Online for Authors Episode 7-12-25

​Love, Lies, and the Sixties: A Tale of Youth and Temptation with Author CJ Martin

​Welcome to another engaging entry of Online for Authors! As your guest host, Carole O'Neill, I'm excited to bring you an insightful conversation with the talented author CJ Martin. In today's podcast episode, we delve into his second novel "Peter, Jodi, (and Gloria)," unveiling the creative processes behind his work and exploring his journey as a writer. This blog post aims to offer you, our community of readers and listeners, a glimpse into CJ Martin's world and what makes his novels so captivating.

Listen to the Audio Version

Watch the Video Version

An Introduction to "Peter, Jodi, (and Gloria)"

CJ’s second novel is set in the vibrantly transformative era of the sixties, following the lives of a college senior and an MBA student. As CJ shares, this book, while rooted in familiar settings and experiences, is a work of fiction with colorful characters and engaging stories. Although inspired by his time at Northwestern University's MBA program, the novel spins a tale of romance, meetings against the odds, and life's unexpected turns.

Taking Inspiration from Real Life

CJ discussed how his personal experiences, particularly the poignant and lively spirit of the sixties, have influenced his writing. From music to dance, and even fashion, he captures the essence of the era in his narrative. As he reflected on this memorable decade, he humorously mentioned, "I think a lot of people in that time in their life are connected with the popular music like today... the Beatles were emerging," showcasing the powerful impact of that time on his creativity.

Creating Characters That Connect

The novel presents us with Peter, who meets a cheerleader named Jodi. Their relationship is tested through distance and unexpected challenges. Likewise, Gloria adds another layer of intrigue and temptation, causing Peter to evaluate his choices amidst life's emotional complexity. CJ intriguingly compared Peter's impulsive actions to the storyline in "The Graduate," hinting at a depth of character development that makes readers eagerly turn the pages.

A Thoughtful Writing Process

CJ shed light on his writing methodology, characterizing himself as a 'plotter'—a writer who meticulously plans out their story before putting pen to paper. This approach perhaps roots in his background in engineering and business, encouraging structured and thoughtful planning over spontaneity. As he recounted, his dedication to writing required considerable effort, akin to when he aimed to perfect his golf handicap, writing and rewriting until the narrative felt right.

The Sequel Awaits

Excitingly, CJ Martin is currently working on the third installment, which promises to further unravel Peter and Jodi's journey. They graduate college amidst personal challenges, leaving readers to wonder how Jodi reacts to Peter’s proposal that they live together in a luxurious condo. The anticipation builds as CJ hints at what’s to come, encouraging readers to engage with the series fully by starting from the beginning to appreciate the character development and plot progression.

CJ Martin eloquently combines knowledge with creativity, making his novels a delightful exploration of human experiences. If you're curious to learn more about him, head over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook, where you will have the opportunity to win a free copy of Peter and Jodi (and Gloria).

Thank you for joining us in exploring the creative genius of CJ Martin. Stay tuned for more episodes of Online for Authors, where we continue to unravel the stories and secrets of talented writers like CJ. Until next time, keep reading and keep discovering.

Purchase Peter and Jodi (and Gloria) on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/44onBBQ
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4k1csLY

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.