Janice Thompson, Author of EVERY GIRL GETS CONFUSED, Talks Weddings, Romance, and Faith

The ever gracious and wonderful Janice Thompson joins Fresh Fiction to talk about her lovely Brides with Style series! Jen: Hi, Janice! Thank you so much for joining us on Fresh Fiction. EVERY GIRL GETS CONFUSED is the second book in the Brides with Style series, and a lot has changed for Katie from the first book. What do you feel was the biggest change for Katie and did that cause you new problems when writing EVERY GIRL GETS CONFUSED? Janice: By the time the second book begins Katie’s struggles are far different than they were in book one. Pieces of her heart are still in Fairfield, of course, but now she’s fallen in love with Dallas/Ft. Worth, as well. And though she loves the small-town life she’s always enjoyed, there’s something to be said for the people in the big city. Other things have shifted, too. Once completely dedicated to her childhood boyfriend, Casey, she’s now head-over- heels for Brady James. Jen: This series wouldn’t be the same without Cosmopolitan, the bridal shop that changed Katie’s life. What research went into creating this amazing shop and the people who strive to make every bride’s wedding day perfect? Janice: I’ve spent a lot of time in bridal shops over the years. My four daughters all got married within four years of each other, after all! I did a ton of research on bridal shops a couple of years ago when I wrote THE DREAM DRESS for the Weddings by Design series. That research came in handy when I started the Brides with Style series. Of course, I watched a l-o-t of episodes of Say Yes to the Dress and similar shows while researching. I took great notes, particularly about the interaction between the shop’s employees and incoming (not-so-nice) customers! Jen: You write sweet, romances, which I always feel focuses on the courtship of the couple. Do you think courtship is an under-valued part of romance and relationships in today’s society and if so why? If not, why not? Janice: The sweet, innocent approach to romantic relationships is as relevant today as ever. To be honest, I don’t set out to write “courtship” novels. I’m just keenly aware that my romances need to be sweet and stay within the boundaries that I (as a believer) would choose, should I enter into a “dating” relationship. Sometimes I read reviews of my stories and people say there’s “not enough romance” (meaning, they wish the stories were steamier). I would say to those readers, “Find another author to read,” because my stories will never cross that line. Ever. Jen: Faith is key to every character finding their path in this series. How has your faith shaped your career as a writer? Janice: My faith is the key element of my life. It shows up organically in every story. I never (ever) set out to write a faith-based story. (Meaning, I don’t sit down and say “How can Katie grow in her faith as this story progresses?) Instead, it happens naturally as the story progresses. This is, after all, how my own faith journey has happened. I’ve been through ups and downs (I’ve had quite a plotline in my own tale) and these twists and turns have developed me into a stronger woman of faith and (I hope) a better writer. Jen: What is the last book you read that you absolutely could not put down? Janice: THE CIRCLE MAKER by Mark Batterson. I took great notes and even made quite a few circles! Jen: Can you tell us what you’re working on now? Will you get to visit Katie and Brady soon? Janice: I’m currently editing the final book in the Brides with Style series, EVERY BRIDE HAS HER DAY. My editor told me that this is her favorite book in the series! Once this is complete readers will see me returning to Bella Rossi-Neeley’s story as I pen several Bella novellas in a row for kindle. They can keep up with my goings-on by following my author page on Facebook. Jen: Janice, thank you so much for being here and for your gracious answers!

About Janice Thompson

Janice Thompson also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over ninety books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. She particularly enjoys writing light- hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh. In addition, she enjoys public speaking and mentoring young writers.

Janice formerly served as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and
was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction
Writers). She was thrilled to be named the 2010 Barbour/Heartsong Author of the
Year, with three books on the top ten list for that house. Janice is active in
her local writing group, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing.

Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of
the
Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. Her tagline,
“Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters!” sums up her take on life.

She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host
of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. She does her best to keep
the
Lord at the center of it all.

Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Blog

About EVERY GIRL GETS CONFUSED

Katie Fisher and Brady James may be a match made in heaven, but that doesn't seem to guarantee them a happily ever after accompanied by angelic choirs. In fact, the sounds being heard at the bridal shop where she works are on the contentious side lately, as a bride- and groom-to-be try to mediate the growing rivalry between their basketball-obsessed families in the middle of play-off season. On top of that, Katie's parents are nagging her to get out of Dallas and come home to tiny Fairfield where her former boyfriend Carson is waiting for her, ready to rekindle their relationship. Oy vey! What's a girl to do? And will she ever be able to wear that gorgeous wedding dress she won? The breezy fun continues as Janice Thompson throws everyone's favorite small- town girl into big-city bridal chaos--and makes her choose between the love she thought she lost and the love she stumbled upon in the aftermath.