Interview with Author Jan Bowles:
Hi Jan. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...
- Please tell us about your latest book.
My latest book is entitled ‘The Return’. It is about an English journalist held hostage in Iraq, who “returns” to his sweetheart a very changed man. Can they “return” to the way they once were? A real page turner full of emotion. So I have been told.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
My second book to be published with Siren-Bookstrand is out on sale in January 2010. It is called ‘Lessons in Love’. It tells of a love story between a Texan oilman, and a beautiful English woman who intrigues him. Just who is she, and what is she running from?
- How do we find out about you and your books?
Go to www.janbowles.com
- How may readers contact you?
Readers can contact me at jan@janbowles.com and www.facebook.com/pages/Jan-Bowles/141669030961
- How many readers/fans contact you?
I am very lucky. I get a lot of fans contact me through Facebook or via email at jan@janbowles.com to tell me how much they enjoy my writing. I always take the time to reply to them personally.
- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?
Yes of course. I am always willing to embrace my fans’ ideas. If I get several fans ask the same questions about a certain type of hero or heroine, then I often use their ideas in my next book.
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
I am a natural romantic at heart, and I believe that everyone has a soul mate out there somewhere. I try to bring them together in my writing.
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
Quite a lot. My writing and my real life tend to overlap. I am a great believer that people with more life experience, make better writers.
- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
There is no hard and fast rule, but usually it takes me about three to four months to complete a book. I try to get three published each year.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I try to write 3,000 words each day, although this is not always possible, and sometimes the words just won’t flow. Sometimes I need a break and a chat with family and friends. I never force my writing my best work is always done when I’m relaxed and happy.
- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
I love the outdoors, walking especially, which in turn gives me time to think about my writing. To really wind down and relax, I love to paint and draw. I’ll never be a great artist, but I do love painting, that is the most important thing.
- Where do your ideas come from?
Ah, now there’s a question. Sometimes I get inspiration from my observation of people, sometimes from friends. The other day I saw a drop dead gorgeous guy in the street. He is going to be central to my latest book, ‘Dark Secret’. I also come up with ideas whilst watching the news. ‘The Return’ was based on a news story of a man held hostage in Iraq.
- Do you feel humour is important in women's fiction and why?
Absolutely – although some of my books tackle dark subjects - there is still room for humour.
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
I really enjoy writing love scenes. I just let myself go…time seems to stand still. Yet when I look down at the page, I find that an hour has passed and I’ve written 2,000 words.
- What does your husband/wife think of your writing?
I have a lovely husband who tells me he is extremely proud of my writing. He tells me that I create a lot of emotion in my characters.
- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?
Patricia Cornwell - I love her Dr Kay Scarpetta novels.
- Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?
Ann Calhoun – Liberating Lacey. I thought it was a great read, and really loved her hero Hunter.
- Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
In my next book due to be published with Siren-Bookstrand in January 2010, Eva St. John the heroine is everything a woman should be. She is determined, ambitious, and more than able to look after herself, but she is also extremely feminine.
- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
Now that’s a good one. The characters for me always come first. I list everything about them, their personality etc., right down to where they went to school. Even if it doesn’t appear in the book, it’s useful to know, and may give me an idea about how they will react in a given situation.
- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?
They do try to control me, and I let them. Sometimes you’ll put them together and their conversations will guide you in a different direction. Perhaps one you hadn’t even thought of, until you let them loose.
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
My advice is never give up, so long as you still enjoy writing. My manuscripts were rejected many times, until the first one was accepted. So keep going, don’t give up.
Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
Author Links:
Website Email Facebook
RaH Links:
Review of The Return Coming Soon
Purchase Links:
Buy Jan's Books At Amazon
Buy Author's Books at Siren-Bookstrand
