But before we welcome out guest, you’ve GOT TO READ THIS REVIEW of A MIDNIGHT DANCE! “Sabine and Jules turn A Midnight Dance into a scintillating erotic feast! These two are irresistible. They make the pages fly by and leave you wanting more of Lila DiPasqua’s dazzlingly beautiful writing! Ms. DiPasqua’s take on Cinderella is a gorgeous sizzling tale! I finished and wanted to start it over immediately. I cannot wait for the next installment in this outstanding series!”–Joyfully Reviewed.
Yeah, I’m having a proud RH moment. 🙂
Okay, to our wonderful guest: Please help me welcome Mr. Jordan/Kohler to the A MIDNIGHT DANCE Blog Party! Can you tell us who you’re married to and what she writes?
Mr. Jordan/Kohler: Wow, great question. I guess it depends on which book is coming out next. I am married to the very lovely and talented Sophie Jordan — or Sharie Kohler depending on your taste in genres. She writes historicals and young adult fiction for HarperCollins as Sophie Jordan, and paranormals for Pocket as Sharie Kohler.
Mr. Jordan/Kohler: Huh, let’s see. I love the outdoors and anything that has to do with the outdoors: hunting, fishing, etc. I love sports. I grew up playing the usual. Football, baseball, basketball. When I’m not busy being a RH, or acting as a taxi cab for our 2 children, I work full-time as a productivity leader for Ingersoll Rand. I am fortunate enough to work from home, so I get to spend a lot of time with my lovely wife and children.
Mr. DiPasqua: Taxi driver is probably a full time job on its own 🙂 Where did you and your wife meet? What convinced you that she was “the one”?
Mr. Jordan/Kohler: This answer may get me in trouble, but we will go with it.
The first time I met Sophie was at a party in college that a friend of mine was having. It was during the summer and Sophie knew the girl I was on a date with. She used knowing this girl to get an introduction to me – or so she tells me now. Once the semester started, and I ran into Sophie a few more times, I got up the courage to ask for her phone number one night at the Dixie Chicken, the greatest bar in College Station. Since she already had her eye on me, you can guess that she said yes. 😉
I knew Sophie was the one after our first couple of dates. She always thinks of others and had a strong sense of family, which is important to me. Of course it also helped that she was smoking hot and could cook – boy, can she cook! Ironically I lived with Mr. Shana Galen at the time and one day at through the grocery store, I guess I was talking about Sophie a little too much, and he asked me: “So when are you going to marry this girl?” Right there, I knew I wanted to do just that.
Mr. Jordan/Kohler: I was at work when we got the call for representation from Maura Kye-Casella. Funny story, when our daughter was born we decided that Sophie would stay at home and take care of her – I mean let’s face it, after paying for day care with a teacher’s salary back in the day there wouldn’t be a lot left over at the end of the month. So this arrangement worked out for a few years while Sophie started the writing journey, eventually finaling in contests where the manuscript would be read by an agent or editor. One Sunday night Sophie and I sat down and had a talk about her needing to go back to work (remember back in the day when teacher’s jobs were plentiful?). We agreed that she would call her old principal on Monday and see what they had available for the school year. So early Monday, before she put in that call, she got a call from Maura offering representation, Finally one of those contests paid off!
We were both very excited. We knew that it didn’t mean landing a contract exactly, but it was on the right track. Needless to say that phone call to the principal NEVER happened. Once Sophie agreed to sign with Maura, she told her that Avon had a copy of a manuscript that had finaled in a contest. So Maura made a few calls and within a week Avon offered Sophie her first contract! We were both very excited and haven’t looked back since.
Mr. Jordan/Kohler: I think the hero in her upcoming book, VANISH, is somewhat like me. When reading Sophie’s books I can always pick up on little sayings of mine that she utilizes in her books.
So I also consulted the wife about this, and according to her “All my heroes are just like you, honey. You’re an alpha male, and if we were a pack of dogs, you would defiantly be the leader”. I honestly don’t know if I should be offended or not by that statement…I guess it’s just good I’m not a dog…
Mr. Jordan/Kohler: I am going to say A, but Sophie might not agree. I think the one thing she remembers from our date was after dinner we went to have a drink in a sports bar, and I allegedly kept paying attention to the score of the Houston Astros game. In my defense I was nervous about what to say, but was an excellent listener. I also may or may not have told a joke about being “tri-sexual” — you know to break the ice…
d) A gathering of lords and ladies.
Mr. Jordan/Kohler: I immediately think baseball, probably for playing the sport from ages 5 – 18, and then slow pitch softball after college. I also think of football, basketball, soccer … yes,
Mr. DiPasqua: How long have you been a RH? (Romance Husband). What advice would you give new RH’s about what you’ve learned being married to a romance author? What should a new RH do or not do when his wife is under deadline?
