You’ve been writing for a long time Jane, could you tell the readers what inspired you to start writing?   

I started writing about 9 years ago, after meeting a woman on the internet who was writer.  I had tried once before – long hand – and well, I got about 4 pages done.  I’m a lazy handwriter. 

Do you have pictures or storylines waiting to come out onto the page?     

I have scenes in my head, I have names and ideas and I often put them in a computer file, then when I’m thinking about a story, glance through it for ideas.  But mostly it’s characters, their names and their backgrounds that draw me. 

What motivated you to write ‘The Sheikh’s Proposal’?

This book has just been contracted by Red Rose Publishing for their Desert Line.  I just love Sheikh stories, all the romance of the desert and dark stormy eyes LOL.  Actually I think it probably goes back to my days in Israel, the romance of the ancient cultures etc.  I also love tortured men, obviously just waiting for a woman to save their hearts! 

What is the setting like for this romance?

The setting is something I’m really proud of. It’s a made up island off the west coast of Africa/Mediterranean area and it’s soil is wonderful for growing flowers and herbs etc that are used in the making of perfume.  I did a lot of perfume research at the time and it was just lovely imagining a flower and essence market and weaving a romance through it.        

Could you tell us a little about your publishing history? 

Presently I have Hiring Cupid and He’s The One published via Linden Bay Romance.  And Red Rose Publishing, have No Sex Necessary and The Sheikh’s Proposal.  Plus Woman of Valor, Be My Valentine and Always A Bridesmaid are with Treble Heart Books.

I have another contract in the offing, but shush...all will be revealed LOL. 

You also have another book coming out soon ‘No Sex Necessary’ set in New Zealand, could you tell the readers a bit about the background?

Tara Palmer wears Chanel, but doesn’t have a dime.  She desperately needs a job to pay for her father’s upkeep in a rest home.  Wife wanted – no sex necessary – is the perfect job for Tara.  She’s off marriage and definitely off sex...until she meets Cole Charteris, her boss.

But Cole has too much to gamble on mixing love and pleasure, but then, who’s talking love?  Love entwined with blackmail is always a provocative mix!  

As some of your earlier books were Time Travel stories, do you have any more planned?

Yes I’d like to write another one set in Jamaica, like Be My Valentine was. But this time with a female pirate perhaps.  Lots of ideas.  It’s time that is the problem.   

Did you find those early books, easy or harder to write?  

Probably easier, because I probably didn’t know what the hell I was doing.  Mind you, I don’t think I do now, but I do it anyway.

What do you feel is the most important thing a writer can do, to ensure readers will look for their next book? 

Hopefully write a good story, characters the readers love and will find in the author’s next book.  I love writing my characters, knowing their background, particularly the men.  They’re such complex creatures. 

Could you tell us anything about your current works in progress? 

Oh goodness where to start.  Actually start is the correct word. I’ve been slack since before Christmas and really should be working harder.  I have an erotica novella completed to 1^st draft stage, a contemporary in edit stage, plus another contemp started, but oh it’s sooooo slow.  Then I have an historical set in the late 1600s about 1/3 done.  Phew...is that enough? 

What do you enjoy the most and least about writing?

I absolutely adore creating the characters, talking to them and sort of ‘interviewing’ them, finding out what makes them tick.  The least would be the plotting turning points etc, having to write a synopsis first.  Hate that.  I like to write with an idea, perhaps some points in mind and see what happens.   

You’ve obviously done a lot of research for the historical background in the time travel books, do you enjoy research as part of writing? 

Yes I do enjoy it.  For Be My Valentine I new I wanted a pirate story, but really didn’t think New Zealand (where I live) suited pirates (IMHO) so started researching on the net. Found out about Port Royal, (otherwise known as Sin City) Jamaica, and the earthquake that virtually destroyed it and hey presto Be My Valentine was born.  However, I wouldn’t call myself a history buff and really wish I knew more. 

Do you usually outline your stories, or are you a go with the flow writer?  

As I said above, plotting is the thorn in my side.  But saying that I do plot a bit, basically a short sentence or 2 about each chapter, then that’s it, I’m away.  I so wish I could plot and be more structured. 

Could you tell the readers, what type of books you enjoy the most and why?

The best book for me is a book that as I’m reading, suddenly I find myself smiling.  It’s just lovely that a story someone has written has brought a smile to my face.  What a great achievement for the author. They’ve made me happy.  I so hope I can do that for my readers. 

Do you find your characters begin to take on a life of their own as the story unfolds? 

Yes.  I once tried to make a heroine into a rather sexy/experienced kinda gal.  She wasn’t having any of that.  She was a virgin and that was that!

Do you ever have a problem writing sex and love scenes? 

Nope...and it’s pure imagination Well some of it. LOL.  I like to shut my eyes and visualize it in my head, feel what they feel – emotionally and then try and write it down.   

Have you ever had writer's block and if so how did you conquer it? 

Oh yes.  If it’s only a minor hiccup, I usually go down to my local beach and sit in the car and stare at the ocean.  Half an hour out of the house seems to fix it.  But usually it’s never more than a couple of days – thankfully. 

As you now write for several different publishing houses, do you find it difficult keeping track of the books? 

I try and be organized and have created a table where I log what books are out at publishers, what their status is i.e revisions, release dates etc, that way I can hopefully plan for promotion. 

Have you any advice for aspiring authors? 

Probably just the usual don’t give up.  This month (January) has been both wonderful and a horror for me.  I could easily have given up, but thankfully I have fabulous family and friends who’ve supported me and it keeps me going...even with a slight hiatus to resuscitate my soul.  But really. Keep going. Write and write some more, then submit, and submit some more.  Keep going.

www.janebeckenham.com