1. For readers discovering you for the first time, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey from reader to self-published author?

Hi, I’m JP Newmon and I write smut! I am a born and raised Louisiana girl. I am married with two daughters, two dogs, and two hamsters. Of course I have always loved reading and as a child I played with writing short stories and poems. My love for reading romance is ultimately what gave me the desire to begin a writing career. 

My debut,Training Sweet Jolie, started out as a private word document that wasn’t supposed to see the light of day. I really have to give the credit to my older brother for the publication of this work. He and I are best friends and he was one of the first people I told my “dirty writing” secret too. Immediately he jumped into PR/marketing advice and was convinced I was going to be a huge success. He is also the reason I kept going. His persistence that I needed to make a series, that I needed to put myself out there, I would not be here if it wasn’t for his support. 

In fact book 2 came to life based on an experience he and I had at a thrift store. I was visiting him in Texas and you can’t visit my brother without going thrifting. He found this little statue that turned out to be a wine decanter. I made the comment that he shouldn’t open it in case there was a ghost living inside and voila, the concept for book 2 was born. 

2. Your debut novel Training Sweet Jolie kicked off the Dirty Voyeurs series. What can readers expect from this story? 

Training Sweet Jolie is a beginner level dark romance with stalker tropes and pet play. We open with our FMC in a mental health crisis, she is participating in emotional self harm while also trying to find herself again after escaping an abusive spouse. One of the my favorite things about writing this story is the role of the MMC as a caregiver/protector even if he is a stalker. He is only known as Sir throughout the book. I made the decision to use a title for his name to symbolise his role in Jolie’s (FMC) life. For her he is Sir, he guides, sets boundaries, and provides for needs all be it through morally grey means. Throughout the book we see Sir facilitating the repair between Jolie and herself. While the story is super spicy it’s ultimately a narrative of the healing journey of the FMC. 

I do not write explicit depictions of heavy trauma on page. So in general, readers who are more sensitive to triggers may find my novels easier for them. There is no heavy degradation of the FMC that you sometimes find in dark romance or romance with BDSM tropes. 

 3. What inspired the idea behind the Dirty Voyeurs series? 

When the idea for book 2 came about, I was unsure how to tie the books together since I was jumping from this unique stalker romance into a paranormal normal romance. Then I realized that in both instances we have MMC who are introduced to their FMC through some form of serendipitous watching. And what better way for the MMCs’ obsessions to get locked in? You are your truest self when you think nobody is watching. This theme continues in book 3 Bound and Exposed which is expected to release at the end of 2026. 

4. Your books are described as beginner dark romance. How would you explain that term to readers who might be new to the genre? 

I started using this term because I wanted readers to understand that my books are not at the level of pitch black romance. I love to read the heavier books, but that isn’t what you will find between my pages. I think readers who are new to dark romance or are more sensitive to triggers need a way to find books that are right for their needs. I don’t write explicit, on page depiction of trauma and my MMCs, while definitely morally grey, are focused on the well being of their FMCs. There is an underlying caregiver/nurturing trope within the classic “touch her and die” that we love in a dark romance. 

5. Power dynamics are a central theme in your writing. What interests you most about exploring those relationships between characters?

I really love the idea of an MMC who has the means to take full control, but chooses not to. Maybe he has all the power and means but shows restraint and discernment with the FMC’s best interest at heart. Any submission on the FMC’s part is given with consent, not forced upon her character. This is in contrast to the relationship she experienced with her ex husband. 

6. How do you approach balancing intensity and emotional connection between your main characters?

This is tough to put into words. I want my readers to feel the emotion of the scene. I want them to experience the joy and sadness right along with my characters. If I’m not crying or laughing or catching feelings while I’m writing it then I know it won't translate in the reading experience. It’s super awkward when you start crying in the middle of the coffee shop, though. I strive to make the romance believable for their specific situation. The yearning, the build up…there needs to be tension and desire that merits the spice. 

