Jiffy Kate - Tag Teaming Southern Romance

Please give us a short introduction to what The Other One is about.

It’s a story about second chances and redemption. The tale of two broken people, who recognize the pain they see in each other. Together, they find healing, forgiveness and a possibility of a brighter future.

What inspired you to write about two strangers, struggling with their pasts?

The idea for this book actually came to us from a mental image/idea. We had this picture, in our minds, of a sad girl sitting at a cafe alone. From there, we tried to build a story around her. Why was she sad? Why was she alone? The questions built until we had developed the main plot of the story. In the end, we decided the story was better told from the hero’s POV.

How did it come about that you started to co-write?

Unlike most co-authors, we’ve never written solo. We met about five or six years ago and had a passion for the same things, including reading the same books. When we couldn’t find the exact type of book we were wanting to read, we decided to write it. And that was pretty much it. From there, one story led to the next and we have no plans of stopping.

How do you divide tasks when working on a book?

We tag team. LOL. We don’t split chapters or POVs. We just write whatever needs to be written when we get the chance to write. It really works to our advantage when we have more than one project going at a time, like now. We have about 4 projects on the front burner right now, so there’s always something that needs to be written.

You write about flawed characters. How do you manage to make them so relatable?

We think the flaws are what make them relatable. Perfect people don’t exist in the real world. So, by writing flawed characters, it gives the reader a chance to identify with something inside the hero or heroine and further connecting them to the story.

Which character did you find the most challenging to create?

All of our characters have come to us pretty easily. With there being two of us, we’re able to throw ideas around and talk things out. It doesn’t take long for new characters to come to life for us.

Besides writing, what other secret skills do you have?

We drink well with others and are really good at having a good time.

Tell us a bit about your writing habits. What does an average writing day look like for you?

Lots of coffee, a playlist, and our laptops. And maybe some vodka, depending on what we’re writing. LOL

Why do you write Southern romance? What is it about the genre that draws you?

We live in the South and love the South. People say “write what you know” and that’s what we know. Plus, the south is full of colorful characters that need to have their stories told.

Many of your books are light and filled with comedy. The Other One is however a bit more dark and gritty. Why did you pick this approach?

We love to write out of the box and try new things. That’s what The Other One was for us, something a little different from our norm. Plus, it’s a story we grew to love deeply. We feel really protective of Tripp and Loren. We had no choice but tell their story.

Why do you think Tripp and Loren make such a good couple?

They’ve both felt pain and loss, so they understand the scars left behind by their tragedies. They also see themselves in the each other, causing a deep level of understanding that takes some people years to discover.

Do you believe in true love in real life?

Of course. We’re both hopeless romantics. We believe in destiny and fate and true love… all of it.

What are you working on right now?

We’re currently working on Book 3 of the Finding Focus Series, Book 4 of the Finding Focus Series, and a brand-new standalone that will fall in a similar category as The Other One.

Where can our readers discover more of your work or interact with you?

Our books are available on Amazon, iTunes, Nook, Kobo, and B&N. We’re both on Facebook and Instagram (links listed below). We also have a great reader group - Jiffy Kate’s Southern Belles - where we hang out on a daily basis.

Jiffy Kate’s Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/JiffyKate

Jiff’s Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/JiffSimpson

Jenny Kate’s Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/JennyKateWrites

Jiffy Kate’s Instagram Page - https://www.instagram.com/JiffyKateWrites

Jiff’s Instagram Page - https://www.instagram.com/JiffSimpson

Jenny Kate’s Instagram Page - https://www.instagram.com/jennykate77

Jiffy Kate’s Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/jiffykatewrites

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/jiffykate