The Untold Story: An Interview with Justine Gladden, author of Me & Mrs. Jones

Justine Gladden has always thought about putting a lot of things on the wall as far as accomplishments and certificates. After quitting school at an early age, she went back and got her GED. She became a licensed foster parent, then she became a therapeutic foster parent. She has run a home care business for the past eight years. She is a certified notary and is also certified in CPR. Justine is a co-guardian to three special needs children, and has adopted three children. She raised two grown daughters and five beautiful grandchildren. She likes to say that she is “Just working to see how many things I can accomplish before it’s all over. I believe the world doesn’t owe me anything and I believe when I leave, I will have enjoyed all that life had to offer me.”

You can buy the book here.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

In the field of sales, we call the people we talk to “the Jones” until we learn their names and felt I had a personal relationship with them and that’s how I came up with this title.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

It was exciting and overwhelming to finally be able to see and hold something I accomplished on my own.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

Being able to finally tell my story.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

In my first job, I went door to door selling books and magazines for twenty years and stayed with the company for twenty-eight years.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

Knowing that readers would enjoy reading a story that has never been told before.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

I’ve Never Been to Me – Charlene

Me and Mrs. Jones – Billy Paul

Because You Love Me – Celine Dion

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

Enjoyment of a life story that was exciting, adventurous, and rewarding.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I am hoping to continue with part two of Me & Mrs. Jones and turn the books into movies or a miniseries.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

Atmosphere Press was very helpful in understanding my vision for the book and made the process very natural. I would do it all over again.

You can buy the book here.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.