Interview with Jolene Perry author of "The Next Door Boys" and "Knee Deep"

About The Author:

Jolene grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in political science and French, which she used to teach math to middle schoolers.

After living in Washington, Utah and Las Vegas, she now resides in Alaska with her husband, and two children. Aside from writing, Jolene sews, plays the guitar, sings when forced, and spends as much time outside as possible.

She is also the author of The Next Door Boys and the upcoming Knee Deep.


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1. What would you consider a perfect day for you as an author?

In my house. Alone. In silence. All day. I can only imagine what that would be like . . . 

2. What sort of research (if any) did you do for this novel?

It's funny because EVERYONE's asked me this, but there wasn't a whole lot. I grew up in Alaska, and most of my family lives in Tlingit areas, so that was pretty simple. Jameson being in Vegas also wasn't hard because my husband and I lived there for several years and knew a lot of people who worked in the casinos. These are the occasions when writing what you know really helps.

3. Is there any character in particular that you enjoyed writing about the most?

I have written a lot of books, and Jameson will always be one of my favs. I love how real he is. How he's a nice guy, but you know, he's still a guy, and still thinks about sex, and going further, but at the same time, he's also the guy ready to just BE there for his girl when she needs him. 

4. Were any of your characters or events from the book based of real life people or
experiences you have had?

Jameson's parents are based on a couple my husband and I knew in Vegas. We used to tease them and call them Mr. and Mrs. Las Vegas. 

Sky's story is taken from a case that my husband did, but I can't tell you about it, or I'd give away some of the story . . .

Sarah is like so many girls I knew in high school, sweet, smart, but not at all sure who they are yet, which is fine. You have a long time to figure that out. 

5. Are there any other projects you are working on that you would like to tell us
about?

I'm always working on a MILLION projects, but I will say that Knee Deep, which is also with Tribute Books, comes out this May! It's a story about a girl torn between two boys - the boyfriend she thought she'd spend her life with, and her best friend. When she plays opposite her friend in Romeo and Juliet it complicates things, and then they get complicated again with her boyfriend's family life. It was a fun one to write. I loved Shawn's confidence and smile, and I loved Luke's juvenile t-shirts.

6. Did any of your characters give you a difficult time while writing this book?

No. But another friend in the book, Kaylee, ended up being this very cool girl, and I wish she had a bigger part. 

7. Cappuccino or Coffee

Hot chocolate with caramel or steamed milk. I know, I know. I'm a wild one . . .

8. What do you like to do in your down time?

I don't think I HAVE downtime, lol. I sew, and not just a little bit - I make my own patterns, and LOVE it. Like writing, sewing appeals to both my creative nature and my meticulous nature. I'm in Alaska, so I love to snow-machine (not that it's a pre-requisite for living here, but you have to have SOMETHING you love in the winter, and I like to drive fast), and my kids and I hike all over during the summer.

9. Describe the character Jameson in three words.

Hot. Sweet. Smart.

Thanks so much for having me!!

~ Jolene