All about writing and her latest books
Who is JP Sterling?
J.P. Sterling grew up watching old reruns of Lucille Ball and Mary Tyler Moore and fell in love with wholesome entertainment and slapstick comedy. She loves leaning into the over-the-top humor and full circle moments, especially if it means the underdog gets to shine.
Aside from writing, she’s also a wife and homeschooling mom, a holistic dietitian, a former college professor and lover of all things dark chocolate.
What is The Pucker-Up Pack about?
My first year playing center for the brand-new AHL team, and things are off to a disastrous start.
After losing my temper with the refs in front of a fan-filled arena, my coach devises a plan to “make me more likable.”
It’s a horrible plan that isn’t going to work.
He wants me to pretend to date a famous singer in hopes that her fans will become my fans.
The last thing I want to do is date, pretend to date, or think about dating. Who has time for that when I have hockey games to win? When my coach forces me to pose for a publicity photo with this woman, I vow to get it over with as quickly as possible.
But she has other plans for me.
With her ebony hair and mischievous smile, the unhinged female edges her way into my heart. When the magnetism between us explodes, it’s game over.
Just when I think I’m ready to let Sophie melt my heart, I uncover a devastating secret that changes everything.
What is No More Mr Chai Guy about?
Gia Bella
I’ve been working this low-wage-going-nowhere job for ten years. Don’t even ask about my dating life. Yes, sir, life is pretty…uneventful. That is until my hoarding dad accidentally burrito-wraps himself in his collection of fly paper.
I’ll pause so you can visualize that.
Who should answer his bellowing cries for help, but none other than the boy next door—A.K.A. North Newson, the single man I’ve loved since I was six years old. Only now, he’s all grown up, and still oh so handsome. With decades of unrequited love steeping, I can’t fight the attraction anymore.
However, there’s one small issue.
Just when we make progress, he pulls away as he did last time, leaving me to wonder if he’s falling for me too, or if he’s just simply being a nice guy.
North Newson
Highschool was football and Gia, but life brought about one giant fumble for both.
I moved on from football, going to college for coaching instead. I lucked out and scored the head coaching job at the very same school I had attended. But I never moved on from Gia no matter how hard I tried. When a second chance with Gia shows up, the instant magnetism returns, and I try my hardest to win her heart.
However, there’s one small issue.
Someone is trying to keep us apart.
Only this time I vow not to be defeated again.
No matter what happens.
Interview
What was your inspiration for The Pucker-Up Pack?
Somehow I ended up on the Taylor Swift conspiracies part of TikTok, and I watched this video where these people were arguing that Taylor Swift was being paid by the NFL to date Travis, and my overactive imagination just took it from there.
What was your inspiration for No More Mr. Chai Guy?
I built that story around the title, as all the titles for that series use coffee or tea words in a play on words. Once I selected that title, I knew I wanted a golden retriever nice guy hero, who maybe even is a little too nice, and that’s why he misses his chance.
I’m a sucker for those full circle moments where the underdog gets to win. I set it up as a second chance romance, where he proves to everyone that nice guys can still be nice and get the girl.
Then since it’s also fall themed, I added in a football element, and everything came together into a swoony Friday Night Lights vibe romcom.
What drew you to writing?
It’s cliche, but I was always a prolific reader who adored a good book hangover. I thought that was normal for everyone. It wasn’t until I had kids who hate to read that I realized maybe loving writing is a gift.
How did you choose which character to centre the story around?
My process has changed over the years, but now I usually start with the trope I want to highlight, and build backwards. For example, if I want an opposites attract, and I’m working on a Christmas story, I might automatically pick one character who loves Christmas and one who doesn’t. Then I have to add the backstory as to why the one character hates Christmas. Like, does that person work in retail so their hours are insane. I just keep asking myself questions until I can see them clearly.
What was your process for writing your books?
I answered this a little in the above question but I start with tropes. Lately, I’ve been selecting my title first. I find that helps. I don’t outline. I do have a developmental editor who is AMAZING. He’s been with me from the start, and I will send him my premise, and he basically rips it apart until I get all my plot holes solved.
What is your approach to world and character-building?
I touched on this a little too, but I will add I find it helpful to select photos of the characters or even places before I write them. It helps to keep the scenes consistent.
Did you have a favourite moment in the book to write?
I love wholesome slapstick comedy, so anytime I get to over exaggerate something to make you laugh with the characters is my favorite.
Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?
I’ve had an overwhelming amount of readers say they relate most to Jade in Mingle All the Way, and I agree. She’s one of those characters you root for because she never forgets how to laugh even though her life is imploding.
Has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself?
I can’t say it has.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
There were definitely seeds planted along the way. I can’t say there is just one.
What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
Don’t wait until it’s done to get a writing partner.
What’s your favourite writing snack or drink?
Sparkling water.
Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favourite music?
I don’t.
Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing? My first writing partner. I have no idea why I haven’t been blocked yet, but he’s slugged through all my books with me, and it’s not even his genre he likes to read.
How important was professional editing to your book’s development?
As the queen of typos, I’ll say it’s vital. I use many rounds.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Don’t compare yourself to others.
If you had to describe yourself in just three words, what would those be?
Introverted, optimistic and joyful.
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