Mr. Jordan/Kohler: I have been an RH since 2005, with all the RH’s on the blog we could probably start an RH support group.
I guess the number thing is to be supportive, and also encourage others to be supportive. It seems that most people outside the writing community don’t really “see” this as a full time job, and trust me with 3 different publishers its more than a full time job for my wife.
Help out whenever you can, especially around deadline time. Cook, clean, take kids out of the house, anything that helps her get some solo time to write. Fortunately our oldest is in elementary school, and our youngest will be starting a 5 day a week mother’s day out in September. So after September you can find Sophie in her office at the local Starbucks. Just don’t bother her – she needs to write!
Also, become a good listener. Expect to hear that every book just turned in was the worst book she ever wrote. Sometimes she just needs someone to vent to. Of course it’s a fine line to walk between just listening and commenting. I haven’t figured it out yet myself, a work in progress (RH support group hotline???).
Educate yourself with the writing process/business and attend writing events with your wife. Chances are that if you have seen Sophie/Sharie at the last two RWA conferences, I have been with her – especially at the signings.
Mr. Jordan/Kohler: This seems to be the number one question I usually get asked, followed closely by how much money she makes writing. I guess my running joke has become: “When you’re reading those love scenes … just picture me”. That seems to silence most people, followed by a “ewe” from a majority of her friends…
Mr. Jordan/Kohler: Well, apparently I would lead a pack of dogs, but strangely I haven’t read any of her books about a pack of dogs yet – might be the next big idea???
Honestly I would have to say Will in FIRELIGHT and VANISH. Will is a draki hunter, and I recall getting asked lots of questions about guns, hunting, and 4 wheel drive trucks during the writing of these books. Not to disappoint, Will also uses a few of my patented quotes in these books.
Mr. Jordan/Kohler: Growing up my wife raised rabbits. She’s also deathly afraid of roosters – yes, some unmentionable incident from years ago.
Also, my father in-law has a pecan orchard as a hobby, so she knows a lot about pecans, and allegedly knows how to operate a tractor, even though there is a rumor of a tractor vs. tree incident…
In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.
Hi, Mr. J/K! From reading all the wonderful RH posts so far, it’s easy to see that the relationships are true partnerships. That means not always 50/50, but sometimes 70/30, or even 90/10! You and Mrs. J/K seem to have hit on the right combination. What would you say is the most important thing that you do for each other that keeps the relationship working so well? What are some of your favorite foods that the fabulous Mrs. J/K prepares?
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Firstly congratulations Mr DiPasqua’s on the great review regarding Ms DiPasqua’s A Midnight Dance!!
Live outside US
Dear Mr. Jordan–or is it Mr. Kohler! LOL I’m getting confused, how do you keep track of which one to answer to? You mentioned that your wife is afraid of roosters, what are you afraid of?
Rita from South Africa
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I so love the review for A Midnight’s Dance huge congrats.
Mr Jordan I so love the answers to the questions and I love your wife’s historicals.
Have Fun
Helen
What does a productivity leader do? It seems to me that all the RH’s have an extra supply of energy along with being efficient with time management with going to work and then running the house hold and taking care of children when your DW’s are working away on their next book.
I have already read Wicked in Your Arms and loved it. I wish I didin’t have to wait til next year for Cleo’s story.
I buy a lot of books for a friend’s girls. They are both excited for the release of Vanish. They both really enjoyed Firelight.
Mr.D, that’s a lovely review..
Mr.J/K, I too was wondering how a productivity leader could work from home. Kinda seems like they should be there. I know a fella who works for Ingersoll/Rand. Travels all over for them.
Loved your answers. I can only imagine the story behind the rooster. They can be mean, esp those bantams. I’m not crazy about ducks..as a child I had an incident w/ a guard duck..:)
Mr JK – how do you handle the rush for deadline?
Roosters freak me out, plus I don’t think they are very smart either. This post was awesome, by the way!! 😉
Thanks for the chance to win too!
Christina
Thanks for the chance to win!!
Mr. Jordan,
Being an alpha male is a very positive statement!! Take that in a most loving sincere way. LOL!! You are very lucky to be married to a very talented writer. Great interview!!
Uh – isn’t it bigamy to be married to so many women? lol JK. What a great hubby to help you out so much!
Great interview! With writing so many different genres do you find yourself having trouble switching gears or one of the others bleeding into the one you are working on?
