In 2022, tons of bookstagrammers (like myself) went from just reading all of the amazing romances available to us to becoming authors of those amazing romances. One of them was Jessica Costello. I wasn’t following Jessica when she was a bookstagrammer, but the minute I read the blurb for her debut Coffee & the Contingency Plan, I was sold. It might have taken me a month after the book was released to read it, but I loved Val and Brody’s story so much and I became hooked onto the secondary characters and the stories they would have to tell one day.
Jessica is a fan of New Girl (the television series starring Zooey Deschanel) and has a love for office supplies (who doesn’t?) and a lot of it is purple! Her reels are funny and entertaining, she’s got a knack with making memes out of quite literally anything and all in all, Jessica is just a good soul.
With a second book (Bourbon & The Best Man) coming soon (Jessica announced that it would be “early 2023” and before June) and will feature two characters I’m super excited for!
If you haven’t picked it up yet, Jessica’s debut is available in Kindle Unlimited right now.
What inspired you to write—was it another author or books you read as you grew up?
I’ve just always loved books, I’ve read them as long as I can remember. Then one day when I was seventeen, I started writing down my own stories, and I never really stopped.
Why did you choose romance as the genre to write in?
When I first started writing, my stories were definitely more suited for the YA genre. As I got older, I started reading more romance. Because of that, my writing switched genres too. It’s what I love to read, so it became what I love to write. I’m a sucker for a love story!
Why did you choose to self-publish instead of going the traditional route?
Because of the freedom, honestly. I knew I’d still need a 9-5 while starting out, and had no clue how much time I’d be able to dedicate to writing daily. When I started taking my writing seriously, I’d been reading so many self-published books, traditional publishing never really crossed my mind. The best thing about indie authors is they’re willing to share their stories with aspiring authors. There were a few I looked up to that we’re always sharing their stories, along with tips and tricks. They made me believe I could do it too.
Do you write full time or is this something you do on the side?
My goal is to write full-time someday. I’m not there yet, though.
Other than writing, what is something you enjoy and are really good at?
When I’m not writing, I love photography, and making calligraphy and macramé.
What are some of your all time favourite books—ones that you recommend to people or can reread multiple times?
Anything by Kennedy Ryan, Staci Hart, Meghan Quinn, and R.S. Grey are my go-to recommendations.
Can you briefly tell me about your debut?
My debut is a college romance where the main characters, Val and Brody, find each other their last year of college. Val knows exactly what she wants, Brody’s trying to get his act together. They’re opposites, but ultimately become each other’s person.
From your book, who is your favourite character?
Breegan McCormick, Val’s roommate. Her book will be a fun one to write.
How much of yourself do you put into these characters?
Little bits and pieces here and there. So far, I haven’t made a character completely based on myself.
What’s next on the bookshelf for you? Anything you can tell us about a future project?
My next will be a part of the same standalone series as my first. There’s a wedding, brother’s best friend, and only one bed. Planning it to be a slow burn too, which will be interesting to write!
What are your most and least favourite tropes?
Favorite: brother’s best friend, friends to lovers, marriage in trouble
Least Favorite: love triangle, teacher/student, bully
What are some tropes you want to write in the future?
Marriage in trouble, friends to lovers (have one planned), mutual pining
What is your favourite thing about the romance genre?
There is something out there for everyone—just like love itself!
THIS OR THAT
Ebooks or audiobooks
Historical romance or romantic suspense
Single or Dual POV
Standalones or series
Music or silence while writing
Plotter, pantser or plantser
Tea or coffee
Cold or warm weather
Morning person or night owl
Illustrated cover or photo cover
Find Jessica on Instagram and join her Facebook group for all updates. You can also follow her on Goodreads and BookBub. Visit her website for all info on her books!