That Boy Author Jillian Dodd on Bringing the Novel From Bestseller to TV Show and Her New Book

Indie author Jillian Dodd is taking romance to the next level through her newest series, Eastbrooke Academy.

With the recent release of Popularity Isn't Easy, the second book in the series, Jillian's fans have a lot to look forward to. But having sold over 4.5 million books and counting, being a USA Today Bestseller and Amazon Top 10 author aren't the only titles under her belt. Jillian's other book series, That Boy, is also currently in development for a television show.

(Courtesy of THE FORWARD)

This exciting development opens up new avenues for Jillian to bring her captivating storytelling to an even wider audience. With her unique blend of romance, drama and undeniable talent, it's no wonder that Jillian Dodd continues to make waves in both the literary and entertainment worlds. We had the pleasure of chatting with Jillian to learn all about her new ventures.

Sweety High: Can you tell us a bit about your newest book, Popularity Isn't Easy, and what inspired you to write it?

Jillian Dodd: Popularity Isn't Easy is the second book in the Eastbrooke Academy series, which is a spin-off of my USA Today bestselling series, The Keatyn Chronicles. Featuring a new cast of characters—the children of the outrageously wealthy—readers can expect characters they will fall in love with, love triangles, teen drama, friendships and some over-the-top parties. At its core, though, it's all about finding yourself, where you fit into the world and how love plays a role in that.

 

SH: Eastbrooke Academy sounds like a captivating setting for your new series. What elements of the school and its atmosphere do you think will resonate with readers?

JD: One of the fun things about this boarding school is that upperclassmen are split into four houses based on the way they like to live. The houses were designed based on the elements and horoscopes, and each one has a totally different design vibe. They function like a cross between a Hogwarts house and a fraternity.

(Courtesy of THE FORWARD)

 

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SH: With over 4.5 million books sold, you have a massive fan base. How do you engage with your readers and what role do they play in inspiring your writing?

JD: I adore my readers and absolutely love engaging with them on social media, at book signings, in my direct store and mostly in the Dodd Squad Facebook group. People always ask if readers have ever swayed my writing, and the answer is no. Interacting with readers is amazing, and being an extrovert, it's something that I love. But writing for me is very personal. The stories in my head are mine alone until I release them into the world. I am a bad entrepreneur in the sense that I follow my heart when writing, not whatever trope happens to be popular. And because I mostly write long series, when I write, I'm making a big commitment to myself and my reader. I promise they will be torn between which boy my main character will end up with, that they will feel like they are part of the friend group, that I will make them laugh and cry, then drive them nuts with huge cliffhanger endings. But eventually, they know I will give them a big fat happily ever after.

 

SH: That Boy being developed into a television show is incredibly exciting! How does it feel to see your characters come to life on screen, and what can fans expect from the adaptation?

JD: We aren't to the part where we are ready to see it on the screen yet, but I see all my stories like a movie in my head and can't wait to see it come to life on a screen. I expect for the series to be fun and heartwarming and for the characters to have amazing chemistry. If we can make all that happen, I will be thrilled.

 

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SH: Your books often feature relatable teenage characters and explore themes of romance and drama. What draws you to writing in the contemporary teen romance genre?

JD: For me, it really wasn't an actual decision. When I wrote my first book, it was based on a series of dreams I had, and that just happened to be the age of the characters. As my career has progressed, I've learned that it's what I enjoy writing the best. I was also blessed with a really good memory. One of my high school friends messaged me the other day to ask me who she went to homecoming with a certain year, and I spouted off his name, where we had dinner and the drama of the night. So, it's easy for me to go back to a time in my head when I was much less confident and trying to figure out my life. And boys.

 

SH: As an indie author, what challenges have you faced in the publishing industry, and what advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to self-publish their work?

JD: First, you have to write the book. A lot of people say they want to write a book or that they have a story they want to tell. Obviously, the first thing you have to have is a completed book. Then, it's setting goals for yourself. Did you just want to write a book and that's it? Goal accomplished. Or is this something you can see yourself doing as a business? If you are indie, you have to do all the things—from formatting the book and uploading it to the marketing, social media, advertising and covers. I love it because I like to have full control over my destiny, but for others, a business might not be right for them.

(Courtesy of THE FORWARD)

 

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SH: With such a successful career as an author, what goals do you have for the future, both in terms of your writing and any other creative projects you may have in mind?

JD: Goals for the future are pretty much the same thing I've wanted since I got into the business—my series to be films and TV series, a really strong brand and for my stories to be read by generations. I also have a fun series I want to write that is a little off-brand for me—YA fantasy—but I have such a clear vision of how fun it will be!

 

SH: Is there anything else you'd like to touch on or share with your readers and fans about your books, upcoming projects or any other exciting news?

JD: Just that I'm so grateful to be doing what I'm doing. As a kid who always had her nose in a book pretending she was living different lives, it's amazing that I got to use that imagination to create a career doing something I love. I guess one new cool thing is that I have my own Jillian Dodd app. And if people download it, they get free first-in-series books and audiobooks as a thank you, which is a fun way for people who haven't read my books to get into my series.

 

For more interviews with authors we love, click HERE to read Jessica Knoll's insights on her latest release, Bright Young Women.