Mr. Jordan/Kohler:
It’s so nice to see that you are so supportive of your wife. I just started a book review blog in May 2011 and, while my husband is okay with it, I find that he doesn’t fully support my endeavors. I spend too much time reading and blogging when I get home from my full time job, and not enough time paying attention to him. Did/do you ever feel like her writing books encroached on your family time and if so, how did/do you handle it?
Thank you,
Sapphyria
saphsbookblog(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m from the U.S.
I’ve never read an interview that’s interviewed the husband and I think that’s such a great idea!! I enjoyed reading his answers so much. I found it hilarious she compared him to an alpha male dog yet she hasn’t written anything like that. It’s always so interesting to see what the men have to say!
Thanks for the giveaway!
alexandriatheo AT gmail DOT com
Brilliant interview, Mr. Jordan/Kohler!
Love your advice to RHs to listen to their wives. My RH has never read anything I’ve written and yet I think he could write a better synopsis of the stories than I can just from helping me talk them through.
Maybe you’ll show him how to properly stack books at a signing soon?
Hope to see you and Sophie/Sharie soon!
Loved the interview! So nice to know that Mr. Jordan is supportive of his wife.
What a great idea to interview RH! Fantastic interview with Sophie’s husband. Enjoyed reading this!
So Mr. Jordan, what is that infamous tri-sexual joke?
You rock Mr. Jordan! As a writer and aspiring author, I know how important a good support system is and it sounds like you play your role very well. If I could ask 2 questions (1 for you and 1 for Sophie) they would be: (you) Is there any part of being married to writer you don’t like? (Sophie) What kind of story(ies) did you submit to contests to earn the life-changing phone call? Thanks for the honest interview and the giveaway too!
Sounds like divine intervention getting. the call right before your wife was going to call back to work. Glad she got the call so we can all enjoy her imagination! She is lucky to have found a patient and understanding husband.
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I have to say that I particulary love the part in the interview about an RH needing to be supportive and pitching in when their spouse is up against a deadline. That level of love/support is priceless in a partner.
Another great interview! Such a shame this is the last week.
I live outside the U.S
Haha! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your answers! What a wonderful RH you are! So have you read all your wife’s books?
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Wow! First of all, Mr. Dipasqua. You deserve that proud RH moment. What a great review!
Mr. J/K – great memory for details. I’m impressed.
The books sound great. As I’m not in the U.S., I will have to check out my local bookstore!
Thanks for the fun interview!
I’m still reeling from learnging that Mr. J was roommates with Mr. Shana Galen! What a small world!
rwschwarz11ATgmailDOTcom
I’m so loving this blog. It is great to hear from the husbands of writers because we really need you, before and after we’ve published.
Great job Mr. Kohler!
Brandie
Mr. DiPasqua
Thanks for having me, I had a great time. Always willing to discuss the RH Hotline idea…
VirginiaWe are both fortunate enough to work from home, it is funny cause both our children think that everyone’s parents work from home. With that said we spend a lot of time together, and when the kids are in school we have a lunch date once a week or so. Sophie has a great knack for putting meals together from whatever we have in the house, but probably my favorite is spicy sausage (Italian sausage in a cream sauce with chili powder). We both enjoy cooking, so we split that duty during most weeks. I also like to bar-b-que and… Read more »
This comment has been removed by the author.
I would pay very good money to be a fly on the wall at a RH support group meeting.
Mr. Jordan is a prince among men, obviously…and what he fails to mention is that he’s become an RWA staple, and definitely one of my favorite parts of Nationals.
But watching the Astros game instead of your new girl? Points lost for that one, Mr. J.
IvyIngersoll Rand as a company has a lot of different sectors. As for the productivity leader gig, I focus on the Trane AC/Heating side of IR’s business, specifically targeting our Trane Commercial Contracting offices. This year our focus is on top line margin expansion, so anything we can do to help offices expand margin through tools of new processes. SarahDeadline rush is always a fun time around our house. Without running the risk of losing my man card, I try and take over as much as possible around the house, including: laundry, cooking, bathing kids, kid shuttle service, and have… Read more »
Mr Jordan,
I think is is just wonderful that your wife utilises some of your sayings in her books how very romantic!
Question I have is have you ever knowingly contributed to a scene in one of your wifes books,say by something you did in real life ?
Desere
Subscriber GFC Follower on FB page and also a pavement princess Not a US resident
Thanks, everyone, for checking out my “alpha dog” hubby’s post today … He’s enjoying it. And I know this because his office is just a few feet away from mine… 😉
Mr. Jordan/Kohler,
Thanks for the info. Now I know what to get Sophie for her birthday. Also, can you please explain again what a tri-sexual is?
