A Conversation with Author Wendy Lou Jones

Today in the Library we have Wendy Lou Jones ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

You are very welcome, Wendy Lou, please introduce yourself:

I was brought up on the south coast of England, trained to be a doctor in Birmingham and settled in Herefordshire, where I now live with my husband and 2 boys.

Did you read much as a child? Are you an avid reader now? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?

I read very little growing up and only really took to it in earnest with the advent of the e-reader. I read historical romance, contemporary romance and some women’s fiction. Not very adventurous, I know, but that’s just what I like.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

I self-published in the start, but have my first 3 novels published under an imprint of HarperCollins now.

Which genre do you write in and why?

I write contemporary romance, mainly because I’m rubbish at history!

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

I think Lisa Kleypas was the one who got me into reading big time, so it’s probably her I have to thank in part for the transition from reader to writer.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

I do mainly write settings from my life, so I guess, yes, it has.

What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?

Coming up with the new idea for a novel I find stressful. Once I’ve got something, I can play around with it to my heart’s content. I tend to write a book ahead of what people want, so I’m never under pressure to produce. There’s always a story waiting. 

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

I would prefer first thing, but unfortunately that time is filled with kid chores, so night time is my most productive time of day.

What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?

The best is connecting with someone. Finding out that someone actually got your writing, that’s the best. The worst? The insecurity of the job. You’re only as good as your last book and the next one might be pants!

Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?

I’m a Facebook girl at heart. I’ve got into twitter, but the pace and potential to miss so much doesn’t work for me.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

My previous goal was to be a forensic pathologist and without marriage, kids and writing, that would be what I’d do.

It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?

None. I’m too slow. That’s the time to live your own life, not someone else’s.

Please tell us what you are working on or your latest published work.  

My last book published was The Summer We Loved. It’s a love story set around a hospital and centred on a nurse and an anaesthetist. It’s medical, Jim, but not as you’d know it!

 

 

If you would like to know more about Wendy Lou please click on the links below:

Amazon.co.uk

www.facebook.com/escapeintolove

@WendyLouWriter