As I began to think about a new romance for my book collection, I wanted the book to be about more than just a love story.
Mara Jane – 21 April 2026
The Back Flap
One driven woman. Five passionate paths to the perfect love.
Chloe refuses to compromise when it comes to romance and success. Powering through her sophomore-level college business classes, she’s done with the effort of distance-dating her high school sweetheart. But when he proposes just as she hits it off with a hunky basketball player, she worries following her heart could send her bright future to the bench.
As Chloe graduates to become a rising star in the fashion industry, love knocks another four times. But while each potential suitor eventually pops the question, only she knows her ultimate happy ending.
Whose arms will embrace Chloe when she chooses her forever man?
Perfect is a standalone in the Perfect romance series. If you like tender moments and lighthearted banter, then you’ll adore Maria Jane’s choose your perfectly-ever-after tale.
Read Perfect to pick your ideal walk down the aisle today!
About the book
What is the book about?
Perfect is alternate-ending/choose-your-own-ending contemporary romance. It follows Chloe as she traverses life’s pitfalls from hopeful college co-ed to a successful businesswoman. In each glimpse of her life, we see Chloe make choices about career, family, and love. The reader gets to decide who they think should be Chloe’s happily-ever-after.
When did you start writing the book?
I began writing Perfect in 2019. Writing in primarily two genres, I alternate between writing YA fantasy and new adult romance. Writing romance in between my intense fantasies gives my psyche a healing break from the intensity of fantastical calamities.
How long did it take you to write it?
Perfect took about four months to write and another two months for edits and proofreading.
Where did you get the idea from?
As I began to think about a new romance for my book collection, I wanted the book to be about more than just a love story. I thought about what I’d pictured my life to be when I’d been young, how I had a very narrow view of what success, both personal and professional, looked like. Then, I reflected on how my journey has taken many twists and turns and looks nothing like the cookie cutter perfect storyline I’d thought it would. I realized that a “perfect” life exists in many forms and looks different to everyone, and developed the alternate-ending style romance that became Perfect to highlight that any choice the main character made could be “perfect.”
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
My main struggle in writing this book was the initial inception of what the storyline would be. Writing a predictable girl meets boy, girl falls for boy, problems ensue, and all turns out perfectly-ever-after romance didn’t interest me. At the same time, I really wanted to write another romance book. My other challenge was to create scenarios where the main character made choices that either sent her towards or away from a given love interest in the five versions of her alternate life.
What came easily?
Once I created the alternate-ending concept the various alternate storyline ideas began to form easily and it was fun to create five different love interests for Chloe, each with different personality and background.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
My characters are entirely fictitious but I don’t think an author can completely cut themselves off from taking bits and pieces of personalities from people we know.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I love stories with strong character leads and romance authors that I love are Allison Ashley, Abby Jimenez, and Emily Henry.
Do you have a target reader?
My target reader is anyone who craves fun romances with a small amount of spice.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Before I start writing I figure out how I want the book to begin and end, the climax point of the story, as well as a few high and low points in between. I create the characters, their backs stories, and personalities. Then, I start writing and fill in scenes, highs, lows, and all the fun bits to get the characters to each plot point.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Instead of outlining I create a plot diagram or three act plot beat sheet with the major plot points of the story. I generally create this on a large poster sheet with sticky notes for plot items that can be moved around and added to. For series, I outline a brief outline after I write each chapter so my editor and I can go back and reference things easily.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit somewhat as I go depending on how quickly the story is flowing for me. Generally, at the beginning of a writing session, I’ll review a few pages from the prior session, revising if I decide changes are needed and then moving forward.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes, a professional editor is a must for me. Me and my editor complete two editing sessions with them returning suggestions on story, plot, characters, as well as grammar, in the first round. Afterwards, I tweak the story to fix problems and then send the manuscript back for a second edit. After the issues from the first two edits are resolved, a proofreader proofs the book for final error checks.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I am not a music or noise person when I’m writing or focused on a project. Silence is golden for me.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
The first manuscript I wrote I submitted to over three-hundred agents within a span of six months. I received a couple of whole manuscript requests but decided that I wanted more control over my book content and how I wanted it released.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I am a very impatient person who likes to have control over projects. After querying for six months, and I know this is not a long time as many authors query for two years finally finding their agent and publishing deal, I decided to indie publish. My best friend, editor, and formatter were self-publishing and helped guide me.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I’ve used several amazing professional cover designers including Daryl McCool of dam Cool Graphics and Eleanor Lloyd-Jones of Shower of Schmidt Designs.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I’ve learned a lot about marketing from my ten plus years in publishing. I’ve developed several different formats for reaching readers and staying connected with them from social media, to newsletter, staying active in the Goodreads and Bookbub reader communities, blog posts, and videos. I also host a podcast entitled Finding the Magic Book Podcast that hosts other authors to learn about them and their books.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Many decisions and options in indie publishing can be based on your skill set, time, and how much money you have to spend on things like editing, covers, formatting, and marketing. My top advice is finding quality people who deliver good products and support your work.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in southeastern United States in a small, rural town in south Georgia known for pine trees, water moccasins, and alligators.
Where do you live now?
I now live on the front range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I believe creating stories is a kind of magic and that each of us has our own type of magic to share with the world. I believe magic lives in people, nature, and technology and we hold the power to see, hone, and impart change through magic, i.e. by being your own wonderful magical self and sharing your gifts with the world.
What are you working on now?
Currently I am in the editing stages for a romance entitled Perfect Secrets to be released under the Maria Jane pen name in June of 2026. I have another romance in that series started with the working title My, Not-so-Perfect, Cop, and a new YA fantasy featuring a nix character in the story planning stage.
End of Interview:
For more from Maria Jane visit her website.
