Interview with Jane, author of Barcelona Calling (FB author hop #2)



Horray! You are back (or maybe this is your first visit?)!  Either way..welcome!  If today is your first visit please be sure to first visit the " contest & giveaways" tab at the top of the page.  There you will find how to pariticpate in this contest.  Hurry on over...we will be here when you come back.

Today I thought I would share a little bit more about myself and my journey writing Barcelona Calling.  This is an interview from blogger/photographer, (she has done all my professional photos...aren't they beautiful!) Carole Marie

 

Whatever made you decide to write a contemporary novel after your success with historical fiction?

Good question, something I asked myself when I was half-way through with revisions and wondering what on earth I'd gotten myself into! Part of the reason for writing it was because people I admire (a former editor, a publishing friend, my husband and my prayer partners) encouraged me to write something a little lighter but that still could reach readers' hearts as my historical fiction seems to. When one of those people urged my agent to get me to consider it, I decided to give it a try and Zondervan purchased the proposal. Part of my angst is that I don't want to let all those people down in addition to wanting to reach an audience that might not read historical novels. It's a risk. But I read once that even old rats when given new mazes to learn actually grew new brain cells. So I'm hoping this process grew me some new brain cells!

Do you think your faithful readers will follow you out of history into the urban world of Milwaukee, Chicago, Denver and Barcelona, Spain?

I hope they do! I think what Barcelona Calling has in common with my historical novels are characters that people can care about, characters who make bad choices and struggle through them, and characters who learn from their mistakes. Annie Shaw (of BC) isn't a real person but she has a lot of me in her...I guess each of my characters does, the part where the character makes a poor choice and has to deal with the consequences. I also hope the detail of the international sporting event involving 11,000 police and firemen will intrigue people in the way that historical details do. How many people know of that Olympic-like competition? It's worth discovering. All my novels weave landscape, relationships, spirituality and work into the story-line and this novel is no exception.

So have you been to Barcelona?

Yes, in 2003, to watch the World Police and Fire Games. It was grand with competitors from all over the world. We attended with a friend who is a retired policewoman, who also competed. We ate the chocolate, rode the subways, got pick-pocketed, visited Gaudi's amazing structures, toured underground Rome and had the best time while she competed on various golf courses near Barcelona. Miranda, Annie Shaw's alter ego in the book, had many of the experiences in Barcelona that I did. I would go back in a minute!

You mentioned in a recent newspaper article that writing a novel without the spine of history was a challenge. What did you mean by that?

All of my novels have been based on the lives of real people or historical events that I could research by interviewing descendants and reading documents, studying historian point of view, etc. While I did interview people for this book, some who had attended an Oprah show for example, I didn't have that solid background of what actually happened from which to launch the story. I obsessed about it a lot and then my editor suggested that I imagine my character as the descendant of one of my other characters from one of my historical novels! That was genius. I knew instantly who that would be and began then giving her some of that real DNA traveling through history to contemporary times.

This novel has a story within a story. Annie Shaw is writing a novel she's called Miranda of LaMancha but her editor has other ideas for the title and for the story itself. Is that true to how the publishing world works?

Carole Marie Photography
I've always had great editors, terrific editors! And it is also true that writers don't always get the title they want for a book. Marketing and sales have a say in that. We don't always get our say about the cover...which is why some people have gone to self-publishing where they have more control. It's a delicate balance between standing firm to one's artistic voice and listening to the wise voices of people who have been around a lot more books than I have and who have my best interest at heart. No one wants to publish a bad book with an awful cover or with a weird title that doesn't peak any one's interest. Personally, I wanted Oprah Doesn't Know My Name but when it came down to it, I liked this title because of its double meaning: Annie was seeking a calling and she had reason to listen to what and who was calling her back to Barcelona and to that inner voice calling her to be true to herself.


The book has several emails sent to Annie Shaw about how her other titles have affected the readers. Are those based on your own interactions with readers?

Yes, actually, most of them are. It's one of the hidden treasures of writing, to have that reader interaction, to know that even if the book gets a bad review, there is likely someone out there who took the book into their soul and found comfort or insight or courage there. The interaction Annie has with her children's Reading Ready group is also based on interactions I've had with children and books and how much they touch their lives. I chose memoirist, poet, writer May Sarton's comment in the front matter, about her wish to beat out the critics just once rather than watch her books meet their individual reader one at a time. I suspect each writer wishes that at some point; yet it is that one reader meeting writer within each book that grants some of the most satisfying moments of a writer's life.

Annie has written three books and is trying to get Miranda of LaMancha finalized for publication. Where did you come up with the other titles for Annie's books?

