If you’re anything like us, you probably spent your pre-teen years stealing all your mom’s Jackie Collins novels. The talented writer has been turning out some our favorite saucy reads for over 40 years, and today her work is as fast paced and sexy as ever. After devouring her latest bestseller (Poor Little Bitch Girl – it’s about high class prostitution and murder, and it’s almost impossible to put down) we checked in with Jackie to hear about her upcoming projects, inspirations, and sometimes scandalous past.

You wrote your first novel, The World Is Full of Married Men, in 1968. How do you feel the romance genre has evolved over the years?: First of all, I never call my books romance novels. I always call them relationship novels. A romance novels, to me, is some guy on a white horse rescuing a damsel in distress. I’ve always written strong kick ass women who aren’t waiting for a man, they’re waiting to do things with their lives. I was writing about sex in my books long before anyone else, and I feel I started a trend of writing strong women who were equal to men and wanted to be treated as equal to men. That’s something we all need to work towards, and I feel like that hasn’t changed all that much over the years.

Do you think critical perception of the genre has changed? Do people take these sort of books more seriously than they used to?: As a whole, I’m not sure. I feel like personally, I’e been very lucky. My very first book was successful, and I’m still on the bestseller list. And I get some really wonderful reviews. And I think I appeal to a very wide group, I have readers who start and fifteen, and at the same time their Mom is reading me and so is Grandma. I feel like my writing appeals to a wonderful, wide group of people of all backgrounds.

Do you have an ideal reader? Or any particular group of people that you imagine writing for?

I totally write for myself. I’m my reader. I write the books Ilike to read. I like fast paced fiction. If I can’t describe the room in two paragraphs, forget about it. I hate long descriptive novels. I just wrote a fabulous Hollywood party in the book I’m working on now, Goddess of Vengeance, and it took 5 pages. And you would feel you were at that party.

Your work was definitely considered vey scandalous at the beginning of your career -I think The World is Full of Married Menwas even banned in Australia. Considering everything you see on television and the Internet, do you think books still have capacity to shock people to the same extent? You know, I never tried to shock people. I do think if you try to shock people you’re on a slippery slope. When you see what we have on the Internet or television now, it just wouldn’t work.

You may not have tried, but it was still considered pretty shocking at the time. Some of them still do shock people. Why do you think that is?: I think it’s because I write very honestly. I’m a street writer. I was thrown out of school at 15. So I write things the way I see them. I’m not edited, I like to do what I do. I think that’s also why it appeals to people, because I know Hollywood so well and they’re getting an inside glimpse into a famous persons life who they suspect they kind of recognize, but can’t put their finger on who it is. Being banned was incredible. It wasn’t just Australia, it was also Boston and South Africa. I was also banned in China 12 years ago when they pirated copies ofLucky. The authorities said they were going execute the publisher! Apparently I was corrupting Chinese moral character.

How much do you turn to real life for inspiration?

Always.  Last night I was at a club called SoHo House, and I was watching the action. I like to observe people. And I might take the essence of a couple of famous people and use it as a basis for a character. I’d never write the actual famous person, because you’d be bored by page ten. You’d be saying “oh, that’s Angelina Jolie, I already know what’s going to happen.” I take the essence of someone’s character and base it around that.

Out of your many novels, do you have a favorite?

Always the current one is the favourite. Poor Little Bitch Girl is my favorite at the moment. I love the Santangelo saga. I guess my favourite is the first one, Chances, which created the Santangelo dynamic. Everyone loves Lucky! I’m on twitter, and I get so many tweets from people saying “you need to bring her back.”

What about other writers you admire?

I  just read James Frey’s, Bright Shiny Morning. I couldn’t put it down. I love fast paced male fiction, like Elmore Leonard’s or Mario Puzo’s. The Godfather is my favourite book. And Chelsea Handler is hilarious. Bang, Bang, her new one, it’s very funny.

What’s your writing process generally like?

I usually get up very early, 6:30 or 7 and go straight to my desk and write a few sentences. And then I’ll get dressed and have my coffee. I think it’s important to start writing immediately, that’s a good trick for writers to know.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer? When I was about 7. I came home one day, I lived in London, I’d been to a communal swimming pool and I thought “I’ll sit down at my father’s card table and I will write a novel.” An that was it.

I was surprised to see you’ve never written an autobiography. Is it something you’d consider? I’ve been thinking of writing one! I’d call it Reform School or Hollywood. That’s what my parents told me when I was thrown out of school. I have a lot of juicy stories!

What upcoming projects are you working on now?

Right now I’m busy working on a Goddess of Vengeance and a Lucky Santangelo cookbook. I’m also doing Jackie Collins Hollywood Snaps – it’s going to be pictures I’ve taken of Hollywood.

And last, what compliments do you most like to receive from your readers?:

That they couldn’t put my book down. And I love that. They say “I got your new book and I was planning to parcel out the chapters, and instead I devoured in one fell swoop and I was  up until 5 in the morning.” And I love social media, because I get to hear from them all the time on twitter and facebook.

Click here for the original interview.

