Jane Beckenham the person:
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Loyal, honest, passionate
2. How do you think others would describe you?
Hopefully, as a good friend, reliable, and probably obsessive LOL
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
My family. I came to parenting late in life as my husband and I adopted our girls (then aged 5 and 7) from Russia. To me life is all about family.
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
Oh, gosh yes. And we're contemplating MORE! Monty and Timmy are ginger cats. We've always had ginger cats, our first, Wally, for 17 years. When Wally had to go to kitty-kat heaven we took the girls to the SPCA to adopt their own cats. We've also adopted an abused puppy - Bingo - who is now 18 mths. He's a springer spaniel/jack Russell. And I love him to bits. Plus we've got 5 fish - but they come and go somewhat as we've not got fish tank life down pat yet. Am very tempted to get another dog, a girlfriend for Bingo!
5. What is your most precious memory?
It would have to be a combination. The first time if held /cuddled my girls, and then a few days later, when in Moscow, I was making their dinner and I realized that yes, I really loved these two girls, who at that time couldn't understand a word I said. But then hugs and kisses are a universal language.
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
Oh, heck I can't tell! Too many to tell LOL.
7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
I like to be either just a plain old housewife, I love being at home, love creating a family home, but I also absolutely love decorating so maybe something in that field.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
Jane Beckenham loved life, her husband and her family more than anything in the world. She loved her friends and counted them all as blessings and hopes that she has been able to give as much love to those about her, as she has been luck to receive.
Jane Beckenham the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
I think it was then I wrote the end on my first novel, and then promptly turned around and started the next one...and I haven't stopped yet. But more importantly, I can't stop!
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
At the moment, I'm awaiting edits for my newest contract with Red Rose Publishing. It's a Sheikh story...The Sheikh's Proposal, plus I have three books out their I'm waiting to hear on, and another two on the go.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
I'm very goal orientated and hopefully structured. 2008 I aim to write 2-3 new novels, finish off the two I'm working on and hopefully get another couple of contracts. My biggest goal is to sell to M&B either my historicals - which they have a full at the moment, or a contemporary for their Sexy Sensations line. I am presently working on a marketing plan for the next six months, hoping to do more radio work etc. But it all takes time!
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
At the moment I'm working part time and so my days are a bit mixed up. I try and write every day, if not new stuff, then at least editing. If it's a non out of the home work day, then I'll write from 9am to 3pm, but if I'm at my other job, then I write mostly in the evening, and usually only a couple of hours. I am trying to get a bit more balance in my life, but us obsessives struggle with that!
13. Why do you write?
Because I have to.
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
My friends, ND Hansen-Hill, Melody Knight, Yvonne Walus because of their grit and determination. But all writers really, because it aint an easy job, that's for sure. You gotta be tough. I remember once I got a rejection letter. I was absolutely devastated. By 4pm I'd wallowed in tears and self-pity for hours, by 5pm I was in the bath, soothing my soul, by 6pm I was on my 2nd rum and coke and by 8pm I was back at the computer writing my heart out... trouble was although it was some of my best writing, I forgot to save it properly and lost most of it! Note to self...maybe only one rum and coke next time LOL
15. How do you define your writing?
I've been told I have a historical voice...but then I love writing contemporaries too. I think my voice is best at times with dialogue. I love sassy heroines, women who are smart and give as good as they get.
16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
Gee, I enjoyed that.
Jane Beckenham the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
Website http://www.janebeckenham.com/
Blog My Space Blog
http://www.lindenbayromance.com/
http://www.trebleheartbooks.com/
http://www.redrosepublishing.com/ - though this one isn't up yet, but they are my newest publisher.
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
You can email me via by web site http://www.janebeckenham.com/ or neiljane@ihug.co.nz
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
Hiring Cupid Linden Bay Romance
He's The One Linden Bay Romance
Be My Valentine Treble Heart Books
Always A Bridesmaid Treble Heart Books
Woman of Valor Treble Heart Books
(Janelle Benham)
The links I've put in will lead readers directly to the book's information/buying page.
20. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
Definitely a HEA ending. Just recently I was reading/editing He's The One, and I realized that this man - Cade Harper - is really sexy. I think I try and bring really great men, sexy, smart, and definitely torn internally. Both Hiring Cupid and He's The One received 5 star reviews and recommended reads. I think it is the men that did it! LOL
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
That I really value my reader's input. I love hearing from them and hope they take the time to visit my web site (which is a work in progress for a very technically challenged author!), plus my blogs. I'd love people to come and chat to me there. Also if you would like to join my newsletter, please do. It comes out - hopefully- every month. With author interviews, chats about different books and aspects of writing.
One of the most important things for me is perseverance. I spent most of my childhood/teen years in and out of hospital, and again just recently (1999/2001). The deal is, stick with it, it may be hard, but keep going. For me, it was a matter of do it or don't walk again. So if you want something so much it hurts, so much you can taste it, feel it, and mostly dream it, then keep going, don't ever, ever give up.
Best wishes to all your readers for the festive season. May you all have peace and harmony, and the love and joy of family and friends around you always.
Happy reading.
Jane Beckenham