Sweet Charity's Rose just appealed to me and it was Annie's big success, her first novel, written when she was in love and getting married. Don't Kick Me was something my granddaughter said jokingly while commenting on a friend who says one thing but then behaves in the exact opposite way. She pooched her bottom out and said "Don't kick me!" The Long Bad Sentence was actually the name of a horse I placed a two dollar bet on in Oklahoma City. It sounded like a writer's horse. But it didn't do anything and later I told my husband it was probably a correctional facility horse and had nothing to do with writing. I had Annie set her romance novel between a prison guard and a nurse working there...not the most advantageous setting for a romance novel -- which was just one more example of some of Annie's poor choices. Miranda of LaMancha is just a hokey title or at least I wanted it to be even though I hoped her actually writing of the novel suggested that Annie had talent.

The novel Annie's working on in the book doesn't have an ending, does it? Will you write that ending sometime?

In the first paragraph of the book Annie is reading the ending to her friends. But it's true, changes get made along the way and the reader doesn't really know how Miranda and Jamie fare in the end of that inner novel. Maybe I'll write the last paragraph for readers on this blog sometime down the road when they've had a chance to read the book. Or better, I'll ask them to write the last paragraph and I'll pick the one I think Annie would have wanted.

Thanks for sharing time with us today. We'll look forward to reading Barcelona Calling!

And THANK YOU Carole for the opportunity to be featured on your blog.

Are you participating in the contest? Great! Here is your question: If you had the opportunity to interview ANY author, who would it be and what ONE question would you ask?(if you want to comment as anonymous, please leave your name and first initial of your last name in your comment so you can be tracked each day)

Don't forget to "like" today's host on Facebook: Neta Jackson (thank you Neta!)

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Comments

Maribeth said…
While there are many wonderful authors I'd like to meet personally, I think the one I've been drawn to even since my teen years, was Erma Bombeck. There was just something about her take on daily life that inspired me to believe that the day-to-day events of our lives are to be enjoyed and cherished . . . and that a good sense of humor goes a long way.
Marla said…
I would love to interview Karen Kingsbury and my question would be where do you get the ideas for all your stories?
If you had the opportunity to interview ANY author, who would it be and what ONE question would you ask?
I would wish to interview CS Lewis! and what would I ask... how did your faith inform The Chronicles of Narnia?
Connie R. said…
Wow!!! What a GOOD question!!! So many authors to choose from and OH so many questions! Something that quickly pops to mind...I'd like to interview writer/jockey Dick Francis, and ask which he enjoyed more.....being a jockey or writing. Though the answer seems easy, I'd like to have heard him answer!!
Sandra Titus said…
If I had the opportunity to interview ANY author, it would be Mary DeMuth. Her Wordsmithing is awesome!
Janel B said…
If I had the opportunity to interview any author I seriously would interview Neta Jackson because her stories have been the only ones to completely pull me into the plot lines. I love her balance of spirituality and reality. I would ask her if she struggles with putting too much of herself (personality, thoughts,etc.) into her stories or is it that each character expresses certain aspects of her own personality?
Gayle Gresham said…
I would love to interview Sandra Dallas and I'd ask her how she creates such interesting characters.
Jane said…
I'd like to interview Laurie R. King who has created a character as the wife of Sherlock Holmes. She has to know everything about Sherlock for those Sherlock fans and still she's created Mary as his wife as a super strong and fascinating woman. I'd love to ask her how she did/does that!
Pam K. said…
It is so hard to choose just one, but since I have to, I will choose Davis Bunn. He writes such a variety of books, from rather gentle romances to very suspenseful thrillers. I'd like to ask him which he prefers to write.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Anonymous said…
I'd want to interview you - And my question would be - could we sit and chat. I've enjoyed listening to you at book signings. I might ask Beverly Lewis if she would ever want to live in her writings - ask to see her home, if it mirrors what she writes.
Sheri said…
I think this question would go in my "So many books...so little time category". So many authors...so little time. Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Jennifer Chiavarini, C. S. Lewis, Jane Kirkpatrick, Anna Sewell, Laura Ingalls Wilder, E.B. White, Cornelia Funke, Beverly Cleary, Marguerite Henry. The list just goes on and on. I would probably chose Gene Stratton Porter and the question would be "What has writing meant to you and how has it changed you?"
Anonymous said…
I would interview Dan Brown and ask "What is next? Will you be writing additional books?"

Christina M. - The Dalles, OR
Anonymous said…
I had an Enlish teacher who met Steven King when I was in the 8th grade so when I was a senior in high school I started reading his books. I will tell you they scared me ,so I would like to ask Steven king where do you come up with all of the scary stuff,does it come from night mares??? Deanna I.
Jackie H. said…
I'm totally chicken when it comes to speaking to authors! I worked in a bookstore as a teenager and I remember hiding behind a post when an author/POW came in for a book signing. But that aside - I would like to interview Lauraine Snelling because I enjoy her blogs and she seems so open. I would ask her about her travels.
margie said…
Thanks for sponsoring Jane's contest!!! I just read about it a few minutes ago on facebook so I'm a little bit behind on the blogging...I didn't get the memo!!! I love Jane's books and I'm sure that Barcelona calling is going to be another great one!! If I could interview one author it would be Michael Phillips because his books have inspired me and I would ask him how he gets his inspiration for writing them. Margie at mijares dot net
Elaine said…
If I could interview one author, I think it would have to be Janette Oke. She is the first author I read that had me hooked on her books. I would ask her how she came up with the idea to write Christian novels.

