Today we’d like to introduce you to C.z. Reeves
Hi C.Z., can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was eight years old when I confidently declared I wanted to be a teacher and author in front of my classmates and teacher at the end of the year ceremony. Through school, I dappled in creative writing and poetry.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an avid reader, but it wasn’t until we moved to Florida in 2022 that the “author bug” bit me again. That summer I spent most of my time by the pool reading, escaping reality.
On a Saturday morning in October, I woke up with my mind flooded with the story of Jessamine Beach and the Kelley family. I tried to go through my day as normal with my family, but couldn’t focus on much other than these stories. I spent almost three hours writing every detail that came to mind in the notes app on my phone.
It wasn’t until April 2023 that I started dedicating time to writing the first book in the series. By August, I typed the words “THE END” after countless late nights and early mornings. By the end of October, I had beta reader and editor feedback for a December release. On December 14, 2023, Forever Be My Always, book one in the Jessamine Beach Series released into the world! The series will ultimately be a set of five interconnected, standalone books, with book two coming in February 2025.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Certainly not! Writing is a passion of mine, but these books are a passion project that has helped with my own healing journey. Moving through suppressed emotions as I’m writing has proven to be a struggle time and time again. I always redirect myself, though, hoping that someone, somewhere, will resinate with my stories and heal in their own way through my words. The other big barrier is time! There are never enough hours in the day to complete everything I want to accomplish. Aside from writing, I am also a project manager in the healthcare industry and a mama to three amazing kiddos. It was very important to me that my writing projects didn’t take away time from my family and finding the hours after bedtime and before waking up posed its own set of challenges. The last speed bump would be learning about the industry. It was important to me to self-publish my work, which means I had to learn everything from scratch and through process of elimination. Luckily, I’ve made some amazing author friends on the way (Heather Leighson and Monroe Beckett) that have kept me heading in the right direction and the imposter syndrome from taking over my thoughts.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a contemporary romance author that focuses on small-town romance. My books provide inspiration and an escape from reality. They aren’t just love stories, but also journeys of self-discovery, resilience, and hope. The characters resonate with you, navigating challenges with grace, humor, and belief in love. Romance is everywhere in life, and my writing celebrates those moments – like a quick chat over coffee, a chance meeting in a busy city, or the peacefulness of being alone.
My stories offer an escape for those seeking a break from their everyday lives, providing a safe space where they can immerse themselves in romance and draw inspiration from the strength and optimism of my characters. My books have it all – heartfelt emotion, wit, and a hint of sarcasm. They’ll make you laugh, swoon and maybe shed a tear, giving you the perfect escape.
So, grab your favorite beverage (wine for me) and a cozy blanket, and get ready to go to Jessamine Beach.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Every person has a right to being seen and having a safe space to land. Each of us has a unique perspective and an even more unique story that deserves to be shared. From my kids to strangers I encounter at the grocery store, I want them to feel safe and seen for the amazing person they are!
Pricing:
- Available for free with KindleUnlimited
- $2.99 for the e-book
- $14.99 for the paperback
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.czreeves.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorczreeves
Image Credits
book cover by: It’s Just Peachy Pages! https://www.instagram.com/itsjustpeachyds/
