Jordan Ford loves to write clean teen romance novels. Filled with high school angst, mystery, danger and young love, these books offer a fun escape. She is an Indie author who is passionate about story-telling and loves every part of a book’s journey from conception to publication. Writing romance stories brings her the greatest joy and there’s no other career she’d rather pursue. She is very aware of how blessed she is to be able to do what she loves for a living.

Jordan lives in New Zealand with her husband, two sons and their dog, Zippy. When she’s not hanging out with them, she’s in her office writing her little heart out. Her recent Ryder Bay series is now complete. If you like surfing, beach culture, hot guys, and youthful passions, then you’re going to love this new series!

1) When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most?

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been making up stories in my head. I honestly think I was born to write romance, because it’s always been inside of me. But it’s just not something I realized I could do until I was older.

I love escaping into a story with my characters. They become like really people to me and I fall in love with them. I love watching them and seeing how they cope with the things thrown their way. I LOVE seeing them become better versions of themselves. It’s cool to be able to show readers how to triumph, and what real, genuine, healthy love looks like.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

So, I write teen and young adult romance. Some of my books have a sporting theme, most of them have a mystery or a spark of danger running through them. I have also just completed a contemporary romance series set in New Zealand. All of my books have strong themes of friendship and family with relatable characters that readers can identify with.

Readers can find me on Amazon.

Facebook: Jordan Ford Books & Instagram: @jordanfordbooks

I’m also in the process of prettying up my website, so that will be ready to go in the next week or two: www.jordanfordbooks.com

3) What projects are you currently working on?

I’ve just completed a contemporary romance series set in New Zealand: The Forever Love novels. The last book is releasing today, as I type this. So exciting!

My attention will now be shifting to a new romantic/suspense/adventure series that I’ve been wanting to write for a couple of years now. I’m super excited about switching gears. As much as I have LOVED writing contemporary romance, I’m so ready to get back into the high-octane sensation of writing romantic suspense again.

4) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

Between my two pennames, I have published over 60 novels. That feels like a really significant achievement. I think, though, when I step back and put things in perspective, the most significant thing is the fact I’ve written books that readers seem to really enjoy. I’m blessed to have amazing reviews on my books. When I read a review about how a book has touched a reader’s heart or how I’ve dealt with a real-life issue in a really great way… that means the world to me!

I’m hoping to keep on writing and putting my work out there. I have enough story ideas to last me at least another five years. I’ll be doing this for as long as my imagination will let me!

5) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?

When I first started writing, I was going down the traditional path and I got so many rejections. They really hurt and it’s hard not to take them personally, but I just had to keep picking myself back up and pushing on. I am passionate about writing and I’ll never stop, no matter what. The really awesome thing is that since becoming an indie author, I’ve found a bunch of amazing readers who love my work and I can still reach thousands without a traditional publisher.

6) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?

Yes – I’m very much a schedule/timetable person. I love them! I tend to map out 12 months at a time, so I know what I’m planning to publish 12 months in advance and sometimes even 2 years in advance. These plans are flexible, but I try to stick with them as much as I can.

I’m a HUGE planner when it comes to writing a novel. I’ve learned through experience that planning out my novels in great detail makes the writing process so much easier, and I think ultimately my storylines are stronger when I work this way. I tend to have a three month turn around from planning to publication.

7) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

Absolutely not. I believe that people can be whatever they choose to be and age has nothing to do with it. If anything, wisdom and life experience can only make you a better writer.

8) What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you? Who is your favorite author? What book are you currently reading?

Probably the series that inspired me to want to become a writer was one that I read when I was a teenager. It hit me right in the heart and I have re-read the series so many times. It was the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers—amazing!!

I don’t have one favorite author. I like so many and I read quite diversely, so it’s hard for me to pinpoint one.  Just last night, I finished the final Harry Potter novel. My son challenged me to read the series. It’s not really my thing, but I’m glad I read them. I’m looking forward to getting back into romance again though – LOL.  My kindle is FULL so my next challenge will be choosing what to read next. Do you ever have that problem?

9) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work? Do you ever just sit down and curl up with your own book?

Yes – I LOVE doing that. As soon as I publish a book, it’s like it’s not mine anymore and so when I’m missing some of my favorite characters, it’s so fun to pull one of my books off the shelf and curl up with these characters I love so much.

10) What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is drastically changing?

Keeping up with the changes is the hardest part of this job. It drives me crazy. I wish things could just stay the same, but life doesn’t work that way. I’m passionate about writing, so I’m going to keep on producing the best books I can, and then try my best to keep up with whatever’s going on in the industry. I hope and pray I can keep doing this for many years to come and I’ll do everything within my power to make that happen.

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

Wow! What a great question! No one’s ever asked me that before.  It is pretty special to be able to leave a part of myself in every book I write. My morals and beliefs definitely come through, sometimes without me even realizing. I’m quite inspired and passionate about spreading this message of healthy love. Especially to my teen readers, I want them to know what real love (self-love, family-love, romantic-love) is supposed to look like. I think the messages that they are so often confronted with, miss the mark completely. I want to empower my readers and inspire them through what my characters go through and how they grow and change throughout my books. In a way, this empowers me also.