Interview with Jillian Kent
Author Jillian Kent joins us from Cincinnati, Ohio, the home of Skyline Chili and Graeter’s Ice Cream. Her first novel, Secrets of the Heart is coming out in May 2011 from Realms.When did you first start writing?
Who are your major influences in writing?
What is your favorite historical era? What draws you to that era?
What do you enjoy most about writing historical fiction?
What resources helped you the most in your research?
Why do you think accuracy so important in historical fiction?
Tune in for part two with Jillian’s interview on Friday!
Read MoreThe English language is very precise…
“The English language is very precise.”
It’s a phrase I’ve heard many times from my father-in-law to my husband. Usually it is in jest and has now become a running joke.
But it is completely true.
I’m launching a new website that will host three separate publications at one place. The construction, introduction and application of this project has been far beyond what I expected. It has come down to conveying clearly what I intended. Thus, being very precise.
The. English. Language. Is. Very. Precise.
Precise.
As writers, there’s nothing that describes our job better. We tell a story and it must be clear. If the reader gets lost, they’ll set the book down, which is the very thing you never want to happen (until the reader reaches the last page.)
How can we be precise? Learn our craft, study it. English class doesn’t end after you’ve graduated. We utilize the dictionary and thesaurus, but it cannot be our crutch. We must work sentences until they are perfect. That’s the job.
Having said all this, I must confess: I’m horribly (horribly) un-precise when it comes to speaking. Thus, why I write.
I jumble my words and get ahead of myself sometimes. And I always hear that voice in my head. “The English language is very precise…”
Yes, it is. Thanks to my father in law for the lesson in writing! (And he doesn’t even know it!)
Read MoreReview: From a Distance
Summary:
What happens when the realization of a dream isn’t what you imagined… and the secret you’ve spent a lifetime guarding is finally laid bare?
Determined to become one of the country’s premier newspaper photographers, Elizabeth Westbrook travels to the Colorado Territory to capture the grandeur of the mountains surrounding the remote town of Timber Ridge. She hopes, too, that the cool, dry air of Colorado, and its renowned hot springs, will cure the mysterious illness that threatens her career, and her life. Daniel Ranslett is a man shackled by his Confederate past, and he’ll do anything to protect his land, and his solitude. When an outspoken Yankee photographer captures an image that appears key to solving a murder, putting herself in danger, Daniel is called upon to repay a debt. He’s a man of his word, but repaying that debt could reveal secrets from his past he would prefer remain buried.
Forced on a perilous journey together, Daniel and Elizabeth’s lives intertwine in ways neither could have imagined when first they met from a distance.
My Review:
This may be one of the most captivating novels I’ve ever read. Tamara Alexander’s characters are as beautiful and broken as the Rocky Mountain setting. Racism, addiction and honesty all come into play through the story of Elizabeth and Daniel.
A brave woman bound to overcome a physical ailment that threatens her life, Elizabeth is far from the beautiful, perfect heroine you normally see in historical romance. Likewise, Daniel isn’t the suave charmer. Both have real flaws and a strong draw for the reader.
In the aftermath of the Civil War, a country with deep scars struggles to heal much like the boy’s who had to become men so quickly in the war. The bitterness, the hate and prejudice all lingered for so long. Elizabeth’s assistant experiences this hatred and rises above it with the help of his friends.
Overall, this is a superbly written novel and an author I’ll read over and over again. She’s been on my to-read list for years and I wish I’d found hear earlier!
Read Morethe joy of layout and design…
A few weeks ago, I helped map out the story selection and layout for my college’s alumni newsletter. It brought me back to the days of newsroom banter and magazine mayhem.
Those late nights of caffeine highs and echoing laughter are a close, fond memory. We’d spend hours on a single headline alone. Arguments over whether “brouhaha” was appropriate for a news story, front page. (The verdict was no.) Speaking in news-ese: “inches,” “art,” “spreads,” “cutlines…” It was a world of chaos and perfect synchronization. Well, on good days.
There’s something unique about determining the perfect place for every story, photo and caption. Correcting every widow, checking every spelling. Working with reporters, photographers, copy editors. What a time.
The deadline pressure always kept us on our toes and at times the newsroom was truly abuzz, just like the cliche scenes in the movies. It was exciting. You never knew what adventure lie ahead or what story would break an hour before press time.
After my time with the newspaper and magazine, I ached for that excitement. While my career led me in a different direction, I treasure each newsletter I edit, design and send to the world. Though nothing will replace the commotion of the newsroom, I will never forget that rush and that joy.
Read MoreA note on revising
Revising. We all must do it.
A writer’s work is never truly finished. Ask any author and I’m sure they’d agree.
Lately I’ve been polishing up my manuscript from the NaNoWriMo. There is simply so much to do. However, with each new draft, each new word or phrase, the outcome is stronger.
Some people might fear the “red pen” but I really do enjoy the process (even though I wish I had more time in the day to work on it!)
My critique group is a wonderful group who have helped me immensely in my writing and story telling. All through their “red ink.” So on we go a-revisin’ and reworkin’ all the live-long day.
We must learn through our mistakes and grow as writers and people.
What are your thoughts on the revising process? Do you love it? Hate it?
Read MoreConnect with me
