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16 April 2010

Getting to Know you Thursday with Janet Dean

Please welcome Janet Dean to my blog today for Getting to know you Thursday, Sorry I'm running late again this week. Im happy to have Janet here as I have loved her books. I haven't read the latest but have it on my TBR list.



1.      Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in a family that cherished the past and had a strong creative streak. My father recounted wonderful stories like his father before him. The tales they told instilled in me a love of history and the desire to write. I married my college sweetheart and taught first grade before leaving education to rear two daughters. With our daughters almost grown, I eagerly turned to pursuing my dream of publication. It took nine years to sell to Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical. These days I sit at the computer, spinning stories of strong men and women of faith who built this country. 

2.      When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

I loved Black Beauty, a novel released in 1877 by English author Anna Sewell. She wrote the story in the last years of her life while confined to her house as an invalid and lived just long enough to see her only novel become a bestseller. Heidi released in 1880 by Swiss author Johanna Spyri was another favorite.  (Jenny here I loved Heidi too and Heidi grows up)

3.      Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and write?

With my love of history and happy endings, I’m drawn to read and write historical romances. But I also enjoy reading other genres. I wish I had more time to read!

4.      Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre and Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind influenced me. I didn’t think of these stories as romances, and GWTW isn’t the HEA ending we expect in a romance, but both authors wrote strong characters that lived on in my mind. I want to do the same for my readers  

5.      When did you know you wanted to be an author?

At twelve I illustrated and wrote little romances. From that point on, I believed I’d write a book one day. One day took quite a while.

6.      How did you go about becoming an author?

I joined Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers, took classes, read How-To craft books, entered writing contests and found a critique partner. Like most writers, I submitted and got rejected. Time after time. It didn’t help that historical fiction’s popularity had ebbed, making it even more difficult for new writers to break in. Once Steeple Hill announced plans to open the Love Inspired Historical line, I was ready to step through God’s open door. I’m very grateful!

7.      If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

I taught first grade before having our children and substitute taught for six years after they were in high school and college. I loved teaching but at this point in my life, I would volunteer at church or in the community.

8.      Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I love to walk, travel, and knit simple projects. I enjoy rubber stamping greeting cards and playing golf and bridge. There are so many things I’d like to do if I had the time. I can’t imagine being bored.

9.      Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

We spend time in Florida during the winter months. Water is a lure for me. I drink in the sight of oceans and lakes like a parched camel. I’d like to see more of this vast country. We’ve been to Italy and Bermuda, places I’ll always remember and would enjoy visiting again. Maybe one day we’ll get to England and Australia.

10.  If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

I’d choose three of my readers, women who love romance novels as much as I do. We could chat for hours. You free for lunch, Jenny?

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon.

The Substitute Bride, February 2010, was a fun story to write—with a mail-order bride, disgruntled groom and a small town filled with quirky characters. Here’s a peek:

They Struck a Bargain for Marriage

Fleeing an arranged marriage, debutante Elizabeth Manning exchanges places with a mail-order bride bound for New Harmony, Iowa. Life on the frontier can’t be worse than forced wedlock to pay her father’s gambling debts. But Ted Logan’s rustic lifestyle and rambunctious children prove to be more of a challenge than Elizabeth expects. She doesn’t know how to be a mother or a wife. She doesn’t even know how to tell Ted the truth about her past—especially as her feelings for him grow. Little does she know, Ted’s hiding secrets of his own. When their pasts collide, there’s more than one heart at stake.

Also where we can find you on the web?

Thanks for having me on your blog today, Jenny! I had a great time!

Janet

14 comments:

Melanie Dickerson said...

Hi, Jenny and Janet!!! I'm reading The Substitute Bride right now and it's REALLY GODD! I'm really enjoying the humorous/romantic situation you've put the characters into!!!

Great interview!

Julie Lessman said...

Hey Jenny and Janet -- great interview!!

LOVED The Substitute Bride!! My favorite of all Janet's books, which is saying something because they're all wonderful.

Hugs,
Julie

Janet Dean said...

Hi Melanie! I'm delighted you're enjoying The Substitute Bride! Thanks for stopping. I can't wait to read your book! Give us the particulars, please.

Janet

Janet Dean said...

Julie, you're a sweetheart! Right now I'm struggling with my current book. Yours and Melanie's encouragement is exactly the shot in the arm I needed today. Thanks!!

The cover of your upcoming release is intriguing!! When will A Hope Undaunted be on the shelves?

Hugs, Janet

Unknown said...

I loved Substitute Bride too. I think it's my favorite of Janet's so far... Oh, and I'm a huge Jane Eyre fan! I fell in love with that book in ninth grade and have loved it ever since. One of my favorite books of all time.

Janet Tronstad said...

Janet -- great interview! I have your book ordered, but I don't have it in hand yet. I'm looking forward to reading it. I didn't know your 'road to publication' story and I'm impressed. You worked hard (not that most don't who eventually get published).

Karen Lange said...

Great interview! May have to pick this one up:)
Have a good weekend,
Karen

Janet Dean said...

Hi Jennifer! I've had several readers tell me The Substitute Bride was their favorite of my books. I can't pick favorites, but I did have fun writing the book.

We should rate Jane Eyre on Goodreads. :-)

Janet

Janet Dean said...

Thanks Janet! I'm sure you worked hard too. Some have worked longer than I have to get published. It's a tough road, but worth it!

Janet

Janet Dean said...

Thanks for your interest, Karen! And for stopping in.

Happy weekend!

Janet

Melanie Dickerson said...

I'm scheduled to be on Ausjenny's blog June 3rd, Janet. You'll have to pop in then and check out my new book. :-)
Can't wait to see what happens with Ted and Elizabeth!

Janet Dean said...

Thanks Mel! I have the date on my calendar.

Get reading and get to the end, girlfriend. :-)

Janet

Terrie said...

great job Ausjenny! Hi Janet, Still love your books. :)

Wyn said...

Hi Jenny, just wanted you to know that I have awarded you a Sunshine Award. Go to http://wynsbooks.blogspot.com/2010/04/received-blog-award.html to pick up the picture. :)

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