Isabel Jolie

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I'm a mom of two pre-teen daughters, two fur babies, and I'm married to an adorable geek. My hobbies include tennis, rowing, and reading.

When and why did you start writing books?

n high school, my writing assignments were always my favorites. At times, I toyed with the idea of becoming a writer, and even shared the aspiration with a select few. Ultimately, I decided I liked eating and shopping, so I graduated from Journalism school with an advertising concentration. The entire dream was mostly forgotten as my career evolved in the business world. One day I was reading the acknowledgments in the back of a book, and the author wrote that she had been an avid reader, and thought to herself, why don’t I write? And then I thought to myself, why don’t I write? After all, I too was an avid reader. At that point, I had the time and the independence. If I never made a dollar from it, it wouldn’t mean I couldn’t pay rent. The prospect didn’t feel as scary as it did when I was seventeen. The downside wasn’t nearly as steep (ie begging on the streets not nearly as likely). And it was something I loved. So, I signed up for some classes. And I tackled assignments. And I created time in my daily schedule. And I started to write.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I'm not entirely sure.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Lost on the Way is my favorite to date, but Chase, who appears in all of the books in the West Side Series, but "stars" in Chasing Frost, is my favorite character.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

My as yet to be released book, Rogue Wave, presented the most challenges. It's definitely been the most challenging to me thus far.

Who is your favourite author and book?

It's so hard to pick a favorite! But I'd say my most recent standby, the one I've re-read and count on when I just need a pick me up is Wrong by Jana Aston.

What book are you reading right now?

Book 3 in the Bridgerton series (I don't know the name). But, I just finished The Viscount and I (the second book) and LOVED it.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

There's no one place. I get an idea, I toy with it, I research, I daydream...it all kind of coalesces- with effort.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Reading.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes. My current work in progress is the third book for my upcoming Haven Island series. The three book series will be released in 2021 and takes place in a post-Covid world where the pandemic is long behind us (we'll get there!).