1. Who is Pauline Baird Jones in 6 words or less?
Adventure-loving, genre-mashing, laughter-dealing word wrangler.
2. What do you write and why does it explode off the page (sometimes literally)?
I write romantic suspense, sci-fi adventure, funny thrillers, and the occasional genre-bending oddity because I love stories where brave women do brave things, and good guys are strong enough to let them.
Also, explosions are fun. (On the page. In real life? Not so much. Unless it’s confetti.)
3. What makes your heroines and heroes tick?
My heroines aren’t waiting to be rescued—they’re usually the ones doing the rescuing.
And my heroes? They’re good guys, not broody billionaires with questionable ethics. They show up. They speak up. And they fall all in.
4. What’s your writing secret weapon?
Humor. Even in the middle of chaos. Even while outrunning aliens. Even when the world’s going kaboom. A well-placed quip is just as powerful as a plasma cannon. Sometimes more.
5. What can readers always expect from a Pauline Baird Jones book?
- Big adventure
- Bigger heart
- Brave heroines
- Good guy heroes
- Just enough heat to make you sigh (but not blush at the PTA meeting)
- And at least one moment where you laugh out loud and scare the cat
6. Your books jump genres like a cat on caffeine. How do you keep them grounded?
It’s all about the characters. No matter where they are—Earth, Mars, or alternate-steampunk-Victorian-New-Orleans—if the characters are real, the reader’s coming along for the ride.
7. Do you write with snacks, soundtracks, or sidekicks?
Yes. To all of the above. I write with snacks (dark chocolate is practically a co-author), soundtracks (I have a playlist for every book), and imaginary friends who think I’m hilarious.
8. Can you tease us with a favorite quote from one of your books?
From Out of Time:
He stopped in the shadow of a Fort’s wing, grabbed her arm and turned her to face him.
“Ric was right about one thing,” he said, as much to himself as to her, “you are a mystery.”
“While I hate to disillusion you any more about Ric,” Mel said, “that’s not exactly a news flash. Most women are a mystery to men—and the reverse.”
(Reader hearts go thump.)
9. What would you say to readers who haven’t discovered your books yet?
If you’ve ever read behind your textbook, fallen in love with a hero mid-explosion, or stayed up way too late whispering “one more chapter”… I wrote these books for you. 💖
10. What’s next for Pauline?
More heart-racing romance, more worlds to explore, more characters who find love in impossible situations—and maybe a little time travel. Because hey, why not?