I just finished reading Janice Hanna Thompson's new book, Writing and Selling the Great American Novel and I have to say I was both surprised and inspired. You see, I know Janice as a crack-you-up fiction writer. I laughed all the way through her Weddings by Bella series. Janice's tag line is "Love, Laughter & Happily Ever Afters, so I was surprised that she wrote a book on writing novels...surprise, but tickled pink!
Who better to write a book on becoming a novelist than someone who has published over 100 books?
I'm thrilled to post this interview with Janice because it gives us a chance to get to know her better.
Janice,
I understand you’re about to debut a
brand new book for novelists. Why veer from your usual comedic writing to
put together a book for writers?
Because I love writers! I’ve always had a heart for
novelists and want to do every thing I can to help and encourage them, whether
they’re penning that first story or fifty-first. This book has information that
should be helpful to pros and novices, alike. I’ve noticed a trend in recent
years. Incoming writers approach me, one after the other, asking the same
questions and struggling with the same problems. I’ve worn myself out giving
the same answers. There are only so many times and ways you can say, “You’re
head-hopping, honey!” Because of that, I decided it would be easier to compile
the information into a writing text, which I’ve titled Writing
and Selling the Great American Novel. I can’t wait to see what
novelists think of this exciting new book.
Can
you tell us a little about your background as a novelist?
Every writer hopes to write “The Great American Novel.” I
started writing novels as a child, so the desire to craft “story” has always
been inside of me. In the mid ‘90s I started writing with the desire to be
published. After years of trial and error, my first novel hit the shelves in
2000. Since then, I’ve published nearly 100 books (about 2/3 of which are
novels in a variety of genres). I’ve had a blast and will continue penning
novels as long as there’s breath in me.
I wrestled with the title for a couple of days, wanting to
get it right. In the end, I came to this decision: Writers want TWO things.
First, they want to know how to WRITE their novel. The first half of the book
is completely dedicated to this process and includes every single thing a
novelist (established or beginning) will need to write the best possible story.
The second half of the book is dedicated to SELLING the novel and includes
helpful information on pitching, marketing, working with an editor/agent, and
even offers a comprehensive look at self-publishing to e-Book form. To check
out the books full Table of Contents, go here.
You’ve
started with a chapter on understanding the genres. Why is that?
I’ve published in multiple genres. My first book was a
suspense-thriller. I’ve since written historicals, contemporaries, children’s,
young adult, romances, mysteries and much, much more. Because I’ve been able to
successfully cross genre lines, I feel qualified to teach on the subject.
Before writers can establish themselves as novelists, they must develop an
understanding of the fiction genres/categories. Choosing the best genre (or genres)
is critical to your success. But with so many categories to choose from, how do
you know which is your best fit? This chapter will give writers a thorough
introduction to genre writing and will provide them with the necessary
information to choose the one(s) best suited to their literary style and
voice.
I
see you’ve included a lesson on plotting. Is this based on your “Plot Shots”
teaching, which you’ve offered at conferences?
Yes! I’m so tickled to finally be able to offer
this teaching in a book format. I’ve become known as “that Plot Shots lady.” That’s
okay. I can live with that. I’m a firm believer in laying out a great plotline.
Why? Because every story needs a beginning, middle and end. Careful plotting
will lead the reader on a satisfactory, realistic journey through each of those
stages, creatively weaving in and out, up and down. The "Plot
Shots" method gives writers the tools they need to plot their novel in
twelve easy snapshots. It’s a fun and easy approach to plotting that won’t
confuse or complicate the story.
Characterization
is such an important component of fiction writing. Can you tell us more about
your characterization chapter?
Years ago I developed a teaching that I call “Pandora’s
Box.” It’s a layered approach to characterization, which uses the illustration
of multiple boxes, one inside the other. In this lesson, I lay out the need for
great characterization, then present the Pandora’s Box method. After presenting
the method, I take the student through the process four times, using four
fictional characters as a foundation. (Each character has a different
personality, so the student learns how to apply the technique to the various
personalities.)
So
many writers struggle with P.O.V. (point of view). Is that why you included a chapter
on that very tough subject?
Point of View (P.O.V.) is a critical
fiction component. Employing to your best advantage is tough. Most of the young
writers I know struggle in this area. The head-hop. Oh, they don’t mean to. .
