Jillian Cantor
Author Interview - Jillian Cantor
Author I draw inspiration from: Alice Hoffman. Her writing is beautiful, and she has published so many books I truly love. I’ve met her a few times, and she’s also a really kind and lovely person.
Author Interview - Jillian Cantor
Favorite place to read a book: The beach. My favorite kind of day is knowing I have nothing to do but get lost in a book and stare at the ocean.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: One of my biggest fears is getting stuck in an elevator. I take the stairs whenever possible. So, it would have to be someone who could get me out of the elevator. I feel like Katniss from The Hunger Games could figure out a way to get me out fast.
Author Interview - Jillian Cantor
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I’m not sure there was just one moment? I knew I wanted to write fiction since I was in 4th grade and had a teacher who assigned us to write stories every week. In college, I was an English major but thought I would become a journalist, until I had a summer internship at a newspaper and realized I didn’t enjoy that kind of writing. All summer I longed to make up stories, rather than tell real ones, and that fall, back at college, I enrolled in my first fiction writing workshop.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: I listen to audiobooks in the car and on the elliptical. Ebooks definitely when I travel – an easy way to take a stack of books without needing room in my suitcase. Reading at home, I like hardcover or paperback, whatever edition the book is available in currently. My favorite way to read is still holding the physical book in my hands.
The last book I read: I read a galley of Bryn Greenwood’s new novel, The Reckless Oath We Made. It’s not out until the fall but I absolutely loved it – it’s gorgeously written and gritty and hypnotic.
Author Interview - Jillian Cantor
Pen & paper or computer: Definitely computer! I only use pen and paper for jotting down random notes/thoughts/ideas. But any drafting I do on my laptop.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Jo from Little Women. She loves to read and write and doesn’t want to be constrained by social conventions or what was considered ladylike at the time.
Author Interview - Jillian Cantor
If I wasn’t an author, I’d be a: I think I’d be some kind of a small business owner. I got my real estate license many years ago, but then I sold my first book and let it lapse before I ever actually did anything with it. But part of what I love about being an author is setting my own schedule and my own work life/hours. If I wasn’t doing that writing, I think I’d be doing that with something else. Maybe real estate? I do love HGTV, and I could see helping people find their dream homes being really satisfying.
Favorite decade in fashion history: If we’re talking about decades I remember, I have to say the 80s. I did enjoy my tight rolled jeans and teased bangs and tie-dyed shirts. But I love the clothes of the early 1970s, a few years before I was born – big, flowy, bright. I’d wear most of it still now.
Place I’d most like to travel: I’ve never been to Hawaii. We’ve been trying to plan a family trip there for years and it hasn’t worked out, but I really, really want to go. I’d love to go to the beaches, of course, but also, I really want to visit Pearl Harbor.
My signature drink: A glass of wine – Pinot Noir in the winter, and Sauvignon Blanc or Rose in the summer.
Favorite artist: I wish I knew enough about art to have a favorite artist. My house has a very casual vibe and my walls are filled with pictures of my kids and black and white prints that I like.
Number one on my bucket list: I’ve adopted rescue animals my whole life. I’d love to foster one. (I just have to get my husband on board.)
Anything else you'd like to add: Thanks so much for this great interview, Ashley!
For more from Jillian, visit: Twitter and Instagram: @jilliancantor
My website: www.jilliancantor.com
