Talkshow Thursday: Meet Debut Author Jeanne Dickson
Linda: Thanks for joining me today. Your debut
novel, Grounded Hearts, was released
in June of this year and is set during WWII. (My favorite time period!) Where
did you find your inspiration for this story?
Jeanne: My father
was stationed in England during WWII. Issued with a weekend pass, he decided to
fly to the U.S. Army base in Northern Ireland, and then visit family who lived
nearby. Once there, he borrowed a bicycle and peddled across the border into
Eire, “Free Ireland.” A few minutes into his ride, a member of the Garda, the
Irish National Police, stopped him. The officer told him to turn his army
jacket inside out, or he’d have to arrest him as a combatant and send him to
the K-Lines internment camp. My father did as directed and continued on his way
without further incident, which was fortunate because 240 soldiers from both
sides of the conflict faced internment in Ireland during the war.
Remembering the story, I started
the “what if” game. The more I researched the period the Irish called “The
Emergency,” the more fascinated I became, and a WWII romance between a downed
RAF pilot and a feisty midwife emerged.
LM: That is
fascinating. I love books based on true stories. First novels are often the
result of a long journey toward publication. How did you get started as a
writer, and how did you decide to seek publication?
Jeanne: Grounded Hearts is my debut novel, but
not my first book. I penned five or six novels before I finally received my
first contract. During this long slog to publication, I sometimes wondered why
I thought writing fiction was a good idea, but when God puts something on your
heart, it’s foolish to resist.
LM: Amen to that!
The age old question for writers – are you a planner or a “panster,” and what
is your favorite part of the writing process?
Jeanne: While I
plan the novel’s journey, I allow for detours. It’s a process, and honestly,
every book is a bit different. The “what if” is my favorite part and then
research to back up my premise statement.
LM: Writing about
a different era and culture required lots of research.What tidbit did you
discover during that phase of writing that created an “aha” moment for you?
Jeanne: Ireland
was neutral during WWII? What? They interned combatants? What?
LM: What’s the
quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?
Jeanne: Well, I
guess I’m still doing it. I have a collection of Barbie dolls that I dress up
as my characters in whatever book I’m working on. They’re my muses. And my only
weakness. Maybe.
LM: How fun! What
is your next project?
Jeanne: I’m currently working on a contemporary
romance. A woman falls in love with her contractor as she
struggles to renovate an inherited Irish manor house, but when she discovers a
buried body, it throws into question the role an ancestor may have played
in the girl’s death, and the discovery of an ancient fairy ring creates
friction in the town, pitting traditionalist against progressives.
LM: Ooooh. Sounds
intriguing! What advice can you give to not-yet-published writers?
Jeanne: Don’t
give up and don’t be in hurry. Getting published is going to take more time
than you might think. Learn your craft. Find a writing community to hang out
with because you are not alone. I belong to RWA and ACFW. It can be hard, but
don’t be shy and go to conferences. I found many friends, my agent, and my
editor at conferences.
LM: Where can
folks find you on the web?
Jeanne:
Website: http://www.jeannemdickson.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmdickson1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannedickson/
Purchase your copy:
This cover is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI think so too! Thanks for stopping by.
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