Thanks,
Elaine
Anonymous said…
While he did not publish a book per se, I'd like to interview Abraham Lincoln, for he certainly wrote some stirring speeches. They challenge us to rise to the "better angels of our nature". How can we unshackle those oppressed by either the world's evils, or personal demons? Mr. Lincoln handled both with Christian strength, humor and aplomb. My question to him: "What do you think is the biggest danger facing the modern world, and how would you suggest we tackle it?"
Victoria Pann
Flindy said…
Hmmm. Many authors come to mind, but I will choose Todd Burpo who wrote Heaven is for Real. I'd love to hear more of his son's memories of Heaven.
Anne Schroeder said…
I love your travel descriptions and I'd have to say I'd interview Sara Gruen. I love Water for Elephants and I think she does a wonderful job of embedding herself in her research. (As do you.)
nicki said…
Gosh, That's a tough question! I love lots of authors but for now I will pick Kristin Hannah. I loved her story "Winter Garden" and would love to ask her how she gets her ideas and how does she put the ideas into writing!
lori shultz said…
I would interview Corrie Ten Boom and ask her about her faith journey.
KOverton said…
I would say Jane except I feel I have that advantage because of Facebook so am choosing someone I have no contact with, and that is Peter Tremayne. His stories about Ireland in the 7th century are captivating for me and my husband. I love reading about an Ireland in transition from a culture of old beliefs, customs, and religions to the more traditional culture of today. In my view much was lost in the process, and of course some gains.
My husband and my question for Peter is how and where he does his reasearch?
Jeanne Takenaka said…
As was mentioned above, there are so many great authors to choose from! One who comes to mind is Lucille (Lucy?) Maud Montgomery. If I could ask her a question, it would be this: How many of Anne's (of Green Gables) misadventures came from personal experience? :) I'd also love to know how she developed such descriptive story world!
Vivian Craig said…
Jane you are at the top of my list for authors, but I feel like I know you. You do a great job keeping us all informed about your life. I would have two questions for you. One is Who is your favorite Character? Is there one you are almost tempted to revist?

My second question is just a technical one. Your books are classified as "Christian" this does not bother me, but I have trouble getting some people to try reading your books because they think they will be about how they should live their life. We all know that your books are just plain old great Historic Fiction and I have learned more about some of the women who helped to settle the west and how strong they needed to be, then I could have ever learned through History classes. Is the Christian Fiction your choice or the choice of your publisher?
Anonymous said…
I would love to interview Karen Kingsbury! You two are my favorite authors! My husband and I are caught up in your books and want to retrace many of the steps of your characters.
Phyllis B
Anonymous said…
The author I would interview would be Laura Ingalls Wilder. My question for her would be about the all the technological and industrial changes she saw in her lifetime, and how she thought they had impacted the way people relate to each other or function as a family. I have read her books since I was in elementary school, and never tire of them.
Jackie Thomson joshnjackie@sbcglobal.net
I would interview Deborah Raney and I would like to know how she comes up with stories like no others, romantic but real and not too juicy and still entwine faith into it all.
Anonymous said…
I would love to interview Kathi Macias. She writes about issues of what we are facing in this world. Her books aren't for entertainment but for opening our eyes to what is happening in our world today. I would ask her, what/who inspired you to write the books you do?

Judy B
Anonymous said…
I would love to talk to Corrie ten Boom. I would ask her if she sees any similarities in the world today 2011 as WWII?
Kate Joyce
Anonymous said…
I've had a question for Wm. Paul Young after reading his book, The Shack. Why did you choose Wallowa County as one of the main settings for this book? Was there anything special that connects you to this region?

Marilynn D.
neysaterrygraydotgmailcom said…
If I was able to interview just one person, it would be you Jane. And I would ask, what life lessons you have learned that I could teach my daughter to help her grow up to be courageous, strong, empathetic and loving? Have you ever consider writing encouraging books with Christian values for young girls? In the pre-teen years girls are so impressionable and looking for roles models.
Anonymous said…
I, also would love to talk to Corrie Ten Boom about her faith as it grew through her tials. I would like to talk to Frank McCourt about how his childhood in Ireland impacted his writing style. Most of all, I like to talk to my dad who has also passed on. He self published "Story of a Lucky Man" shortly before his death. I would like to ask him, "What gave you the urge to begin diarying so many years ago?"

Marea
mandmstone@msn.com
Anonymous said…
My one author would be my dad who passed on shortly after he self published "Story of a Lucky man." My question would be, "What gave you the strength to speak of your faith in writing that you couldn't verbally?"

Marea
mandmstone@msn.com
Mary DeMuth said…
Dear Sandra Titus, You are my new best friend! Thanks for your kind words about my writing!