Author Bio:
Nancy Janes lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her husband Richard. She retired from the field of mental health and returned to creative writing. Her background in psychotherapy informs her writing for the substantive issues common to all can find healing through an empathetic ear. And so it is in writing that one can touch others through the printed word. She is the author of two books and is constantly occupied with characters who demand a stage on which to perform. Another book is in the works and the stage may be fully occupied in the coming months.
What inspires you to write?
The printed word has fascinated me since I discovered the A B C’s at four-five years of age. The fascination of seeing the letters form words has never left me. Then when I was older and discovered books what a joy it was to see the words make pictures and convey a message to the reader. I began writing in the poetry formats when I was in middle school. Prose writing was mainly restricted to the professional arena until my retirement. The wish to tell a story that carries a message of hope to my readers inspires me. The belief that all obstacles in life can be overcome through faith is a message that resonates in my writing.
Tell us about your writing process.
I am not an organized writer. I do no outlines or sketches of characters. I do use software at times and find it valuable in checking grammar and run on sentences, or using the same word repeatedly.
Once an idea takes form in my mind I write it out. From there the characters seem to take on a life of their own and leads the story along.
Morning is my best time to write when distractions are at a minimum. Sometimes, I will use pen and paper, but it’s Microsoft Word.on a daily basis.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I listen and talk both. When I spend hours and days with the characters they take on a life of their own.
There is a real grieving period when the book is finished.
Who are your favorite authors?
I admit I’m a history buff now. But many days and nights have been spent with the classics. At twelve years of age I came across Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. What a treasure, and then, I found a book by Poe, The
Gold Bug. I’ve been a mystery reader ever since. These books led me to the other great writers.
I also began to read the Bible at eleven years of age and it it is till my favorite book. In that one book all other books are encompassed.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
The decision was easy to self-publish. I am an older writer and the thought of the long process to find an agent and a publisher was daunting. The desire to publish came when the first book was written. It seemed to be a finale to the creative process.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Over time the traditional publishers will have to change to accommodate self-publishing. There may be a combination of both under one umbrella. Self-publishing is growing up with more authors deciding to go the route with quality books that match those of the the traditional publishing house.
What genres do you write?
Fantasy/Sc-fic and the American Vein
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print, Audiobook
Website(s)
Nancy Janes Home Page Link
Link To Nancy Janes Page On Amazon