Thank you so much for your great questions on Ustream yesterday.  It was so much fun answering them.  I know you could all see me, but it’s a shame I couldn’t see you!

A couple of nights ago the legendary comedian Don Rickles was on The Tonight Show with Leno.  He is 84 and amazing!  So my latest Blast from the Past Video is an interview I conducted with Don about twelve years ago.  Feisty and fun, I thought you might enjoy it.

What a week!  I’m trying to write, but the headlines keep on attracting my attention.  Lindsey off to jail.  Paris topless on vacation.  Britney out and about with the worst hair extensions ever!  And of course, media star of the week – foul mouthed Mel Gibson.  Man, talk about someone in desperate need of anger management.  Wow!  He is so out of control.  And some people say I make my characters up!  Truth is always stranger than fiction.  If I wrote the Mel situation, nobody would believe it.

Oh yes, a question – why did Lindsey get her lips enhanced for her stay in jail?  Ah… the mysteries of Hollywood.

Oh well, back to writing “Goddess of Vengeance.” Did you enjoy reading the short excerpt?  I am loving writing about all my favorite Santangelo’s again.  Bobby, Max, and of course the wild and beautiful Lucky.  The adventure continues…

More soon.

Stay safe.

With love,

Jackie

“Lucky has invited us to Vegas next weekend,” Bobby Santangelo Stanislopolous said, stretching his six foot three frame on Denver Jones’s shabby chic couch.  “She’s planning a party for my sister Max’s eighteenth birthday.  One of her big family events.”

Denver regarded her boyfriend of several months with slight trepidation.  Oh, man, the longish jet black hair, dark as night eyes, Greek nose, and strong jaw line got her every time.  If only he wasn’t so damn handsome.  If only she hadn’t harbored a crush on him since high school.  If only he wasn’t such a fantastic lover with all the right moves.

I look forward to you joining me LIVE on Tuesday, July 20th at 4pm PT/ 7pm ET, on Ustream.TV. For 30 minutes I will answer your questions and read from my new book!  Be sure to check out my channel and become a follower: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/jackie-collins-on-sex-scandal-money-power. Post your questions to my Facebook page by Monday, July 19th for a chance at having them answered on Tuesday. I will be taking questions via Twitter LIVE during the show  – use #sexscandalmoneypower. Can’t wait!!

Jackie

Enjoy!

Jackie

Decided today that I would answer some of the most asked questions I receive.

First off, people are always asking me the order of my books, and there is a list on my website with all the relevant publishing dates.  As far as the Santangelo books are concerned (all six of them!) the order is as follows: “Chances,” “Lucky,” “Lady Boss,” “Vendetta – Lucky’s Revenge,” “Dangerous Kiss,” and “Drop Dead Beautiful.” Currently I am working on “Goddess of Vengeance” the next Santangelo book!  Also Bobby Santangelo – Lucky’s hot son – is a major character in “Poor Little Bitch Girl,” my latest bestseller, and Lucky makes a few brief appearances in that as well.

To all my Australian readers, I do intend to return – maybe with my next book.  I love Australia, and everything it has to offer.  Friendly people, amazing scenery, and fab food!!  I’ll be back!!

Often people ask me about previous books and if the characters will ever return.  Yes!  I love bringing back characters from previous novels, it’s always fun.

Another frequently asked question is where you can purchase DVD’s of my movies.  Periodically do searches on Amazon and eBay for the titles you are looking for, as they will appear when copies are available.

Also, for any fans who have issue submitting an autograph request form – please mail your request to:

Jackie Collins
P.O. Box 46609
Los Angeles, CA 90049

I’ve decided to close the Ask Jackie section on my website, so I can focus more on Facebook, Twitter, and time permitting, would really like to respond to comments posted on my website.  With that said, here are answers to some fans who had recently submitted Ask Jackie questions …

Michelle Richards in Toronto, Canada – I am delighted I inspired you, and don’t give up!  Ever!

Joanne – checkout the fantasies in my book “Hollywood Divorces.”  I think you’ll like!

I was in Memphis, Teri – loved the spare ribs!!

Hannah – regarding life in L.A.  Yes, celebrities are all over the place!  It’s fun going celebrity spotting!

Nicole – Max Santangelo was indeed named Maria, and in “Drop Dead Beautiful” she told Lucky she wanted to change her name to Max, so there you have it!

Okay, back to writing “Goddess of Vengeance.”

Have fun and stay safe!

All good thoughts,

Jackie

So ok, I’ve been missing in blog action for a few weeks.  Excellent excuse!!  I have been writing “Goddess of Vengeance” and enjoying every second.  The book will be about Lucky, her teenage daughter, Max, and her hot son, Bobby Santangelo Stanislopolous.  And yes – many of your favorite characters from “Poor Little Bitch Girl” will be back – including Denver, M.J., and the irascible Frankie Romano!!

I will also introduce an interesting, mysterious new villain.  Yes!!

Other than that I’ve been quite busy.  Met with Dave Stewart (of Eurythmics fame) regarding a project we might do together.  He’s a brilliant, interesting, fascinating man with incredible ideas.  Enjoyed spending time with him so much.

