Award-Winning Author Brings Passion, Fame, and Emotion to Life
Jacqueline Grandey shares the inspirations behind her Rockstar Romance WHIP series, explores fame’s challenges, and offers heartfelt advice to aspiring authors while celebrating her love for music and storytelling.
Jacqueline Grandey’s name is one that resonates with readers who crave stories that strike a deep chord, crossing the boundaries of love, fame, and the human condition. Her Rockstar Romance WHIP series, including standout titles like Between Us Birds and Beyond the Scars, captures the raw energy of the music world while threading it with heart-wrenching personal struggles and the complexity of relationships under the spotlight. With her authentic approach and vivid storytelling, Jacqueline has created an electrifying universe that feels both larger-than-life and achingly real.
An artist at heart in every sense, Jacqueline’s creativity knows no bounds, having honed her craft through music sound engineering, live venues, and years immersed in the world of rock ‘n’ roll. Yet, her stories stem from more than just knowledge—they are infused with an emotional depth that resonates universally. Through characters like Alexandria, Tyler, and Trent, Jacqueline takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the beauty and chaos of ambition, love, and vulnerability.
In this interview, Jacqueline reflects on her inspirations, lifts the curtain on her writing process, and offers fans a glimpse of the moments and music that brought her unforgettable stories to life. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of her work or discovering her voice for the first time, this conversation promises to be as passionate and poignant as her prose.
What inspired you to write the Rockstar Romance WHIP series, and did your background in the music industry influence the storylines?
First off, you write about what you know about–I know music. Yes, being that I was a sound engineer and worked all aspects of live and studio production really brought the authenticity to the series. I am definitely a Rock N Roll girl and I wanted my passion for lyrics, live shows, and recording sessions to come alive between the pages of the books.
How do you approach character development, especially with complex personalities like Alexandria, Tyler, and Trent?
Well, this is my first book series, so I modeled character development loosely on people I know.
Alexandria is the lead who makes irrational decisions, follows her passion and just wants to be loved like any coming of age girl. Tyler–my favorite character–the lead, charismatic singer of the band WHIP and Alexandria’s best friend is a beautiful disaster. I explore all his trials of facing love in the chaotic world of fame. Lastly, Trent. He is the newest band member to join WHIP and quickly falls for Alexandria. He’s the strong, level-headed band mate that keeps the rock group in line as they tend to run amuck.
Your books explore themes of love, fame, and personal struggles—was there a particular message you wanted to convey to readers?
Fame isn’t as glorious as it portrays itself in outlets such as social media. Every rockstar has a personal life that runs parallel to you and I. I loved bringing that forward in the series. There’s glamour yes, but there is also hardship, broken hearts, and death–all challenges people face.
Can you share any behind-the-scenes moments from your writing process or a favourite scene that was particularly emotional to write?
So, you want a backstage pass into my writing process? I’m chuckling. I get out a notepad, turn-up music such as Nine Inch Nails or the Deftones, and just scribble down ideas.
My personal favourite scene to write was in Between Us Birds when Alexandria confesses something so big to Tyler that it ultimately changes the dynamic between Alexandria, Tyler and Trent. The series shifts and kicks things up a notch. Confessing any big news to a best friend is cathartic which shifts your life. I recently had a major shift in my life and just raised the bar for myself as Alexandria did.
Do you have any upcoming projects or new books in the works that fans should look forward to?
Well, Beyond the Scars was just released so I’m taking a step back and taking a deep breath. When I started the series, I could not stop writing–it was all too consuming. So, now I’m taking a break from writing, attending book events, meeting fans, and enjoying the moment. When I get the itch again to write, I’ll turn up the music and scribble a new story line.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to create deeply emotional and compelling stories?
Just write what’s in your gut. Sometimes I just paused and questioned myself: is that too much? Then, I’d shake it off and write it anyway. If you’re going to do it, writing that is, then do it with everything you’ve got.
