Interview with Isabel Jolie, Author of Breathe
27 Apr 2022
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Breathe?
Breathe is the second novel in The Twisted Vines series. The series was inspired by a trip to Napa Valley. During my tours of the vineyards, I kept thinking about life in the valley and what kinds of things could happen in the underground passages.
The Twisted Vines series itself centers on a group of hacktivists. In researching the hacking world, I became fascinated by the feasibility of hacking the US power grid, and the life altering implications should that occur. The risk to our power grid comes out to play in Breathe.
The heart of the story is a second chance romance. I’m a sucker for second chance romances. There are so many ways a couple can get torn apart, and then so much can happen in the years that follow. Sometimes it can require an acceptance of change.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Hands down, romance is my favorite genre to read! I am partial to contemporary romance, although I do love some historical. And yes, I write contemporary romance.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
On the Six by Patricia Eddy (it’s a book club pic), Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend by Penny Reid, and The Rogue by Kimberly Kincaid.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
There’s a scene where David and Kairi are walking through her family vineyard, and he’s asking her about their time apart and he’s trying to temper his jealousy. Kairi ends up standing up for herself and setting him straight, and it makes him want her that much more. It’s a turning point for them, and the explicit scenes that follow are pure fantasy and fun to write.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
My dog is almost always right beside me, as is a cup of coffee. And I’m a morning writer. I more or less follow the schedule outlined by Stephen King. He writes every morning. Except, I think he goes on a long walk and takes the afternoon off. I’m not there yet. I eat lunch, edit, and do marketing stuff until it’s dark.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
We regret most the things we do not do. When I hesitate, I think of that line. And it helps propel me forward. Even though it’s not entirely true, because there are some things I have done that I do regret. But, it’s the spirit of that idea. Whether it’s flying down a zipline or hitting the publish button, we have one life. And that life is a work in progress.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I wouldn’t say that there is one thing to remember. I think with romance, it’s a feeling, an emotion. And I hope that reading evokes warm, happy feelings.
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