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Romance novelist Jasmine Guillory initially set out to pursue a career in law. After earning her degree in history from Wellesley College, she attended Stanford Law School and focused her career on securities law and intellectual property. However, as she approached her 30s, Guillory, now 49, recognized a yearning for creativity in her life.
“I’ve always had a passion for reading and fiction,” she recalls, which prompted her to embark on writing a novel. “I quickly found out that I truly loved writing,” she reflects.
Her journey into publishing was not straightforward; she struggled to find an agent for her first manuscript. However, her second book, “The Wedding Date,” which was published in 2018, marked a significant turning point as it led to representation and wider success. Her latest novel, “Flirting Lessons,” set to release on April 8, will be her ninth published work, with four of her titles achieving the status of New York Times bestsellers. Guillory made the leap to full-time writing in January 2019, leaving her law career behind.
CNBC Make It: You began writing as a pastime. When did you decide you wanted to pursue publishing your first book?
Guillory: The decision came gradually. I invested a lot of time in my writing and could sense improvements over time. Initially, I recognized my work wasn’t strong, but the real challenge was gaining the confidence to believe that my writing could indeed be good enough.
This feeling persists in my writing process; there’s always a moment of realization when I think, “I really like this book.”
What motivated you to choose romance as your genre?
During a challenging phase of my life, I turned to reading extensively. I discovered that romance novels offered a comforting escape, promising a happy ending no matter the circumstances, which was exactly what I needed at that time. The idea of writing in this genre seemed appealing, and to my delight, I found it incredibly enjoyable.
When did you feel ready to leave your law career?
Throughout the process of writing my first three published books, I balanced my full-time job as a lawyer. My initial book deal was for two books, followed by another two-book deal. Eventually, I received a more lucrative offer for my next contract, which gave me the confidence to transition away from full-time law work.
Being a lawyer has made me somewhat conservative; I don’t fully believe this career shift is permanent. However, for the time being, I can afford to focus on writing.
Do you feel accomplished in your writing career?
Absolutely not! [Laughs] If you had asked me several years ago about what it meant to ‘make it,’ I might have said becoming a full-time writer or appearing on the New York Times bestseller list. While I’ve achieved those milestones and take pride in them, one ongoing challenge in this profession—like many others—is the constant drive to surpass one’s previous accomplishments.
What do you think is important for people to understand about being a full-time writer?
The career is filled with unpredictability. My accountant often remarks on how different each year can be for me—one year might be incredibly successful, while the next could feel lackluster. This speaks to broader questions about success; the external perception of writers having ‘made it’ often contrasts with the reality that many of us feel we are still striving for greater achievements.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My goal is simply to keep writing! This is what I can control, and I remind myself each time I write that my initial motivation was love for the craft. I didn’t begin this journey with the intention of turning it into a career; I started writing because I thought it would be fulfilling, and it truly has been.
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