Day Two with Jan Watson

A former registered nurse, award winning author, Jan Watson, lives in Lexington, Ky. near her three grown sons. Skip Rock Shallows is her sixth novel. Jan recently won Best Kentucky Author by Kentucky Living Magazine. When not writing, Jan enjoys long walks with her Jack Russell terrier, Maggie.

Welcome back, Jan. What or who inspired you to write inspirational fiction? How does that keep you plodding ahead with your writing each day?

I love this question. As I said before, when I began to write, my intent was to simply tell my story or the tiny washed-away baby’s story in fictionalized form, as the case may be. What I found was that I couldn’t leave who I am, a child of Christ, or what I believe, the infallible truth of the Bible, out of my work. This remains true for each of my books. I wouldn’t want to be on this journey called life without the Lord. I don’t want my characters to walk alone either.

What helps you maintain productivity as a writer? And what do you find most challenging about the business of being an author?

I’m only as productive as my characters will allow. It takes time to tell someone else’s story. I don’t use any kind of formula. I don’t outline. I write a book from beginning to end, revising as I go. When I get tired or discouraged, I remind myself that this writing job is much easier than working twelve hour shifts at the hospital, and, unless I want them too, nobody’s going to die.

The most challenging part of being an author is marketing. The part of marketing I like best is sharing my story with others. The hardest part of marketing for me is keeping up with all the changes.

Do you feel you are more of a character driven or plot driven writer? How do you think it comes across in your writing?

My books are definitely character driven. Plots form as the character faces challenges. When I go to book signings people still ask about Copper, Remy, and Aunt Alice from the first books. Now they ask about Lilly Gray and Armina. Life is really about people, plots are secondary.

success lies in her ability to create characters that are enjoyable, endearing, and timeless. . .” Romantic Times Magazine

Would you like to share about what you are working on now?

The book I’m writing now is called Tattler’s Branch. It continues the story of Lilly Corbett (now Still), and the challenges she faces as a medical doctor in the mountains. When a baby, seemingly abandoned by its mother, is found in Skip Rock, it sets in motion a series of unfortunate events. You don’t want to miss this one.

Do you have any last words of wisdom to share with aspiring authors?

Don’t give up. I wish I could reach out and give each of you a hug. Instead, I’ll leave you with this Scripture from Ephesians 3:20. ‘He is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.’

Thank you, Jan, for joining us at Novel PASTimes. It has been a privilege to interview you.

For a chance to win a copy of Jan's latest novel, Skip Rock Shallows, answer the question below, in the comment section, leaving your email addy in the form name[at]domain[dot]com with your answer to qualify. Please leave your answer by 8:30 a.m. Friday morning, EDT.

The question: Borrowing from Jan's theme of the sister to sister relationship, what advice do you have for keeping the relationship with your sister a good one? And if you don't have a sister, what about for a friendship that is close like a sister? Please share with us!

You may contact Jan by email at: author@janwatson.net or by snail mail at: Tyndale House Author Relations P.O. Box 80 Wheaton, IL 60189