Tell me a about yourself. What got
you started in writing?
I’m an editor and an author and can’t remember a time I didn't love words. When I was younger, I would tell stories verbally—usually
things that had happened to friends (or, more often, fictional characters from
books, movies, or Adventures in Odyssey).
It was a natural progression to writing after that.
In 2012, a year after I self-published my first book, I started
my editing and publishing company, Rivershore Books. The business began out of
a desire to help my fellow authors see their books in print while doing
something I enjoyed, and it is continuing to grow. My goal is to honor God in my
writing and encourage others to do the same.
How and where do you write? Do
you prefer a lap top or do you prefer writing freehand?
It changes all the time. My regular spot is in the living
room, with my laptop and some coffee. When I start to get stuck or distracted,
I’ll move to my room, head outside, go to a coffee shop, or switch to a
notebook. I also have a typewriter I’ll sometimes use.
What's your favorite part about
writing? Your least favorite part about writing?
I love to see characters come alive on the page. Those rare
moments when the writing just “flows” make it worth the frustrating days—the
times when writing even one sentence is a struggle. Usually my writing speed
falls somewhere in between those extremes.
How do you come up with your
characters? Why would readers want to get to know them?
All of my books take place within the same “world,” so the main
group of characters is in each of them, though the POV changes. New characters appear
when the plot calls for them, and I get to know them by writing them into
different scenes and filling out “character interviews” from their
perspectives
My goal is for them to be realistic and easy to relate to,
which is why I put myself into their shoes. Some characters are more likable;
some are more flawed.
What types of marketing do you do
to promote your writing?
I’m on Facebook and Twitter and have
two blogs (one as an author, the other as a publisher), so I’m slowly gaining
followers and likes, but I haven’t done much actual marketing. When I was first
beginning, another author gave me advice (paraphrased): “Wait to market until
you have three or more books published. When readers find and enjoy your book,
they’ll have more to read right away.” I’m working on my fourth and fifth books
now, and then I’ll start pursuing marketing (mainly by contacting bloggers and
reviewers).
How do you schedule your writing
time? When do you write?
In short: I don’t schedule it. I know many authors have
success when they set specific times to write, but I’m not one of them. I do
make a point to write something
creative every day. It doesn't matter if it happens at 7 a.m. or midnight.
Sometimes it’s thousands of words, and sometimes it’s under a hundred. Any
writing is a success.
What are you currently working
on? Do you have a new book out?
Tomatoes
Don’t Judge is my current work in progress.
It’s a novel about a girl who meets a boy and falls in love...with his family.
She comes from a family that neglects her, so being involved in daily things
(i.e., planting tomatoes) is huge.
My most recent books are As
Fairydust Settles (sequel to Shrouded
Jewels and a modern retelling of David and his first wife Michal from 1
Samuel 1:18) and Life is Crumbly
(“morbidly funny,” illustrated short story about the ways cookies can die),
both released in December 2013.
Do you have a project on the back
burner? Tell me about it.
The prequel-of-sorts to Tomatoes
is called Potatoes Still Bruise. It’s
the main character’s journal from her early years. Just like a small bruise can
affect the entire potato, Kara's scars have an effect on the way she views the
world.
While this book is first chronologically, I think it makes
more sense to read Tomatoes before
it, which is why this is on the back burner for now.
What would you tell a beginning
writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?
You are your own biggest critic. It can be frightening, but
sometimes the most helpful thing for your writing is to share it with others.
Find a couple people you trust and ask for their opinion of it. You might be
surprised by how encouraging they are.
In the meantime, keep writing and reading. The more you do
both, the better you’ll become. It’s not about being “good enough.” It’s about
letting your story be told in the way only you can tell it.
***
Thanks Jansina!
Learn more about Jansina and her books:
Shrouded Jewels:
Short Stories:
