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Watch Video Pitch for the Historical Romantic Novel by Jane Jackson:
Get to know writer Jane Jackson:
1. What is your story about?
It’s about ambition, courage, the devastation caused by secrets, and the power of love.
2. Why do people need to read/watch this story?
Because history is vivid and real; it’s us as we were then, confined by class and social custom yet sharing the same worries, yearnings and fears.
3. How long have you been writing stories?
Since I learned to form words and could hold a pencil. But I was making them up to entertain my younger sister as soon as I could talk!
4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?
There are many that I watch over and over. But The Shawshank Redemption is a favourite.
5. What artists would you love to work with?
Anyone in sympathy with my work!
6. How many stories have you written?
My twenty-ninth book was published by Accent Press in January. Two more will be published later this year. I’m currently researching a historical spy series and I’m also writing a series of contemporary novellas set in a Cornish village featuring Jess Trevanion who researches family trees and makes all kinds of unexpected discoveries.
7. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?
Right here, enjoying good health and writing books that fascinate me and appeal to an increasing number of readers!
8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?
I used to have an idea, sit down and start writing. But the frequent interruptions that go with having three children then doing all the paperwork for my husband’s business meant I needed to plan so that if I was called away, once I got back I could pick up where I left off. Now I write an overview of the story using 7Ws and an H – Where is it set? When? Who is the central character? What does he/she want to achieve? Who will try to stop him/her? Why? What obstacles will he/she face? How will he/she overcome them?
The answers to these give me a starting point. Then I research the period and location and write detailed biographies for my main characters ensuring each has personality traits and baggage in their pasts that will maximise conflict. They have to earn their rewards!
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
My husband and family, reading, music, and long walks by the sea or through the woods. I feel very lucky doing a job I love in surroundings that nourish my soul and feed my creativity.
10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Festival?
It offered a wonderful opportunity to bring my books to a wider audience. Who knows where that might lead?
11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Write what you feel passionate about. Write every day. Don’t talk about it to other people. It’s not their idea so they won’t see it the way you do. Get your idea out of your head and onto screen or paper. That first outpouring is your rough clay, not the finished book. The editing process is when you cut, add, refine and polish. Anyone can publish a book on Amazon, but that doesn’t guarantee sales. Nor do you get a second chance to make a first impression. So make sure your book is the best it can be. And perhaps most important of all, enjoy your writing. You’ll be living with that book and those characters for at least six months. Make sure they are people you care about; people whose dramas make you jump out of bed or race through your work/chores so you can get back to them and find out what’s going to happen next. Good luck!
WILDsound Festival 