Jax's Artistic Journey...

My friend Jeff Rivera's new book Forever My Lady was released today and I had the opportunity to interview him regarding his first print release through WarnerBooks/Grand Central.

FOREVER MY LADY is a passionate story of a juvenile deliquent named Dio who is sentenced to prison boot camp. Everyone who he has ever trusted has given up on him except one special girl that promises to stay by his side no matter what, the love of his life, Jennifer. He promises he will turn his life around for her and she promises will never leave him. In fact, they plan to marry one day. But when Dio is released from boot camp he discovers Jennifer is about to marry someone else.

Jeff has lived a fascinating life and his background is quite inspiring. Just read his bio and you'll understand what I'm talking about. His book Forever My Lady was wonderfully written through a unique voice that is new and refreshing. He's gotten a lot of rave reviews, including 5 stars by Amazon.com's #1 Book Reviewer Ms. Harriet Klausner, and his dedication to getting his work out there has garnered him a reputation as someone to keep an eye on.

For a chance to win his autographed book, all you have to do is post a comment. Winner will be announced on October 31st!



Here's Jeff's recent interview for your enjoyment...

What inspired you to go in the direction of writing romance and not mainstream fiction?
I'm a lover of love. I am a softy when it comes to that sort of thing. I believe in it. I really believe in soul mates, twin flames all that kind of stuff. I don't want to believe it's just a fantasy, I think it really exists.

Do you get any negative reaction to a man writing romance, which is not the norm?
Not all. I think I've received more curiousity about it. As in, how could YOU write about romance. One thing women have to realize is that men have the exact same feelings as women we just have been conditioned to mask our feelings. And it might surprise many women to believe that I know a lot of guys that secretly love love stories and would die for their women or men whichever is the case. I know a lot of men that wouldn't even think about cheating on their women they're too in love with them it's just hard for them to express themselves.

How did you feel when you got 'the call'? What did you do?
I felt like I was dreaming, quite frankly. I got the call when I was at my day job and it happened just like I had visualized for it to happen, that's why I didn't believe it when it happened.

You wrote Forever My Lady as a love story. Did you think about writing another genre for your first novel?
I had several stories in my mind to write my first novel but this one kept coming to me in my sleep. It was as if Forever My Lady was alive and begging to come out. Nothing's worse for a writer than a nagging story.

You seem like a rare romantic guy. Why is that?
I am a romantic guy and I love treating the love in my life the way they deserve. Now, I like to be treated well too. I think it should be a two way street but I get a lot of pleasure out of seeing people happy. I guess that's the good part of being a people-pleaser.

What kind of food do you like?
I love Indian food, that's my favorite, second to that would be Italian or maybe Mexican food, Soul food is great too. Just bring on the food. I'm a human garbage disposal (just leave the veggies out I'm very picky about my veggies).

What is your ideal idea of a great date?
I think a perfect date would be a great dinner at a nice restaurant with long deep conversations about life and the way it works and where we are in our lives. Followed by hours and hours of passionate, steamy .... laughing!

Where can my readers find Forever My Lady?
They can get a copy of Forever My Lady at Amazon.com, bookstores everywhere or www.JeffRivera.com

Who or what inspires you?
My family inspires me and what inspires me just as much is when I visit the schools and see all the young people out there that look up to me in some way that's what keeps me motivated to keep writing.

What are you reading right now?
I'm currently reading (in my stack of books) a book called Ghost Radio along with a bunch of non-fiction books.

What advice would you offer to the unpublished romance writer?
I would say choose a genre that sells but turn the genre on its head, make a twist on the genre and choose one that you're passionate about writing. People can sense when something comes from your heart and when you just want to make a quick buck.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
How boring my life is. Haha! I mean, yeah I do the social parties, the nights out on the town with friends in New York City, the power lunch meetings but other than that I'm locked in my room writing or procrastinating on the computer.

What's up next in your writing future?
I'm really looking to write more love stories and stuff for young people, it's what I love.