This week in The Loft: Author Joan Ramirez!

Joining me today in The Loft is New York-based author Joan Rameriz, who also writes under the names J.L. Regen and J.L. Ramirez. Joan has published three nonfiction books, including "Jamie is Autistic" and  "Let It Go, Let It Flow Leadership." She has also published a wide variety of articles and short stories online, and heads a company that offers training programs for entrepreneurs. She is currently crafting a novel of historical suspense, set during World War II. Joan is also a published photojournalist.

Author Joan Ramirez

S:  Good morning, Joan, and Happy Holidays! 

Why did you become a writer?

J:  I was inspired to become a writer by my beloved mother, who was a brilliant copywriter. She showed me the way.

S:  What attracted you to the romance genre?

J:  The happily ever after, which is so needed in today's world. People need people.

S:  (Smiles.) I also think that in these troubled times, people need hope, and romance novels provide that.

What is your definition of romance?

J:  It's not just wine and roses. It's that feeling you get in your heart when you're not with the one you love. A warm, fuzzy feeling that overwhelms you when he walks in the door. You have to feel something for someone to have romance. Otherwise, it's plastic.

S:  (Nods.) That's so true!

What is your favorite thing about writing romance?

J:  I get to have drama in my novel. The path to true love doesn't run smoothly!

S:  Do you write in other genres?

J:  I am also published in children's nonfiction and have published two leadership books for high school and entry level senior management. I am now preparing two suspense novels for submission.

S:  Tell me about your first romance novel, "Secret Desires."

J:  The story is about two lovers who join hearts against many odds. It's based on a real life story. Here's the blurb--

Margo Simmons is ecstatic when she inherits her uncle's Manhattan apartment and a handsome sum of money. To her chagrin, there are strings attached. She must be gainfully employed in a job for a year. Everything in Margo's life has complications. When she meets the man of her dreams, she anguishes over how to fulfill her secret desires for a loving relationship because he is still emotionally tied to his deceased wife and afraid to open his heart again. To replace her fractured childhood growing up with a distant stepfather, Margo becomes the guardian of an elementary student who longs for connection and closeness. As the story evolves, readers will see how these individuals unite. Secret Desires is a contemporary romance written from the heart and speaks to anyone who has suffered a loss and had to start over.

S:  That's sounds like quite an emotional journey! Where can readers purchase your book?

J:  It's available at all major booksellers, including--

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N137HX5/
Barnes & Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secret-desires-j-l-regen/1125516296?ean=9780998409917 

S:  Joan, thanks so much for joining me today! If you would like to learn more  about Joan and her books, please visit--

Website:  https://www.joansbookshelf.com
Blog:  https://writerjr1044.wordpress.com/
Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/J-L-Regen/e/B01MZGQT9I/