7. What can readers expect from book two, Dripping for Your Pleasure?

This is a paranormal romance, but we keep those beginner dark romance themes. It’s a little spooky-spicy. This was definitely a challenge to write the interactions between the characters without them formally “meeting” for a good portion of the book. This one has references to magic and explores the soul mate trope. There is also a mystery subplot with a 3rd POV. In book 1 Sir clearly is the night in shining armor, but in book 2 the FMC takes on more of that role. 

8. Do you have a favorite character or couple in the series so far?

I think it's whatever couple I’m writing at the moment. Jolie and Sir will always have a special place in my heart because they were first, but it is so magical creating characters and watching their love story unfold literally beneath my fingers. 

9. What was the most fun scene to write?

In book 1 I’m gonna say the peach scene, I just feel like it’s iconic. 

In book 2 I had so much fun writing the seance scene and there is this scene at the end from the 3 POV where Freddy is going full poltergeist on the villain. 

Im still working on book 3 but so far I think it’s going to be the climax moment. I'm gearing up for it and this FMC is your tough, ride or die, best friend and she is going to kick some ass!

10. When you start a new story, do you begin with a character dynamic, a specific scene, or the overall plot?

I think I start equally with a dynamic and an overall plot concept. I need to understand why these characters are gonna go on this journey before it becomes a real WIP. 

11. Are you more of a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between?

Definitely a plan-tser! I start out outlining like a pro, but as I get deeper into the book and the characters take over I have to just roll with what they tell me to do, haha

12. What does your typical writing routine look like while balancing a full-time job and motherhood?

Oh man, I have to be very dedicated to my schedule. When it’s not writing time I try to be intentionally present with my family. I have a few hours 2 days a week that is dedicated writing time that doesn’t take away from my family’s schedule. So I have to be very strict with myself about using this time productively. Sometimes that means it gets used for self-marketing and other pragmatic things I need to take care of and I may not write a word on my WIP. It makes getting through the work slow, but I want my kids to see that you can have it all. I have a very fulfilling career, but what I get out of that is so different from what I get out of being an author. I want my daughters to know that you can be more than one thing, that you can chase all the dreams and not settle. 

13. You’re also involved in many forms of art—photography, drawing, painting, and multimedia. How do those creative outlets influence your writing?

I think I just love any form of self-expression. Not everything we experience in life can be expressed the same way, we need diversity in creativity outlets. Plus I love to experience things and try new skills. I do put little easter eggs to things like this in my books. Little details about the characters that are linked to my own personality. 

14. Do visual arts ever help you imagine scenes or characters when writing a story?

Definitely, I draw on this to help describe the emotion of the setting which supports whatever plot point is occurring. Visual art influences the mood of the viewer. I find this helpful when trying to set a particular tone that will add layers to the dialog or action. 

15. What part of writing romance do you enjoy the most?

I think it’s that you really can do anything and it’s going to work out. You can be cute, tame, or unhinged, but no matter what you will have a HEA. Reality is full hardship and sadness, I want that light at the end of the tunnel, that hope. 

16. What part of the writing process tends to challenge you the most?

Ek the beginning, I want to jump to the good stuff, haha. I tend to write chunks of the middle of the story first then go back to the beginning. 

17. What authors or romance books have influenced your writing journey?

Some of my favorite authors are Zoe Blake and Kate Oliver. I love the way Zoe writes broody dominant men.

 The caregiver aspect of the age play dynamic that Kate Oliver writes really appeals to me in romance. Women start as children learning to take care of the needs of others and as we get older that responsibility only grows, with our own needs being either overlooked or not given value. 

18. What do you hope readers feel when they finish one of your books?

I hope they feel a connection to my characters and maybe see a little of themselves there. I also hope they walked away a bit shocked by the spice, haha. 

19. As a new indie author, what has been the most exciting moment of your publishing journey so far?

I am about to do my first in person event! I had a goal this year to do at least 1 event. I started out as a faceless account on TikTok and I wasn’t sure about being so visible with my career, but I have gotten way more comfortable. I am so proud to say that I have 2 in person events lined up for the year!

