Interview with J Rose Black, Author of The Real Ones

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

I was originally supposed to write a short story for a sports romance anthology—which was canceled. It was intended to be a short, second-chance romance where the FMC lost a bet and had to participate in a flag football game where she was bound to face her ex-boyfriend…and then they’d get a steamy shower scene. I wanted it to be in my Chasing Victory world; that was really all that it took to get “inspired,” but once the anthology was canceled, I had room to let the characters tell more of their story…their meet-cute was particularly sweet and fun. And then it took a serious turn. It became so much more, with a really gentle love story between the MMC and FMC, and external obstacles (more than anything) to them being together.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be? (Meant to be fun. Skip if you need to!)

I’m glad you asked…

Ella Reddington: “4U” by Danielle Bradbery
Maddox “Mick” McBride: “Lifeline” by Bad Wolves

And although he’s a secondary character (he also had 2 cameos in Chasing Headlines), I think it’s only right to share Beaux Seager’s “Real One” by Smash Into Pieces. The song is more of an anthem for him (if you read the book, you’ll understand). The song doesn’t have the same meaning as the book title, but the lyrics (and the vibe) capture the essence of how the character appears in the story.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I do love some sports romances, but I also enjoy mysteries and historical Regency romances. Don’t think that doesn’t mean I don’t love science fiction and fantasy… I grew up on a rather diverse reading diet and still read a wide variety today. As for writing, at the top of my Clifton strengths is “Ideation,” so it’s not easy to stick to one genre there, either. I’m sitting on a complete, hardboiled detective mystery novel and have 2 of 3 romantic science fiction novels (in a series) drafted, with a couple of romantasy ideas in various stages of completion. It’s not great for running an author business, but the writer is always entertained.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Oh dear, I have quite a few. Home Field Advantage by Jenn McMahon, Heathen & Honeysuckle by Sarah A. Bailey, Desperate Pucker by Sarah Smith, and Dare You by Ilsa Madden-Mills.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The greenhouse scene was my favorite by far. It was charged with emotion and tension, but underneath it all was this nurturing element, Maddox’s quiet acceptance of Ella and his desire to protect her. In the short read, the scene was just going to be small flashbacks, but the drive to write the full interaction was strong. Once the deadline was called off, I basically started the book all over again—and then had to sew the timelines together. I will also say that the football sequences also demanded to be written. I could not get them to leave me alone, either.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Aside from Spotify playlists, I drink a lot of coffee and have noise-canceling headphones. My kids are getting older and understand the words, “Mama’s busy right now.” But they still open the door and can’t help but lay on me for some reason… My favorite mug is the iconic one from “Castle” (Nathan Fillion) that says, “You should be writing.” (Even the mug has attitude around here.)

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

I’ve always been partial to Churchill, having studied poli sci and British Parliamentary history in undergrad. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Ultimately, I’d like for them to remember where the title came from. If nothing else, I’d like for them to remember that… It’s a reference to the “Found Family” theme/trope. Seager raises the question: who will be there when things are at their worst? And who can depend on you?