Author Interview with Janet Walden-West of “Salt+Stilettos”

Hello readers! I got the chance to interview author, Janet Walden-West about her recent novel “Salt+Stilettos”, overall writing process, and the romance genre. I hope you all enjoy the interview!

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About the Book

Trading her red-dirt roots for the title of Miami’s go-to image consultant, Brett Fontaine refuses to let anything jeopardize her new life.
…Not an influential client-turned-stalker who’s up for parole…
…Not post-kidnapping panic attacks…
…And certainly not the stubborn, attention-phobic chef with the tempting tataus she’s been challenged to transform into a celeb in ninety days.

Will Te’o can almost taste the dream he sacrificed American Samoa, culture, and cherished family ties for—opening a four-star restaurant in the most cut-throat culinary location in North America. Unfortunately, that requires navigating its equally ruthless social scene.When his first public performance ends in a social media spectacle, his only option is turning to the stiletto-wearing nemesis who has invaded his kitchen.

Neither expected to share anything but barbs, yet somewhere between accidentally bonding over comfort food and office-wrecking sex, they’re named South Beach’s hottest pairing!Until Brett’s stalker engineers an image-shattering reveal and the fallout trashes her reputation. She may be going down, but she’s not taking Will’s dreams with her.Now Will is pulling out all his new skills and cooking up a last-ditch event. Will it prove to Brett that relying on the right person makes for the perfect recipe? Or will he be left heartbroken in the spotlight?

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

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Q&A Time!

Hello Janet! Thank you for stopping by the blog! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Thank you for having me, Rachel! I live in the Southeast with my fam, a pack of show dogs, a couple of rescued cats, a mini-flock of very glam, very spoiled chickens, and (allegedly) way too many shoes. I write contemporary and paranormal romance, and urban fantasy. I’m fascinated by reality shows, and not to brag, but I can talk for hours about the merits of each season of Top Chef and Project Runway. Hours.

What inspired you to write Salt + Stilettoes?

As I mentioned, I write in several genres. Writing the sexy times subplots in my urban fantasies was so much fun that I decided to go all in and write a real sexy-times story. My debut novel, SALT+STILETTOS, was my first foray into contemporary romance. Although not featuring any reality show competitions, it is a homage to my two favorite shows.

What has your experience been like as an author? Highlights? Lessons You Can Share with Others?

I only began writing about ten years ago. The road to publication has been frustrating and amazing in equal measure—pretty much the definition of writer life.

I’ve had some incredible experiences: being chosen as a Pitch Wars mentee, finaling and winning a couple of competitions, holding a physical copy my story and signing my first book, and then coming full circle by paying it forward as a Pitch Wars mentor.

The most important lesson I can possibly pass on is don’t be afraid to put yourself and your writing out there, and connect with other writers. The mentors who took me under their wing, and the critique partners who have my back, are the best part of my journey.

One of the lead characters in the novel, Will is a Chef. Do you have a favorite dish that you enjoy making?

Ahh, Will. The guy can make magic in the kitchen.

Sadly, cooking show obsession and following all my favorite chefs on Instagram aside, the kitchen is not my domain. However, I have mastered a killer brown sugar glazed roast, and banana pudding. Both are recipes handed down from grandmothers and aunts, because cooking is as much about culture and identity as about tasty food.

If you could spend time a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?

Hands down my heroine, Brett. As a stylist and image consultant, she has the hookup on all the best sales and trunk shows. After our designer spree, we would end up back at Brett and Will’s place as he cooked. Underneath her South Beach polish, Brett never forgets where she came from and understands the importance of food, community, and connections.

What was your favorite part about writing this novel?

That moment when my characters come alive and take over the plot is the best feeling ever.

Any website or resources that have been helpful to you as a writer?

There’s a wealth of resources and help available online from experienced authors sharing their knowledge. Janice Hardy’s Fiction University really is a master class on writing, and I refer to it on the regular. Jami Gold’s blog is another go-to for me. Writers in the Storm and K.M. Weiland’s posts are also loaded with information. Pitch Wars is an excellent opportunity to potentially work one-on-one with a mentor to polish a manuscript. And of course I have to add The Million Words.net, a blog that includes my writer’s group.

What are some of your favorite romance authors? Who would you recommend to new readers of the genre?

There. Are. So. Many.

A couple of my favorites include Courtney Milan, both her historicals and her contemporaries, Brighton Walsh’s steamy contemporaries, Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test, anything Priscilla Oliveras, Alisha Rai’s Girl Gone Viral, Farah Heron’s Chai Factor, and anything by Rebekah Weatherspoon and Talia Hibbet.

For urban fantasy with a strong romantic subplot, Hailey Edward’s The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy series is a study in writing a slow-burn romance.

One of the best parts of being a writer is getting a look at stories long before they come out—this year, watch for Denise William’s How to Fail at Flirting, Rosie Danan’s The Roommates, Suzanne Park’s Loathe at First Sight, Katie Golding’s Fearless, and Meryl Wilsner’s Something to Talk About.

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About The Author

Janet Walden-West lives in the southeast with a pack of show dogs, a couple of kids, and a husband who didn’t read the fine print. A member of the East Tennessee Creative Writers Alliance, she is also a founding member of The Million Words craft blog. She pens inclusive Contemporary and Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy.A 2X PitchWars alum, 2019 Pitch Wars Mentor, and Golden Heart® finalist, her debut multicultural Contemporary Romance, SALT+STILETTOS,  is out from City Owl Press. She is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary Agency.

Find her at: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Goodreads | Website

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Thanks again to Janet for taking the time for a Q&A session and stopping by the blog! Be sure to add Salt +Stilettos to your reading list!