That's why we revise, revise, revise. Don't give up after a few rejections. Everyone receives rejections. Just accept it as part of your trade and keep going. Persevere. 

When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Read! I love reading across all genres. I also love watching movies. Yes, I'm an indoor person. :) 


Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

I know I already have everything I need to be happy. 

Any last words for our readers?

I am honored and humbled to be able to share TEMPORARY WIFE TEMPTATION with you. I hope it makes you happy even for just a little while. 



Garrett Song understands his duties to his Korean-American family and their business. An arranged marriage, however, is not one of them. When his grandmother, the family’s matriarch, gives him an ultimatum to marry a Korean heiress or lose the CEO seat, he must take back his life without anyone losing face. Garrett finds his solution when Natalie Sobol, his no nonsense HR Director, asks him for a favor. She needs his money and influence to adopt her orphaned niece, and he needs a discreet and trustworthy partner for a marriage of convenience. The plan is perfect until love enters the game.




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