Also managed to squeeze in a few movies – Just Wright – Common and Queen Latifah.  Very funny and entertaining.  The latest Shrek movie – Eddie Murphy’s voiceover is hilarious.  And Letters to Juliet – sweet, and it immediately makes you want to leave for Italy!!  Such gorgeous photography.

Also went to the kickoff luncheon for the Carousel of Hope Ball, where I sat at a table with the incredible Racquel Welsh, along with Anjelica Huston, Alana Stewart, and the smart and feisty Mavis Leno (Jay’s wife).

Yeah!  Bret Michaels won “Celebrity Apprentice.” So happy for him!

That’s it … back to writing.

Stay safe.

Jackie

On a sour note – Rielle Hunter on Oprah.  Wow!  What a piece of work!  Distant, egotistical, proud of her dirty deeds, and totally unrepentant.  Lets put it this way, if I wrote about Rielle Hunter as a fictional character, everyone would totally loathe her.  I get this strong feeling Oprah felt the same way.  Oh yes, and John Edwards is a pathetic, lying, cheating, wimp … but enough about those two losers.

“Poor Little Bitch Girl” came out in paperback in England this week, and I am happy to say it’s zooming up the charts.  I love the fact that my readers are all so loyal.  Thank you.  And a big thank you to all the people who faithfully follow me on Twitter (jackiejcollins) and Facebook.  I get a real kick out of all your comments and insightful opinions on all kinds of subjects, it’s really interesting and fun to communicate with you all.  Obviously I cannot answer everyone all the time – otherwise I would never have time to write – but I do my best.

A lot of men have asked me what they should get their wives for next Sundays Mother’s Day.  Nothing like chocolates, roses, and an entertaining book.  Naturally I suggest they buy “Poor Little Bitch Girl” so they can both enjoy!  It’s amazing how many women tell me that they learned everything about sex by reading my books under the covers with a flashlight when they were teenagers!

Anyway, here’s wishing all the mothers out there a fantastic and loving day – with or without “Poor Little Bitch Girl!!”

Have a great one and stay safe,

Jackie

1. In Poor Little Bitch Girl, one of the characters has a relationship with a married senator. Were you inspired by real life scandals?

Absolutely! The headlines were full of cheating married politicians, and so Gregory was an easy character to write. Like most men in politics – he felt entitled to do whatever he felt like with no consequences.

2. Denver Jones is an intelligent attorney who enjoys having sex. Do you think there is a still a double standard for female characters in contemporary novels?

Denver is true to herself. She’s single and like any guy out there, she’s quite free sexually. My belief is if you’re single and take the right precautions – go for it!! Women love my strong female characters.

3. Will readers see more of Denver Jones and Bobby Santangelo in the future?

Yes. They will both be back in my next book, Goddess of Vengeance. My readers are loving the relationship between the two of them. And they are all crazy about Bobby – Lucky’s hot son.

4. Your novels give readers a look into the scandalous life of Hollywood. Do you think there is as much sex, lies, corruption and scandal in small towns?

Oh yes, but they keep it well hidden, whereas in Hollywood it’s headline news … with everything from TMZ to Access Hollywood, nothing is a secret anymore. As for small towns – yeah – lust and corruption under cover!

5. What is it about Hollywood that makes it so hard for couples to stay together?

Fame corrupts some people, and makes them feel they can do anything and get away with it. Also temptation is everywhere, and a lot of couples find cheating on their partners too easy to resist.

6. Tell us about the movie you are producing, Paris Connections. And is there a Lucky movie on the way?

Paris Connections is set in Paris, and stars one of my fave heroines, Madison Castelli (Lethal Seduction and Deadly Embrace), played by Nicole Steinwedell. Madison is a strong, feisty journalist investigating the murders of two models. And then she falls in love with Jake – a photographer, played by the very sexy Anthony Delon. Regarding a Lucky movie – it’s in the works!

7. Your fans range so much in demographics. How do you stay so connected to them all?

I am a popular culture junkie, and I also love staying connected through my Twitter (jackiejcollins), Facebook (www.facebook.com/jackiecollins), and website (www.jackiecollins.com). Kids start reading me at age 15 – and I also get the rest of the family! I write for everyone – all colors, ages and sexual orientation.

8. Do you have a 28th novel in the works?

Goddess of Vengeance – the continuing adventures of Lucky Santangelo.

9. With some many books under your belt, do you still feel nervous when a new book is released?

Not nervous – elated! And I love getting out there and talking about it. Poor Little Bitch Girl jumped right on to the New York Times bestseller list, so that was exciting!

10. Can you see yourself ever retiring from writing?

Never! It’s my total passion.

11. Which reality TV show would you most like to appear on?

“Survivor.” Just to test myself.

12. If you could invite three characters from your books to dinner, who would you invite? And which character would you definitely not invite?

Lucky Santangelo – ’cause she’s so dynamic and fun. Jack Python – the sexy talk show host from Hollywood Husbands. And Montana Grey from Hollywood Wives – another strong woman. And the character I wouldn’t invite … Red Diamond from Lovers & Players, a total chauvinistic asshole!!

The original post can be found here.