'I Loved You First' Blog Tour and Interview with Reena Jacobs

Welcome to the 'I Loved You First' Blog tour! I'd like to say a big thank you to Reena for asking me to take part and for answering my sometimes nosey questions. Before I get to the interview though, here's the synopsis for 'I Loved You First':

My best friend was more than just a best friend to me. Three words summed it up: I heart him. I’d never tell him though. I wasn’t stupid. Besides, what he’d told no one, but me, was a little something I wished I could forget… or ignore. He was gay. I guess gay wouldn’t be bad if I wasn’t so in love with him. Now it was just cruel.

"Stereotypes run amok in this college love story: Parties, alcohol, hookups, and breakups. Alexandria Carmichael may find it a bit much as she deals with the unreturned love from the boy who completes her. When all is revealed, not only does she risk losing her best friend forever, but also herself. Without her childhood companion for support, Alexandria takes a journey of self-discovery but fears what she’ll find at the end."


Curious? Please check out my interview:

1. Was there any particular event that inspired you to write I Loved You First?

Yes. Listening to the College Rock station in Sims University 2. I loved the songs, and my original outline was loosely developed from the soundtrack.

2. Who was the most difficult character to write about and why?

Dink. He never really drew a clear line in the sand. Sometimes I got the feeling that as long as he got his way in the end, the means didn’t matter.

3. Who is your favourite character and why?

Though I could never imagine befriending a gal like Trinity, she’s my favourite. She has a boldness to her that I can’t help but admire.

4. Were any of the characters based on people you know?

Yes. Alex is a combination of my two daughters. She has my youngest daughter’s nickname and looks the way I imagine my youngest would look at 18. She has my oldest daughter’s hair. I’ve also incorporated bits and pieces of my girls’ personality into her. And though I’d just as soon go my own way than follow in someone’s shadow, there’s a little of me in there also. I guess she’s a melting pot of my daughters and me.

5. How long did it take to write I Loved You First?

According to my log, I wrote the outline June 6, 2010 and the first words of the story a few days later. I diddled with it on and off for months, then came across a blog called Word Count Union around Christmas 2010. The goal was to write 100 words a day, every day. I took the challenge and did quite well. I missed less than ten days of writing and finished the first draft April 1, 2011.

6. Do you have any plans for a follow up story or sequel for Seth or Alex?

Nope. I have considered a continuation from Seth’s point of view, but I’m not sure that’ll happen. It’s more of a whimsical thought than anything right now.

I am working on a trilogy for Trinity, though. I’m trying to get back into the 100 words a day goal. If figure whatever projects I have going, I can always squeeze in 100 words a day on her story.

7. If you were stranded on an Island and could choose only three things to take with you, what would they be?

Does my husband count as a thing? Cause he’s certainly the object of my affection. Plus he’s way better than Wilson the soccer ball. He’d be my first choice. Please tell me there’s electricity, cause I’d want my laptop and my Kindle loaded with enough reading material to last me to the end of time.

8. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters from I Loved You First, who would it be and why?

Tough choice. Probably Seth. I had the hardest time getting into his head and would love to know more about him.

9. What is your favourite flavour ice-cream?

Peanut Butter and Chocolate, but I always like to eat it with a scoop of something fruity.

10. If you couldn't be a writer, what other job would you like to do?

The age-old question. What do I want to be when I grow up? I’ve tried a few jobs: Cryptologist, Systems Analyst, College Instructor, Youth Counsellor. One job I’d like to try but haven’t is a Computer Programmer. I took some courses while in college and was quite good at the mini programs, but putting it to use on a grand scale is another story.




Once again a big thanks to Reena and I'm asking you all to check out 'I Loved You First' which is an amazing book.
To read my review, click here and you can purchase it from here :-D

Thanks for reading let me know what you think :-)