Q.1 Tell us a little about yourself?
A. I grew up in Melbourne Australia,
and after graduating from business college I worked in the dry world of ledgers
and accounting. At 21 I joined the tide of Aussies traveling to the UK for a
working holiday. There in front of me was the history I’d learned at school. I
was hooked and it’s probably the reason why I write historical fiction. Marriage
and children came next and on the point of retiring, I joined a large New South
Wales historical society as committee secretary. Now really retired I can indulge
my love of writing - and when I can afford it - travel.
Q.2 Do you have any upcoming books?
A. No, I’ve just finished my fourth
historical fiction book, The Woman Behind the Mirror, published 17th
February. I’m enjoying a bit of ‘me’
time before thinking of another story.
Q.3 When and why did you begin
writing?
A. I think the urge to write began as
soon as I could read and hold a pen, but a career, marriage, and children kept
that urge firmly on the backburner. When I retired, it was time to put fingers
to the keyboard. My first book, Behind the Clouds, was published by Black Velvet
Seductions in 2015.
Q.4 Among all the protagonists of
your titles, who’s your favorite, and why?
A. That’s hard, I like all my
protagonists, but thinking more, I’d have to say Adrian Bryce in my first book,
Behind the Clouds, which was later retitled, Perilous Love.
Q.5 What about the supporting
characters? Who does think is dearest to you?
A. Adrian’s wife, Gabrielle
Bryce. A product of her class in
Victorian/Edwardian England, she was a neglected, unhappy woman until she and Adrian
were trapped in Belgium at the beginning of WW1. Her incredible courage and
language skills got them to safety.
Q.6 How many books have you written?
Which one is your favorite among them?
A. Four books. Heck, another toughie,
that’s like asking who is my favorite child.
Truly, they are all special.
Q.7 What is the most difficult thing
about writing characters from the opposite sex?
A. Trying to get into a man’s head -
and definitely the sex scenes.
Q.8 How do you develop your plots and
characters? Do you use any set formula?
A. No, I start with an idea and the
story goes from there. However, I do have my characters firmly in place from
the beginning.
Q.9 How do you select the name of
your characters?
A. I like strong names. I visualize
the character and think of a name to fit. The woman in my first book was Gabrielle right from the start. Half
Belgian, half English, it was right for her.
Q.10 What do you consider to be your
best accomplishment?
A. My two adult daughters - and next
- my books.
Q.11 Outside of your family members,
name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author?
A. I was a bit secretive about my
writing career. I didn’t tell anyone
until my first book was accepted by Black Velvet Seductions. Ric Savage was
incredibly supportive. When my book was published, my family and friends have
been great.
Q.12 Do you believe in writer’s
block? If yes, how do you deal with it?
A. Yes definitely. I used to angrily tell myself to get on with
it, now I take a complete break for a day or two.
Q.13 Do you read your book reviews?
How do you deal with good or bad ones?
A. Yes, I read my reviews, and I am so
very fortunate, to date all have been wonderful.
Q.14 Do you have any unique and
quirky writing habits?
A. Not that I know of.
Q.15 Do you hide any secrets in your
book that only a few people will find?
A. Hah! No, but now you mention it, I might in my
next book.
Q.16 Who designed your book covers?
A. The publishers’ graphic artists.
Q.17 What advice do you have for
aspiring authors?
A. Edit your work, ask someone else
to read it as another pair of eyes is invaluable. Don’t give up.
Q.18 Which famous person, living or
dead would you like to meet and why?
A. Nancy Wake, an Australian named
The White Mouse by the Gestapo. She joined the French resistance during WW2,
helping hundreds of allied servicemen escape occupied France.
Q.19 What is your favorite book and
why?
A. So many good books. One from
childhood - The Wind in The Willows, and one of my adult favorites - For The
Term of His Natural Life.
Q.20 Share the experience of your
journey so far?
A. Holding a copy of my first book
was an incredible feeling. It also gave me the confidence to write my second,
and third, and fourth. However, I find writing a walk in the park compared to
promoting and marketing. Then, a lovely
comment from someone we don’t know, or a fantastic review makes it all
worthwhile.
Share your social account
links -
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jan.selbourne
Twitter -
https://twitter.com/JanSelbourne
Website -
https://nomadauthors.com/JanSelbourne
Great interview, Jan, with some fun answers! Who is your favourite child? lol
ReplyDeleteJan Selbourne is a great historical romance author. Read her books!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Jan is a wonderful writer. Loved Lies Of Gold.
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful interview for a fantastic award-winning author.
ReplyDeleteCallie
I enjoyed reading this. Now I'm going to have to reread Wind in the Willows. Great author!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this interview. Perilous Love is a book I keep coming back to, being a both a romance and history fan.
ReplyDeleteIt was great to get to know a little bit more about a fantastic author, Jan Selbourne.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved Jan's stories, she is a very talented writer and proud to have had our longstanding professional relationship. I hope it continues for many years to come.
ReplyDelete