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Welcome author Jean M. Grant for this week’s Thirteen for Thursday

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Who was your first book boyfriend/girlfriend?

Wow, well my book husband is Jamie Fraser from Outlander. But since he is shared by many lovely ladies, I would say my first would be Iain from The Secret (Julie Garwood). Garwood’s books drew me into the world of Scots and kilts. ‘Nuff said. Added bonus: I married a man with Scots blood and he wore a kilt at our wedding.

What is the most interesting topic you’ve researched?

For my current work-in-progress, a contemporary women’s fiction set against a natural disaster, I had to research volcanic eruptions. Even though my background is in science, I didn’t study that much geology. My son loves volcanoes, so I already had plenty of books on hand but researching (and traveling to the Yellowstone super volcano region) was quite the adventure! A close second: for my historical romances I had the pleasure of traveling to Scotland a few years back. Also amazing.

[K.J. here – Scotland is one of the most amazing places on the planet!]

What is your favorite book, song, and/or movie guilty pleasure?

I’ll confess that even though I am happily married, I have lots of music boyfriends. I love Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, and Shawn Mendes. Current favorite song though is “The Fighter” by Gym Class Heroes.

You’re trying to find a brand-new author to read. No recommendations allowed. What’s your decision process?

Are their books available on audiobook (from the library), b) Do they contain some sort of romantic element, c) Do the stories sound interesting (currently I’m reading romance, women’s fiction, mainstream fiction, historical), d) Have I heard of this author, and e) Does the cover art impress me?

What is your non-writing superpower?

Juggling IEPs & fighting the red tape of health insurance (without totally losing my mind), while also brewing a wicked good cup of Joe.

What are your favorite and least favorite words? (in any language…)

Resplendent…and asinine. J Both favorites.

What is your favorite movie quote and why?

“As you wish…” from The Princess Bride. Why? Well, because I am a sucker for true love. Followed by, “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”(Pretty much all quotes from that movie are golden)

[K.J. here – I feel the same way about Mel Brook’s History of the World Part I]

Aside from writing, what different types of jobs have you done?

Grocery store clerk (seafood counter, cashier, and trainer), waitress, research scientist, church education director

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

That depended on my age. In elementary school I loved art, like my mother, and I would follow my art teacher around and help her whenever I could. Then I longed to be a travel photographer and writer. My interests in the tween years expanded to the world of science (sharks at first…oh yes, I wanted to be an Ichthyologist and swim with those magnificent predators), and writing. Ultimately I went to college and grad school and got a handful of –ology degrees, while still writing poems and dabbling in novels. The writing has now come full-circle and is my full-time profession alongside parenting.

White chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate?

White! And the rare peanut butter chocolate if you can find it.

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

Despite the trauma associated with it, the sinking of the Titanic.

What is the first movie you remember seeing?

E.T. in the theater; at home: the original Star Wars trilogies.

What is one motto or philosophy you consistently live by?

God doesn’t give you more than you can handle…I just wish he didn’t trust me so much. (Mother Teresa)

Also

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. (Ben Franklin)

Bonus Round

What modern technology would you choose to not use and why?

Two – smart phone and GPS. I was reluctant to get a smart phone nearly 2 years ago. I was actually firmly against it. I did just fine without it. I mourned the loss of my little flip phone that made calls, sent texts, and took photos, that’s it. Refused to touch that new shiny smart phone for a few days. (no joke!) I like simplicity. Sure, a smart phone is fancy and the world is at your fingertips, but I am an old-school gal. I also don’t like GPS and prefer using maps. I love maps and will print them or write directions if I can! So GPS would be the other modern tech I could easily do without!

You have to move somewhere you’ve never been. Where would you choose to go and why?

Australia. Never been there but would love to visit the land down under. And its rugged beauty intrigues me. It’s also not too far from New Zealand, my favorite place on earth.

Jean’s Online Playground

Website: http://www.jeanmgrant.com

Twitter: @JeanGrant05

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmgrantauthor/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jean-M.-Grant/e/B0728KFXP9/

Author Bio

Jean M. Grant is an author, former scientist, and mom. Her niche in fiction is romance and women’s fiction. She also enjoys writing non-fiction articles for family-oriented and travel magazines and is seeking publication of an autism-angle children’s picture book series. Jean spends her free time tending to her flower gardens, tackling the biggest mountains in New England, and advocating for autism awareness when not daydreaming about the next protagonist to write about…

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