SapphyriaI never felt that the writing has encroached on family time. There are certain times that she needs to focus, but we both work from home so we spend a lot of time together and with our children, we are very fortunate with this situation. I have always supported Sophie in her writing and encouraged her to do whatever she wanted with it. I can honestly tell you that she is one person that honestly and truly LOVES her job, I don’t think many people can say that in this day and age. Lark Mr. D and I will negotiate… Read more »
Cannot wait to see your Character Will in upcoming books, Mr. Jordan!
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This was a fantastic interview! Great questions. Fear of roosters, hmmmm. I love the fact she bases Will on your characteristics. I can`t wait to meet her at a book signing! Thanks for this chance to win.
Mr. D: Enjoy the proud RH moment; great review!
Mr. J/K: I enjoyed the interview. It’s wonderful to hear how supportive you are.
How has Mrs. J/K’s success as an author affected you and your family? What is the most romantic vacation you and Mrs. J/K have taken?
Thanks!
Karen C
kacbooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
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Mr. Jordan great answers to Mr. D’s questions today. Somehow my husband decided before we were married that we would have only boys. I told him it didn’t work that way but it ended up being true. We also had a Spanish exchange student live with us while my two boys were in High School so no matter what the sex be prepaired to be driivng a lot of miles to practices. Between the three of them they were involved with baseball, football, fencing, soccer, swim team, and fencing! Somehow basketball missed out – probably because of conflicting practice times!… Read more »
PoisnivyredI have read both YA’s, great stories if you haven’t read them you don’t know what you’re missing. I have read all 4 paranormal’s that are currently out, will need to read the one out here in the next few weeks. Admittedly, I have only read 5 of the 8 historical’s, not that I am not supportive of this genre, it’s hard for my simple mind to follow, I mean what is a “ton” anyways??? To me it’s the size truck you drive or 2,000 pounds. I also used to get the strangest looks on airplanes when you break out… Read more »
*blush* do you ever get any ideas from your wife’s love scenes? Or is it more of an eyeroll, like my husband does. lol.
Mr. Jordan, thanks for participating in the A MIDNIGHT DANCE Blog Party. I so enjoyed your interview! We’re delighted you’re here.
An RH hotline? Good Lord. LOL
Congratulations, Mr. DiPasqua!
Mr.J/K I think it is wonderful that you are so supportive and have even read her wonderful books. Loved your interview! Sounds like your marriage is a 50/50 proposition. That’s very special.
Have you taken many vacations where your wife could get information for her books? If so, where was your favorite place?
What a great interview. I love the idea of a RH support group and hotline. I think it would help my poor hubby out considerably.
suzannelazear(@)hotmail
also, can’t wait to read Vanish. When I turn in my edits, that’s going to be my reward.
CsmulcareAll roosters sent as b-day gifts will become fried chicken…And if you don’t know what a tri-sexual is by now…I can’t help…SherieAs long as you keep in mind he is the 20 years younger version…with the 10 pack abs… RhondaThe tour starts the first week in September…the kids and I will miss her… Karen CNo negative affects what so ever, it’s a job she LOVES and she gets to do it from home (or local Starbucks) and spend time with our kids. I guess if anything it has brought our family closer together. Our daughter is VERY proud of her… Read more »
Mr. Jordan, honey, we are going to Hawaii in 2 years … this is not a rumor but fact. 😉
Jeanne MI hear ya, sometimes I feel like I run a full time shuttle service, and our youngest is still not old enough to do a lot yet. Let’s see, its soccer season now, and our daughter is playing on a select soccer team, so that started in early August, she also takes guitar lessons, then we role into basketball, back to soccer, and then swim team, all the while with guitar lessons. Our youngest has gymnastics and swim lessons, so that’s fairly simple. I wouldn’t change it for the world though…No joke huh, I have already told my daughter… Read more »
I see from the interview that you do actually read your wife’s books so I was just curious if you happen to read any other romance books? Or just your wifes
LilaThanks for having me, I always wondered what was involved in blogging, thanks for giving me my time to shine…RH Hotline is gaining support… 😉 Cathy PI am sure Sophie wishes we could visit some of the places her paranormals are set, but mostly we do the family vacation for now until the kids are a little older. I mean who doesn’t love Disney, at any age??? Suzanne LazearIt sounds like the RH Hotline is gaining support, who knows… Of course the RH Hotline National Meeting will be in fabulous Las Vegas…EVERY year…Not to spoil VANISH, but you will be… Read more »
I think it is completely acceptable to keep tabs on a baseball score if you were at Wings N’More. Assuming it is still even there. Hope I am not dating myself.
Love the books!
Gig ’em Ags! 🙂
Julie
julieboo817 at gmail
Arizona
With all the great books that your very talented wife writes, have you ever thought of writing, or do you write too? Has any fans ever shocked you by doing/saying something?
June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com