This month I sat down and got to know a little more about romance author, Jacquie Underdown, who currently has sixteen of her amazing books published with more to come.
LJ: Can you sum up your writing/books in a few sentences for us?
JU: I would say that my books are emotionally driven and possess unique themes beyond the constraints of the physical universe. I strive to offer romance with complexity; spirituality without the religion and, of course, beautiful and believable portrayals of love.
LJ: What are your favourite genres to read and why?
JU: I love reading fantasy romance and women’s fiction (life-lit and family sagas). I like the reality-packed drama and relatability of the characters that are portrayed in women’s fiction. And, in contrast, I like to escape into unknown worlds and situations with otherworldly characters while still having a romantic element, which a fantasy romance provides.
LJ: What is one book you think everyone should read?
JU: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. An amazing book full of honest, yet dark, characterisation of suburban life.
LJ: Describe yourself for us in five words.
JU: Determined, kind, introverted, reflective, emotional.
LJ: If you weren’t an author what do you think you’d be doing?
JU: I would probably still be working as an accountant or some variation of that.
LJ: What is your favourite quote?
JU: “When a situation is not made conscious, it appears outside as fate.” Carl Jung.
LJ: Tell us about your latest book, The Sweetest Secret.
JU: The Sweetest Secret is the second story in my Brothers of the Vine trilogy, which is based on three brothers who run a picturesque vineyard and winery in the Alpine region of Victoria. The Sweetest Secret is an emotive small-town romance and features the middle brother, Sam Mathews, and follows his bumpy road to finding love, while also delving into topical issues like male mental health and toxic masculinity.
LJ: What is a piece of advice you’d give to someone who is thinking about writing a book?
JU: Do it! Sit down and write the book all the way through from start to finish. Don’t ask others to read it or give advice (no matter how tempting that is) before it’s completely finished. While writing, any time negative thoughts pop into your head, accept that it’s your lizard brain hissing falsities into your ear, release the thought as quickly as possible and just keep writing.
LJ: Where do you write? We’d love to see a photo.
JU: I write in the living room. After spending ten years as an accountant in offices, I find it difficult to be confined to an office. I also find sitting on the lounge with a laptop on my lap much more comfortable. I also have a standing desk that I bring out to the living room and alternate between that and the lounge to give my back and neck some relief.
LJ: Where do you find inspiration for your writing?
JU: I find it in many different ways and places and usually gather many pieces of inspiration that eventually string together to form the basis of a story. I can be inspired by a beautiful view, a memory, a news story, an awesome podcast, a philosophy book, a conversation with a friend, my own current internal conflict, a movie.
LJ: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
JU: I’ve always wanted to travel to Japan. I’m in love with the aesthetics of the place—the seasonal flora, the architecture, food and landscape.
Thank you to Jacquie Underdown for taking the time to answer my questions. I hope you all enjoyed her answers as much as I did.
Want to find out more about Jacquie Underdown and her books? You can find out more at the links below:
ljhiggins 