Summer Bash - Day 7!

Welcome to day 7 of my party. Today I have my dear friend Jane Beckenham in the pool. So please help me welcome her.


1: When did you first begin writing?

I began writing about 11 years ago, after meeting a writer on line. I just sat down and thought. Ok, I’m going to do this – talk about the age of innocence!


2: Where do you get your inspiration for writing from?

Things… titles, characters, all just pop into my head, but what evolves is often quite different from what it started out being.

3: Do you have any rituals that help you get in the mood to sit down and write?

I play solitaire on the computer for about 10 minutes – it’s either that or stare at an empty screen – but I do like to try and get some of the housework done first, then I don’t have to think about it and worry about getting it done. I know… very sad puppy!

4: Are you a plotter or a pantser when you write? Why does that work for you?

What I’ve found over the years is that I’m a bit of both, and that sometimes what works for one book, doesn’t work for another…a mystery of the universe. However, writing synopsis has become easier and I tend to try and write those BEFORE I write the story now… mostly as a guideline.

5: Who are some of your favorite authors to read when you are not writing?

I love Sophia James (M&B historical) Rachel Bailey (Sil desire) Sandra Hill for her contemporaries and historica (time travels)

6: Are you currently reading anything right now?

I’ve just finished reading Rachel Bailey’s The Blackmailed Bride’s Secret Child – yes I know a long title, but a good story. Also I have Sophia James’ Misteltoe Magic to read

7: How do you deal with writer’s block?

Horrible! Horrible! Actually I’m in a bit of a period of this at the moment and honestly it is quite scary because it’s never happened in the 11 years I’ve been writing solidly. However, I’m just going with the flow, reading, doing other writing things, courses etc. I have lots of ideas, but I just think my brain and body need a tiny hiatus.

8: What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?

I’m an avid interior design nut and have just become addicted to decorating DIY blogs – could spend all day on them! We’re in the process of tidying our house up to sell, so I’m in drool mode thinking about decorating a new house – where or what that house is yet, I have no idea!

9: If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

I’d go back to London because I love it for it’s history, same too for Israel. I just adore seeing the ancient-ness of all these places. I remember my first sight of Jerusalem 30 years ago… all you could see was the old city and on the road side was this Bedouin and his donkey etc, it was as if I had gone back in time… I wonder if that is why I ended up writing a time travel/romance set in Israel! Plus I have never been to New York and would love to experience it...and of course, go shopping!

10: What advice do you have for new authors?

Keep trying. Yes its hard, frustrating, scary, but it’s also exhilarating and you meet some wonderful, wonderful writers and make fabulous friends. That makes it all worth it. But as an aside, remember to take time out for you too. Time to replenish the well.


11: Is there anything you’d like people to know about you?

I’d like to say I’d discovered the recipe for anti-ageing, but alas, when I look in the mirror, I definitely know I haven’t. oh gosh,…I I’m trying to think up something exciting about me LOL, but really I’m just Jane, wife of Neil, mother of Yana and Anzhela who wants to tell stories.

12: Tell us a bit about your book. What’s it about?

Well so far this year I’ve actually had two releases (well by the time this interview is released LOL) – He’s the One, a contemporary romance, released by Samhain who also released Romeo For Hire. He’s the One was excitingly #1 for the publisher and also cracked the Amazon 100 contemporary list which was exciting – though I slept through it – being at the other end of the world in NZ – You can read an excerpt here.
My other release from Red Rose Publishing is another of my sheikh stories – In Love With the Sheikh. I love writing those sheikh’s the mysterious desert men and all their alpha-ness!
Biography – Jane Beckenham

In books Author Jane Beckenham discovered dreams and hope, stories that inspired in her a love of romance and happy ever after. Years later, after a blind date, Jane found her own true love and married him eleven months later.
Life has been a series of ‘dreams’ for Jane. Dreaming of learning to walk again after spending years in hospital. Dreaming of raising a family and subsequently flying to Russia to bring home her two adopted daughters. And of course, dreaming of writing.
Writing has become Jane’s addiction - and it sure beats housework.
You can contact Jane via her web site http://www.janebeckenham.com/ or email her at neiljane@ihug.co.nz

Thank you so much for being here Jane. It's been son much fun.