Special thanks to the author for taking time to answer our questions to share with you! 

Introducing Indie Author Jourdana Webber

Your new favorite writer is here with an exclusive interview for The Loop. Jourdana Webber’s first novel (of many, we hope) is called Unconventionally, Elle. Set for an early September release, this dual-timeline story is about a thoroughly appealing character named Elle Watson.

Q: How do you come up with ideas for your books? Do you have a specific process for brainstorming and developing your plots? 

A: “Elle” came to me in a dream and then manifested into something completely different, ha! It was very rude of her because I had an entire outline with index cards that went out the window. Overall, real life inspires my books. I’m always paying attention to what people are saying, where we are, what I smell, etc. Then the ideas play like a movie in my head and I’m like there it is. I currently have ideas for a small-town romance series, as well as more in the “Elle-Universe.” 

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an indie author, and how have you overcome them? 

A: Overall, figuring out how to get a book published. I started off with the plan: Idea, Write, Get an Agent, Publish. Then I learned through a ton of research, questions, and chats with fellow authors who became friends (Hi, Karina May!) that there are so many details in between those steps. I had to decide after hundreds of rejections, do I go indie and choose myself or do I wait for someone to choose me in trad, which could take years?  

I believed in Unconventionally, Elle and I knew that Elle was ready to be seen, so I chose myself and left the query trenches. Indie publishing has its own challenges, but an answer was always a Google search, blog post, or conversation with a friend away. I guess to answer the question, choosing myself and navigating the process for the first time and forgoing the assumed validation of trad publishing were my biggest challenges. 

Q: Can you share any tips or advice for aspiring indie authors who are just starting out? 

A: 1) Find your people: your writer friends and/or book club friends who will support you and build you up, and be fine with a group chat of strangers who all happen to love Taylor Swift. They will be the ones with you when imposter syndrome strikes and you need a reminder of how amazing and talented you are. 

2) If possible, save up and pay for editing (developmental, copy, and proofreading) and cover art. Editors are magicians, and I give so much credit to the team I put together. By creating a book that meets the industry publishing standards, you separate yourself and your book. 

Q: How do you balance the creative aspects of writing with the business side
of being an indie author?

A: I graduated from The University of Georgia with a dual degree in journalism and
business. While creativity is my LOVE, I understand the business-side. I’m also really
good at research, and half the time, business things aren’t as scary once you know the
process. However, a letter from the Dept of Revenue will always be scary even if it is
just a sales tax permit. (Yes, I needed that to sell my own books) Also, my husband is in
finance so that helps a lot. I need him to reign me in with marketing because I’m like
Ohhh custom tote! Ohhh, Elle stickers! I’ve always enjoyed marketing and branded
items, so that’s my Achilles heel.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an indie author?

A: My grandfather lived with us while my husband and I cared for him. The most rewarding
part of my journey was when my grandfather and I listened to my audiobook together
two weeks before he passed. Reading my book with my grandfather was THE core
memory of this journey. He was so proud; he told everyone about my book and bragged
about it until the end.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my friends. I’ve made SO many friends through social
media and even reconnected with old friends from my past. These friendships are my
people, and their support and love for me and Elle is indescribable.

Q: Are there any particular indie authors whose work you admire or who have
inspired you?

A: All these people have inspired me and/or given me advice along the way. I almost
passed out when I met Tarah DeWitt and she complimented my outfit. Emily McIntire, Jordana Blake (we have the same name, I mean c’mon!), Riley Costello, Amie McNee, BK Borison, Tarah DeWitt, and Sarah Adams. (both trad and indie).

Q: How do you engage with your readers and build a community around your
books?

A: I engage mainly on Instagram and through my newsletter. I love to connect
authentically, so some people are in actual (texting) group chats, while I also have
Instagram group chats.

For the groups, people get added by word-of-mouth from a friend or simply because
they are an ARC or Beta reader for me. I’ve made incredible friends by showing up as
my authentic self on social media, being vulnerable, and sharing every win, even if it’s
just hitting a random word count. People LOVE to cheer you on and want to be part of
your journey. Oh, and I also attend multiple book clubs (shh! I don’t always read the
book) and visit Indie bookstores near me to chat and mingle. Oh, and coffee shops are
bookish central.

Q: What are you currently working on, and what can readers expect from you
in the future?

A: I’m working on my second book right now, and it goes to my editor on 12/1/25! The title
is Could’ve, Should’ve, Would’ve (CSW) and while it’s a new couple no one’s met yet, it
does take place in the “Elle-Universe”.

CSW Blurb:
Could’ve, Should’ve, Would’ve follows the relationship between Addie Taylor (an
aspiring Broadway actress) and Grey Buford (her best friend’s brother.) Miles Buford is
Addie’s best friend and when they were younger, they made a pact to get married by 30
if they were still single. The catch? They both prefer men.

Addie is a month away from her 30th birthday and single (thanks to a cheating beau).
The societal pressures of ‘being on time’ with marriage, family, + career are
overwhelming and she feels behind the curve. The pact can’t be enacted so she goes on
a week-long trip with Grey to Europe (the one she was supposed to be on with her ex).

Addie comes to realize that maybe she made the pact with the wrong brother. Oh, and
did I mention, Grey’s a poet trapped in the body of some finance guy?

With plenty of banter and anticipation, two people who’ve known each other all their
lives, finally give in to the feelings that have been there all along, even if it takes a while
because ultimately friendships, careers, and the status quo are at stake.

“I have a few more ideas for the “Elle-universe”, but I’m chewing at the bit to write a
small-town romance series based on my favorite place in North Carolina—seriously, I
can’t write fast enough”

What Is Unconventionally, Elle About? 

Here’s a quick summary of the plot of Jourdana Webber’s debut novel, available on Hoopla:

Unconventionally, Elle by Jourdana Webber - Available for free on Hoopla

At the height of her corporate success, Elle Watson finds herself on the verge of despair, feeling betrayed and burned out. She abruptly leaves her high-powered life behind to pursue her long-abandoned dream of becoming a writer, moving from New Orleans to Boston for a fresh start. As her new life begins, Elle finds herself torn between two very different men.  

There’s Barrett Henry, Boston’s most eligible bachelor, who seems to offer a new and exciting future. However, the unexpected return of Jude Ashford, a man from her past who understands her like no one else, complicates her emotions. Elle must confront her past and present to decide what—and who—she is truly willing to fight for. This story, told through dual timelines, explores themes of love, loss, and the courage to pursue a life that is truly your own.

Support Indie Authors on Hoopla! 

We love indie authors—writers who self-publish their books. Self-publishing takes a lot of work and even more courage, and we are happy to support their literary journeys. Check out Unconventionally, Elle on Hoopla and become a ground-floor Jourdana Webber fan. You can tell your friends about this exciting new author you discovered!