Booktok Bash on the Bayou April 18th and Cenla’s Adult Book Fair May1st. More details are listed on my website about those. 

Also the fact that I am now in 4 independent bookstores! 

D and K Books; KM Chaos Reads Books, Libreria, and My Secret Shelves. 

20. What advice would you give to readers who are curious about trying dark romance for the first time?

Start with something lighter. I feel like when people ask for recs on social media the hardcore intense books are the most recommended. You need to be clear about what tropes you are looking for and which you want to avoid, read reviews, and look at the triggers to make sure you are having a safe reading experience. 

21. You mentioned that book three is coming next year—what can readers look forward to in the continuation of the series?

Well, we couldn’t leave Krista out off the HEA train. Jolie (book 1) is your deep thinker, introspective friend, Willow (book 2) is your hot mess chaos friend, and Krista (book 3) is the bad ass, ride or die, kick ass friend. She has a tough exterior, but tough girls need love too. Her MMC is her opposite on paper but he knows exactly what she needs to let her walls come down. Also there will be rope kink. 

22. You’re also working on a short story collection. What inspired that project?

This project is really about my love for all styles of the romance genre. I wanted to play around with writing a variety of tropes and sometimes you just need something quick and dirty between your other readings. 

23. What are you most excited about in the future of your writing career?

The next story! I have so many ideas that I can’t wait to see how they develop. 

24. What do you love most about being part of the romance reader community?

You know, I have made some really good friends here. Reading may be a solitary pass time but it really brings people together. 

25. Where can readers connect with you and follow your work online?

I am on social media as @jpnewmonauthor I mostly am active on TT and IG. I also have a newsletter signup on my website. That is where to go if you want bonus content and updates. I am releasing my short stories intermittently through my newsletter so followers will get first look at these before they are finally released as a collection. You automatically get the first one with your initial signup, A Package for Penny. If you’ve never been hot for mailman, I bet I can change your mind. 

 

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Rapid Fire Fun 🔥

26. Coffee or tea while writing?

Venti plane latte with oatmilk

27. Morning writer or night writer?

Morning! Saturday mornings you can find me at my coffee shop working

28. Favorite romance trope?

I haven’t written this trope yet myself, but one of my favorite tropes is the “it’s not his baby/surprise baby” I swoon for an MMC who takes on the daddy role, give it to me in all forms!

29. Paperback, ebook, or audiobook?

I mostly read on my kindle app, using the read aloud feature. Call me crazy but I love the robot voice. I can’t do an audiobook because if their voice doesn’t match the voice my brain thinks the character should have I won't be able to get through it. I don’t read a lot of paperbacks because I have joint issues in my hands that are getting worse as I get older, so holding the book can be a challenge ( as in holding it over a long period of time as your reading) especially if it is very thick. I love to have a paperback for my trophy shelf though. 

30. Favorite place to write?

My local coffee shop, I don't think they know I’m writing smut though, lol

31. One word to describe the Dirty Voyeurs series? 

Swoon. 

32. Favorite writing snack?

Just my coffee

33. Music while writing or silence?

Not really, there is usually something playing in the coffee shop, I have turned on a coffee shop station on spotify in a pinch. If I happen to be writing at home I like to put on one of those fireplace/rain aesthetic channels on youtube. 
34. Favorite creative hobby besides writing?

Probably painting/multimedia art. It’s something I can do with my kids and most of my house is covered in my own art work. 

35. One thing readers might be surprised to learn about you?

I am very shy and anxious in real life. That does not come across on my social media I think because I have the safety net of filming in private and I can do as many takes and edits as I want. I honestly suck at small talk too which is hard to admit as a southerner. We are supposed to excel at that but I just can’t do it. 

I don’t think you would know that if you saw me at work either, but at work I’m the subject matter expert and all the conversation centers around what I am trained to do. That’s not really the same as being social in unstructured interactions.