.but they do! My detailed teaching on Point of View offers novelists a thorough
teaching on the various P.O.V.s (omniscient, third person, second person, first
person), and gives specific examples and tips so that writers can become P.O.V.
purists.
What
is passive writing? Why have you included a chapter about it?
Many of the manuscripts I edit are written in passive voice. They’re
loaded with passive verbs and include huge sections of “telling.” The author
“information dumps,” which stops the flow of the story. Knowing the difference
between active voice and passive voice is key to writing a great novel.
Conquering the art of "showing" instead of "telling" will
give writers an added advantage. This detailed lesson--filled with nuggets of
wisdom from published authors--will give writers the tools they need to
strengthen their stories and pull them into active voice.
Ack!
Backstory! It’s so tough to add to our novels. Is that why you included a
lesson on the subject?
Backstory. We all struggle with it, don’t we? In so many ways, it's
critical to our story. After all, the reader needs to know where our primary
character has come from--what she's been through--why she acts like she does.
So, do you add the backstory or not? If so, can you do so without resorting to
author intrusion? And where will you place it? At the beginning of the story?
Elsewhere? Will it come out in lumps or snippets? This lesson offers students
an intense look at backstory and includes tips for interjecting it without
stopping the action.
Many
writers struggle with finding their “voice.” Can you tell us more about that?
A writer’s “voice” is her/her “stamp.” It’s the author’s
“personality on the page.” And many young writers haven’t “found their voice”
yet. This lesson delves into the topic, in detail, giving perspective on this
very personal issue. The lesson (titled “Themes, Style and Voice”) also covers
the various themes found in popular books, as well as style components.
Can
you tell us some of the top fiction mistakes?
Sure! After editing hundreds of manuscripts, I can point out
some of the “top” fiction mistakes: Lack of a good hook. P.O.V. issues. Passive
writing. Weak characterization. Poor plotting (no “belly of the whale” scene).
Overuse of adverbs. On and on the list goes. Many writers simply don’t realize
they’re making these mistakes until someone points them out. They wonder why
the book keeps getting rejected. This lesson offers writers a thorough list,
detailing the top twenty mistakes novelists make.
Why
did you decide to add a lesson on humor writing?
I’ve been writing comedies for years and have learned so much along
the way. Humor writing is tough stuff! Some writers are born with an overactive
funny bone. Others have to work hard to be funny. (Ironic, isn't it?!) If
you're interested in adding a little har-de-har-har-har to your novel, then you
will enjoy this light-hearted lesson.
The
second half of the book is devoted to pitching and promoting the book, as well
as working with editors/agents, etc. Why include all of this information?
I included this information because the average novelist
needs a wake-up call. We writers are solitary souls. We sit in front of our
computers and lose ourselves in our stories. Then comes the time to pitch that
story to an editor. We freeze. Courage eludes us. We need to proper tools to
get the book through the publisher’s door and the second half of Writing
and Selling the Great American Novel offers that. . .and more!
Speaking
of getting a book through a publisher’s door: Putting together a book proposal
is tough! What have you learned over the years?
Book deals are won or lost based on the proposal. If you've got a
completed manuscript and you're ready to pitch it to an agent or editor, then
this exciting lesson on query letters and book proposals will point you in the
right direction, giving you all the confidence you need to submit, submit,
submit! Novelists who use the information provided in this chapter can compose
polished query letters and dazzling book proposals, sure to impress both
editors and agents, alike.
You’ve
included a section on marketing and promotion. Can you share a little about
that process here?
Sure! I love marketing my books and enjoy teaching other
novelists how to promote their books, as well. This section of the book is
absolutely loaded with practical ideas for getting the word out about your book
once it’s published. I’ve included tips related to social media, public
speaking, and much more. Whether you’re working with the marketing team at your
publishing house or promoting a self-published novel, you will get the tools
you need to spread the word.
They will find it on amazon for the next ninety days. From
September 13th – 16th (the dates of the American
Christian Fiction Writers Conference) the book will sell for $3.99. On the
morning of the 17th the price will jump to its “forever” price of
$8.99, a real bargain for such a comprehensive text.
Where
can people find you on the web?
Twitter: booksbyjanice
Thanks
so much for joining us, Janice. Can I ask you to leave more information about
your writing courses?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to share it with your friends using the Facebook, Twitter and other share buttons below. Thanks!
